Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

About: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is a facility organization based out in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Soil water. The organization has 10921 authors who have published 21332 publications receiving 748193 citations. The organization is also known as: Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Stability of Lactobacillus reuteri in Different Types of Microcapsules

Abstract: This study was designed to find the most suitable method and wall material for microencapsulation of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri to maintain cell viability during gastric challenge. Five L. reuteri strains were individually encapsulated using alginate, alginate plus starch, K-carrageenan with locust bean gum, or xanthan with gellan by extrusion or phase separation (emulsion). The morphology of the microcapsules was studied using phase contrast and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). The resistance of these microcapsules and the viability of contained L. reuteri to simulated gastric juice were studied. The shape and size of the microcapsules produced varied with the preparation method and type of wall material. Extruded microcapsules were larger and more uniformly shaped. Survival of microencapsulated L. reuteri was significantly better than that of planktonic cells and varied with the strain, method of microencapsulation, and wall material used. In general, microencapsulation using alginate and alginate with starch by both extrusion and phase separation were found to provide bacteria significantly greater protection (P < 0.05) against simulated gastric juice.

Product developments in the bio‐based chemicals arena

Abstract: Around the world, signifi cant able steps are being taken to move from today's fossil-based economy to a more sustainable economy based on biomass. A key factor in the realization of a successful bio-based economy will be the development of biorefi nery systems allowing highly effi cient and cost-effective process- ing of biological feedstocks to a range of bio-based products, and successful integration into existing infrastruc- ture. The recent climb in oil prices and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has now opened new windows of opportunity for bio-based chemicals and polymers. Industry is increasingly viewing chemical and polymer production from renewable resources as an attractive area for investment. Within the bio-based economy and the operation of a biorefi nery, there are signifi cant opportunities for the development of bio-based building blocks (chemicals and polymers) and materials (fi ber products, starch derivatives, etc). In many cases this happens in conjunction with the production of bioenergy or biofuels. The production of bio-based prod- ucts could generate US$10-15 billion of revenue for the global chemical industry. The economic production of biofuels is often a challenge. The co- production of chemicals, materials food and feed can generate the neces- sary added value. This paper highlights all bio-based chemicals with immediate potential as biorefi nery 'value added products'. The selected products are either demonstrating strong market growth or have signifi cant indus- try investment in development and demonstration programs. The full IEA Bioenergy Task 42 report is available from http://www.iea-bioenergy.task42-biorefi neries.com © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2012

Concerted genomic targeting of H3K27 demethylase REF6 and chromatin-remodeling ATPase BRM in Arabidopsis

Abstract: Yuhai Cui and colleagues report that the H3K27 demethylase REF6 targets genomic loci containing a specific DNA motif via its zinc-finger domains. They show that REF6 facilitates the recruitment of BRM and that deleting the DNA motif from a target gene in Arabidopsis makes it inaccessible to REF6.