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.     

Dynamic changes of total acid and bacterial communities during the traditional fermentation of Hong Qu glutinous rice wine

BackgroundHong Qu glutinous rice wine (HQGRW) is brewed under non-aseptic fermentation conditions, so it usually has a relatively high total acid content. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamics of the bacterial communities and total acid during the fermentation of HQGRW and elucidate the correlation between total acid and bacterial communities.ResultsThe results showed that the period of rapid acid increase during fermentation occurred at the early stage of fermentation. There was a negative response between total acid increase and the rate of increase in alcohol during the early fermentation stage. Bacterial community analysis using high-throughput sequencing technology was found that the dominant bacterial communities changed during the traditional fermentation of HQGRW. Both principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that there was a great difference between the bacterial communities of Hong Qu starter and those identified during the fermentation process. Furthermore, the key bacteria likely to be associated with total acid were identified by Spearman's correlation analysis. Lactobacillus, unclassified Lactobacillaceae, and Pediococcus were found, which can make significant contributions to the total acid development (| r | > 0.6 with FDR adjusted P < 0.05), establishing that these bacteria can associate closely with the total acid of rice wine.ConclusionsThis was the first study to investigate the correlation between bacterial communities and total acid during the fermentation of HQGRW. These findings may be helpful in the development of a set of fermentation techniques for controlling total acid.How to cite: Liang Z, Lin X, He Z, et al. Dynamic changes of total acid and bacterial communities during the traditional fermentation of Hong Qu glutinous rice wine. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.12.002     

Development of biodegradation process for Poly(DL-lactic acid) degradation by crude enzyme produced by Actinomadura keratinilytica strain T16-1

BackgroundPlastic waste is a serious problem because it is difficult to degrade, thereby leading to global environment problems. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources, and it can be degraded by various enzymes produced by microorganisms. This study focused on the scale-up and evaluated the bioprocess of PLA degradation by a crude microbial enzyme produced by Actinomadura keratinilytica strain T16-1 in a 5 L stirred tank bioreactor.ResultsPLA degradation after 72 h in a 5 L bioreactor by using the enzyme of the strain T16-1 under controlled pH conditions resulted in lactic acid titers (mg/L) of 16,651 mg/L and a conversion efficiency of 89% at a controlled pH of 8.0. However, the PLA degradation process inadvertently produced lactic acid as a potential inhibitor, as shown in our experiments at various concentrations of lactic acid. Therefore, the dialysis method was performed to reduce the concentration of lactic acid. The experiment with a dialysis bag achieved PLA degradation by weight loss of 99.93%, whereas the one without dialysis achieved a degradation of less than approximately 14.75%. Therefore, the dialysis method was applied to degrade a commercial PLA material (tray) with a conversion efficiency of 32%, which was 6-fold more than that without dialysis.ConclusionsThis is the first report demonstrating the scale-up of PLA degradation in a 5 L bioreactor and evaluating a potential method for enhancing PLA degradation efficiency.How to cite: Panyachanakul T, Sorachart B, Lumyong S, et al. Development of biodegradation process for Poly(DL-lactic acid) degradation by crude enzyme produced by Actinomadura keratinilytica strain T16-1. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.04.005     

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.     

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.     

Development of a new protocol for freeze-drying preservation of Pseudoalteromonas nigrifaciens and its protective effect on other marine bacteria

BackgroundFreeze-drying is known as one of the best methods to preserve bacterial strains. Protectant is the key factor affecting the survival rate of freeze-dried strains. In addition, salinity, bacterial suspension concentration, drying time, and other factors can also affect the survival rate of strains to varying degrees. At present, there are relatively few studies on freeze-drying preservation of marine bacteria. In the present study, we performed the freeze-drying protectant screening and optimized the preservation conditions for Pseudoalteromonas nigrifaciens, which is widely distributed in marine environment. The protective effects of the screened protectants were verified by 18 other marine bacterial strains.ResultsThe results indicated that the combination of 5.0% (w/v) lactose, 5.0% (w/v) mannitol, 5.0% (w/v) trehalose, 10.0% (w/v) skim milk powder, 0.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid and 0.5% (w/v) gelatin was the best choice for the preservation of P. nigrifaciens. The suggested salinity and concentration of initial cell suspension were 10 g/L NaCl and 1.0 × 10⁹ CFU/mL, respectively. Furthermore, stationary-phase cells were the best choice for the freeze-drying process. The highest survival rate of P. nigrifaciens reached 52.8% when using 5–10% (w/v) skim milk as rehydration medium. Moreover, the other 18 marine strains belonging to Pseudoalteromonas, Vibrio, Photobacterium, Planomicrobium, Edwardsiella, Enterococcus, Bacillus, and Saccharomyces were freeze-dried under the abovementioned conditions. Their survival rates were 2.3–95.1%.ConclusionCollectively, our results supported that the protectant mixture and parameters were beneficial for lyophilization of marine bacteria.How to cite: Zhang Z, Yu Y, Wang Y, et al. Development of new protocol for freeze-drying preservation of Pseudoalteromonas nigrifaciens and its protective effect on other marine bacteria. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.12.006.     

