Kambiz Morabbi Heravi

Bio: Kambiz Morabbi Heravi is an academic researcher from Shahid Beheshti University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Yeast extract & Bacterial growth. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 144 citations.

Solubilization of organic and inorganic phosphates by three highly efficient soil bacterial isolates

Abstract: Screening soil samples collected from a diverse range of slightly alkaline soil types, we have isolated 22 competent phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB). Three isolates identified as Pantoea agglomerans strain P5, Microbacterium laevaniformans strain P7 and Pseudomonas putida strain P13 hydrolyzed inorganic and organic phosphate compounds effectively. Bacterial growth rates and phosphate solubilization activities were measured quantitatively under various environmental conditions. In general, a close association was evident between phosphate solubilizing ability and growth rate which is an indicator of active metabolism. All three PSB were able to withstand temperature as high as 42°C, high concentration of NaCl upto 5% and a wide range of initial pH from 5 to 11 while hydrolyzing phosphate compounds actively. Such criteria make these isolates superior candidates for biofertilizers that are capable of utilizing both organic and mineral phosphate substrates to release absorbable phosphate ion for plants.

Isolation and identification of a lipase producing Bacillus sp. from soil.

Abstract: Lipase production in an indigenous lipolytic Bacillus sp. was detected in media containing Tributyrin-Tween 80 and Rhodamine B-Olive oil. The statistical Taguchi model was used to predict the optimum experimental conditions for bacterial growth and lipase production. Partial optimization was carried out for selection of salt base, oil, glucose, NH4Cl and yeast extract concentrations, inoculum density, pH and agitation. Maximum lipase activity was detected in the cell free supernatants of cultures grown in a medium containing 10 g L(-1) yeast extract, 15 g L(-1) NH4Cl, 3 g L(-1) K2HPO4, 1 g L(-1) KH2PO4, 0.1 g L(-1) MgSO4 x 7H2O, 2 g L(-1) glucose, 0.6 mM MgCl2 and 15 ml L(-1) olive oil, pH 8.5 at 30 degrees C for 24 h and low agitation. The amount oflipase produced in the designed medium was in agreement with the predicted values by the statistical method. 16S rRNA cloning and sequencing identified the test organism as Bacillus pumilus.

Integrating legacy soil phosphorus into sustainable nutrient management strategies for future food, bioenergy and water security

Abstract: Legacy phosphorus (P) that has accumulated in soils from past inputs of fertilizers and manures is a large secondary global source of P that could substitute manufactured fertilizers, help preserve critical reserves of finite phosphate rock to ensure future food and bioenergy supply, and gradually improve water quality. We explore the issues and management options to better utilize legacy soil P and conclude that it represents a valuable and largely accessible P resource. The future value and period over which legacy soil P can be accessed depends on the amount present and its distribution, its availability to crops and rates of drawdown determined by the cropping system. Full exploitation of legacy P requires a transition to a more holistic system approach to nutrient management based on technological advances in precision farming, plant breeding and microbial engineering together with a greater reliance on recovered and recycled P. We propose the term ‘agro-engineering’ to encompass this integrated approach. Smaller targeted applications of fertilizer P may still be needed to optimize crop yields where legacy soil P cannot fully meet crop demands. Farm profitability margins, the need to recycle animal manures and the extent of local eutrophication problems will dictate when, where and how quickly legacy P is best exploited. Based on our analysis, we outline the stages and drivers in a transition to the full utilization of legacy soil P as part of more sustainable regional and global nutrient management.

Estimating the success of enzyme bioprospecting through metagenomics: current status and future trends.

Abstract: Recent reports have suggested that the establishment of industrially relevant enzyme collections from environmental genomes has become a routine procedure. Across the studies assessed, a mean number of approximately 44 active clones were obtained in an average size of approximately 53,000 clones tested using naive screening protocols. This number could be significantly increased in shorter times when novel metagenome enzyme sequences obtained by direct sequencing are selected and subjected to high-throughput expression for subsequent production and characterization. The pre-screening of clone libraries by naive screens followed by the pyrosequencing of the inserts allowed for a 106-fold increase in the success rate of identifying genes encoding enzymes of interest. However, a much longer time, usually on the order of years, is needed from the time of enzyme identification to the establishment of an industrial process. If the hit frequency for the identification of enzymes performing at high turnover rates under real application conditions could be increased while still covering a high natural diversity, the very expensive and time-consuming enzyme optimization phase would likely be significantly shortened. At this point, it is important to review the current knowledge about the success of fine-tuned naive- and sequence-based screening protocols for enzyme selection and to describe the environments worldwide that have already been subjected to enzyme screen programmes through metagenomic tools. Here, we provide such estimations and suggest the current challenges and future actions needed before environmental enzymes can be successfully introduced into the market.