Franz Schinner

Bio: Franz Schinner is an academic researcher from University of Innsbruck. The author has contributed to research in topics: Soil contamination & Bioremediation. The author has an hindex of 48, co-authored 153 publications receiving 11166 citations.

Methods in soil biology.

Abstract: Methods in soil biology , Methods in soil biology , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی

Potential of halotolerant and halophilic microorganisms for biotechnology.

Abstract: Halotolerant or halophilic microorganisms, able to live in saline environments, offer a multitude of actual or potential applications in various fields of biotechnology. The technical applications of bacteriorhodopsin comprise holography, spatial light modulators, optical computing, and optical memories. Compatible solutes are useful as stabilizers of biomolecules and whole cells, salt antagonists, or stress-protective agents. Biopolymers, such as biosurfactants and exopolysaccharides, are of interest for microbially enhanced oil recovery. Other useful biosubstances are enzymes, such as new isomerases and hydrolases, that are active and stable at high salt contents. Halotolerant microorganisms play an essential role in food biotechnology for the production of fermented food and food supplements. The degradation or transformation of a range of organic pollutants and the production of alternative energy are other fields of applications of these groups of extremophiles.

Biodegradation and bioremediation of hydrocarbons in extreme environments

Abstract: Many hydrocarbon-contaminated environments are characterized by low or elevated temperatures, acidic or alkaline pH, high salt concentrations, or high pressure. Hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, adapted to grow and thrive in these environments, play an important role in the biological treatment of polluted extreme habitats. The biodegradation (transformation or mineralization) of a wide range of hydrocarbons, including aliphatic, aromatic, halogenated and nitrated compounds, has been shown to occur in various extreme habitats. The biodegradation of many components of petroleum hydrocarbons has been reported in a variety of terrestrial and marine cold ecosystems. Cold-adapted hydrocarbon degraders are also useful for wastewater treatment. The use of thermophiles for biodegradation of hydrocarbons with low water solubility is of interest, as solubility and thus bioavailability, are enhanced at elevated temperatures. Thermophiles, predominantly bacilli, possess a substantial potential for the degradation of environmental pollutants, including all major classes. Indigenous thermophilic hydrocarbon degraders are of special significance for the bioremediation of oil-polluted desert soil. Some studies have investigated composting as a bioremediation process. Hydrocarbon biodegradation in the presence of high salt concentrations is of interest for the bioremediation of oil-polluted salt marshes and industrial wastewaters, contaminated with aromatic hydrocarbons or with chlorinated hydrocarbons. Our knowledge of the biodegradation potential of acidophilic, alkaliphilic, or barophilic microorganisms is limited.

Solubilization of inorganic phosphates by microorganisms isolated from forest soils

Abstract: Two strains (a Penicillium sp. and a Pseudomonas sp.) having high abilities to solubilize inorganic phosphates (hydroxylapatite and calcium hydrogenphosphate dihydrate) were screened from 600 colonies isolated from forest soils. Some of their physiological properties (nutrition, O 2 -demand, temperature) were investigated. It was possible to distinguish between solubilization through release of organic acids and still unknown mechanisms. Artificial acidification of the culture medium with HCl did not cause considerable P solubilization compared with our two isolates. In nonsterile soil both organisms caused a marked increase in the P fraction extracted with Licl solution.

Fungal laccases - occurrence and properties.

Abstract: Laccases of fungi attract considerable attention due to their possible involvement in the transformation of a wide variety of phenolic compounds including the polymeric lignin and humic substances. So far, more than a 100 enzymes have been purified from fungal cultures and characterized in terms of their biochemical and catalytic properties. Most ligninolytic fungal species produce constitutively at least one laccase isoenzyme and laccases are also dominant among ligninolytic enzymes in the soil environment. The fact that they only require molecular oxygen for catalysis makes them suitable for biotechnological applications for the transformation or immobilization of xenobiotic compounds.