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     

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     

Composition of the bacterial community in the gastrointestinal tract of Kunming mice

BackgroundThe intestinal bacterial community has an important role in maintaining human health. Dysbiosis is a key inducer of many chronic diseases including obesity and diabetes. Kunming mice are frequently used as a model of human disease and yet little is known about the bacterial microbiome resident to the gastrointestinal tract.ResultsWe undertook metagenomic sequencing of the luminal contents of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, and rectum of Kunming mice. Firmicutes was the dominant bacterial phylum of each intestinal tract and Lactobacillus the dominant genus. However, the bacterial composition differed among the seven intestinal tracts of Kunming mice. Compared with the small intestine, the large intestine bacterial community of Kunming mice is more stable and diverse.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, ours is the first study to systematically describe the gastrointestinal bacterial composition of Kunming mice. Our findings provide a better understanding of the bacterial composition of Kunming mice and serves as a foundation for the study of precision medicine.How to cite: Han X, Shao H, Wang Y, et al. Composition of the bacterial community in the gastrointestinal tract of Kunming mice. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.11.003     

Expression of antimicrobial peptide Cecropin P1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its antibacterial and antiviral activity in vitro

BackgroundCecropin P1, acting as an antimicrobial, has a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with some antiviral and antifungal properties. It is a promising natural alternative to antibiotics which is originally isolated from the pig intestinal parasitic nematode Ascaris suum. Many studies have shown that Cecropin P1 is helpful for the prevention or treatment of clinical diseases. Therefore, it is very necessary to establish a safe, nontoxic, and efficient expression method of Cecropin P1.ResultsThe results indicated that the recombinant protein was about 5.5 kDa showed by Tricine–SDS–PAGE and Western blot. And Cecropin P1 was efficiently secreted and expressed after 12 h of induction, with an increasing yield over the course of the induction. Its maximum concentration was 7.83 mg/L after concentration and purification. In addition, in vitro experiments demonstrated that Cecropin P1 not only exerted a strong inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., and Pasteurella sp., but also displayed an antiviral activity against PRRSV NADC30-Like strain.ConclusionsCollectively, the strategy of expressing Cecropin P1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is harmless, efficient, and safe for cells. In addition, the expressed Cecropin P1 has antiviral and antibacterial properties concurrently.How to cite: Jiang R, Zhang P, Wu X, et al., Expression of antimicrobial peptide Cecropin P1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its antibacterial and antiviral activity in vitro. Electron J Biotechnol 2021;50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.12.006     

Antiproliferative activity of biomass extract from Pseudomonas cedrina

BackgroundThe study of plant-associated microorganisms is very important in the discovery and development of bioactive compounds. Pseudomonas is a diverse genus of Gammaproteobacteria comprising more than 60 species capable of establishing themselves in many habitats, which include leaves and stems of many plants. There are reports of metabolites with diverse biological activity obtained from bacteria of this genus, and some of the metabolites have shown cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines.Because of the high incidence of cancer, research in recent years has focused on obtaining new sources of active compounds that exhibit interesting pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties that lead to the development of new therapeutic agents.ResultsA bacterial strain was isolated from tumors located in the stem of Pinus patula, and it was identified as Pseudomonas cedrina. Extracts from biomass and broth of P. cedrina were obtained with chloroform:methanol (1:1). Only biomass extracts exhibited antiproliferative activity against human tumor cell lines of cervix (HeLa), lung (A-549), and breast (HBL-100). In addition, a biomass extract from P. cedrina was fractioned by silica gel column chromatography and two diketopiperazines were isolated: cyclo-(l-Prolyl-l-Valine) and cyclo-(l-Leucyl-l-Proline).ConclusionsThis is the first report on the association of P. cedrina with the stems of P. patula in Mexico and the antiproliferative activity of extracts from this species of bacteria against human solid tumor cell lines.How to cite: Sánchez-Tafolla L, Padrón JM, Mendoza G, et al. Antiproliferative activity of biomass extract from Pseudomonas cedrina. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.03.010.     

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.     

Lactobacillus plantarum as a malolactic starter culture in winemaking: A new (old) player?

Malolactic fermentation (MLF) is a process in winemaking responsible for the conversion of l-malic acid to l-lactic acid and CO₂, which reduces the total acidity, improves the biological stability, and modifies the aroma profile of wine. MLF takes place during or after alcoholic fermentation and is carried out by one or more species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which are either present in grapes and cellars or inoculated with malolactic starters during the winemaking process. Although the main bacterium among LAB used in commercial starter cultures for MLF has traditionally been Oenococcus oeni, in the last decade, Lactobacillus plantarum has also been reported as a malolactic starter, and many works have shown that this species can survive and even grow under harsh conditions of wine (i.e., high ethanol content and low pH values). Furthermore, it has been proved that some strains of L. plantarum are able to conduct MLF just as efficiently as O. oeni. In addition, L. plantarum exhibits a more diverse enzymatic profile than O. oeni, which could play an important role in the modification of the wine aroma profile. This enzymatic diversity allows obtaining several starter cultures composed of different L. plantarum biotypes, which could result in distinctive wines. In this context, this review focuses on showing the relevance of L. plantarum as a MLF starter culture in winemaking.How to cite: Brizuela NS, Tymczyszyn E, Semorile LC, et al. Lactobacillus plantarum as a malolactic starter culture in winemaking: a new (old) player? Electron J Biotechnol 2019;38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2018.12.002.     

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.     

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     

Survival of commercial probiotic strains and their effect on dark chocolate synbiotic snack with raspberry content during the storage and after simulated digestion

BackgroundA key challenge for manufacturers of pro-health food containing active probiotic microorganisms is to develop a product with attractive sensory features along with maintenance of declared number of microorganisms during storage and transfer by alimentary tract.ResultsThe highest concentration of polyphenols was observed in snacks without an additive of probiotics as well as those with an additive of L. rhamnosus and B. animalis bacteria and concentration of these compounds increased by 9.5% during six months of storage. None of the products distinguished itself in the sensorial assessment although each was assessed positively. The number of microorganisms was stable and comparatively high during six months of storage at a room temperature and in cooling conditions (10⁸ cfu/g). In the digestion model, an influence of aggressive digestion conditions was examined in the alimentary tract on the number of microorganisms, which allowed to arrange strains from the most resistant (S. boulardii) to the most sensitive (B. breve). It must be noted that currently on the market there is no available snack containing probiotic yeast as well as there is no literature data on works on such formulation of food.ConclusionsIn the newly developed snack made of chocolate, in which sugar has been replaced with maltitol, a raw material was added in the form of raspberry, prebiotic in the form of inulin and a strain of probiotic bacteria, including the unprecedented so far S. boulardii, which stands a high chance to occupy a good place on the market of functional food.How to cite: Cielecka-Piontek J, Dziedziński M, Szczepaniak O, et al. Survival of commercial probiotic strains and their effect on dark chocolate synbiotic snack with raspberry content during the storage and after simulated digestion. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.09.005.     

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.     

Characterization of the biosorption of fast black azo dye K salt by the bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris 51ATA strain

BackgroundRemoval of dyes from wastewater by microorganisms through adsorption, degradation, or accumulation has been investigated. Biological methods used for dye treatment are generally always effective and environmentally friendly. In this study, biosorption of the Fast Black K salt azo dye by the bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris 51ATA was studied spectrophotometrically, at various pH (2–10), temperatures (25°C, 35°C, and 45°C) and dye concentrations (25–400 mg L^-1).ResultsThe bacterial strain showed extremely good dye-removing potential at various dye concentrations. IR studies at different temperatures showed that the dye was adsorbed on the bacterial surface at lower temperatures. Characteristics of the adsorption process were investigated by Scatchard analysis at 25°C and 35°C. Scatchard analysis of the equilibrium binding data for the dye on this bacterium gave rise to linear plots, indicating that the Langmuir model could be applied. The regression coefficients obtained for the dye from the Freundlich and Langmuir models were significant and divergence from the Scatchard plot was observed.ConclusionThe adsorption behavior of the dye on this bacterium was expressed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms. The adsorption data with respect to various temperatures provided an excellent fit to the Freundlich isotherm. However, when the Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models were applied to these data, a good fit was only obtained for the dye at lower temperatures, thus indicating that the biosorption ability of R. palustris 51ATA is dependent on temperature, pH, and dye concentration.How to cite: Öztürk A, Bayol E, Abdullah MI. Characterization of the biosorption of fast black azo dye K salt by the bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris 51ATA strain. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.05.002.     

Fructosan form Paenibacillus kribbensis PS04 enhance disease resistance against Rhizoctonia solani and tobacco mosaic virus

BackgroundRice sheath blight (caused by Rhizoctonia solani) and tobacco mosaic virus are very important plant diseases, causing a huge loss in global crop production. Paenibacillus kribbensis PS04 is a broad-spectrum biocontrol agent, used for controlling these diseases. Previously, extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) from P. kribbensis PS04 had been purified and their structure was inferred to be fructosan. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exogenous EPS treatment on plant–pathogen interactions.ResultsPlant defense genes such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, catalase, chitinase, allene oxide synthase, and PR1a proteins were significantly induced by exogenous EPS treatment. Moreover, subsequent challenge of EPS-pretreated plants with the pathogens (R. solani or tobacco mosaic virus) resulted in higher expression of defense-associated genes. Increased activities of defense-associated enzymes, total phenols, and flavonoids were also observed in EPS pretreated plants. The contents of malondialdehyde in plants, which act as indicator of lipid peroxidation, were reduced by EPS treatment.ConclusionsThis study comprehensively showed that EPS produced from P. kribbensis PS04 enhances disease resistance in plants by the activation of defense-associated genes as well as through the enhancement of activities of defense-related enzymes.How to citeCanwei S, Xiaoyun H, Ahmed N, et al. Fructosan form Paenibacillus kribbensis PS04 enhance disease resistance against Rhizoctonia solani and tobacco mosaic virus. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.07.002