Showing papers in "International Journal of Biotechnology for Wellness Industries in 2012"

Applications of Polyhydroxyalkanoates in the Medical Industry

Abstract: The bio-based, biodegradable family of polymers, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), is an attractive candidate for an environmentally friendly replacement of petroleum-based plastics in many applications. In the past decade, many groups have examined the biodegradability and biocompatibility of PHA in cell culture systems or in an animal host. Findings suggest that PHA is a suitable material for fabrication of resorbable medical devices, such as sutures, meshes, implants, and tissue engineering scaffolds. The degradation kinetics of some PHA polymers is also suggestive of drug release applications. In this review, we examine the progress, potential applications, challenges and outlook in the medical polyhydroxyalkanoate field.

Cell-Based Assays in High-Throughput Screening for Drug Discovery

Abstract: Drug screening is a long and costly process confronted with low productivity and challenges in using animals, which limit the discovery of new drugs. To improve drug screening efficacy and minimize animal testing, recent efforts have been dedicated to developing cell-based high throughput screening (HTS) platforms that can provide more relevant in vivo biological information than biochemical assays and thus reduce the number of animal tests and accelerate the drug discovery process. Today, cell-based assays are used in more than half of all high-throughput drug screenings for target validation and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and toxicity) in the early stage of drug discovery. In this review, we discuss the uses of different types of cells and cell culture systems, including 2D, 3D and perfusion cell cultures, in cell-based HTS for drug discovery. Optical and electrochemical methods for online, non-invasive detection and quantification of cells or cellular activities are discussed. Recent progresses and applications of 3D cultures and microfluidic systems for cell-based HTS are also discussed, followed with several successful examples of using cell-based HTS in commercial development of new drugs. Finally, a brief discussion on potential applications of cell-based HTS for screening phytochemicals and herbal medicines is provided in this review.

Investigating the Effects of Several Parameters on the Growth of Chlorella vulgaris Using Taguchi's Experimental Approach

Abstract: Algae are part of photosynthetic organisms that play an important role in the aquatics nutrition. Like plants, algae need water, light and CO 2 to grow. Using Taguchi’s experimental approach (5 factors in four levels with 16 runs), effects of several parameters (NaCl, sodium bicarbonate and iron concentrations as well as light and temperature) on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris was studied. Increasing the concentrations of NaCl and sodium bicarbonate resulted in corresponding decreases in the growth of C. vulgaris . Media with 30.0g l -1 NaCl did not indicate any algal growth. Also, with 9.0 g l -1 sodium bicarbonate, biomass production was decreased. Chlorella vulgaris showed different growing behaviors at the various concentrations of iron (Fe +2 ) and at the different temperatures of this study . Maximum biomass production (approximately 3.56 g dry matter) was obtained at the 0.0 g l -1 sodium bicarbonate, 10.0g l -1 NaCl, 18.0 µmol l -1 iron and at 30±2 °C. Yellow and blue lights increased the algal growth. Analysis of variance showed that salinity (i.e., the NaCl concentration) had the highest impact on the biomass production.

Antimicrobial Activities of Extracts and Flavonoid Glycosides of Corn Silk (Zea mays L)

Abstract: Corn silk refers to the stigmas of Zea mays L. ( Gramineae ) from the female flowers of maize. It is medicinally used in a number of diseases and contained a number of flavonoids. Screening of plants against pathogenic bacteria is an important step to validate its medicinal properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen the antimicrobial activities of different solvent extracts, flavonoids of corn silk and compare the activities with standard antibiotic gentamycin. The pet-ether (PECS), chloroform (CECS) and methanol (MECS) extracts (25 mg/mL) of corn silk were tested for their antimicrobial activity. Twelve pathogenic bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenase, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Escherichia coli, Shigella sonneii, Shigella flexneri, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis and one fungus Candida albicans were used to screen the extracts. Gentamycin (50 mg/mL) was used as reference antibiotic. Two isolated flavonoid glycosides (2.0 mg/mL) of corn silk were tested for their antimicrobial activity. The microbial growth inhibitory potential was determined by using the agar hole-plate diffusion method. PECS, MECS and flavonoids were sensitive against eleven bacteria out of twelve bacteria. CECS was sensitive only against five bacteria. No extracts and flavonoids were sensitive against Escherichia coli and Candid albicans . The results were compared with gentamycin, which was sensitive against all the bacteria tested. Extracts and flavonoids showed significantly (p<0.05) higher sensitivity against a number of bacteria than gentamycin.

Probiotics for everyone! The novel immunobiotic lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 and the beginning of social probiotic programs in Argentina

Abstract: Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 (Lr1505) stimulates immune responses in the gut and in the respiratory tract and improves resistance against Salmonella typhimurium and Streptococcus pneumoniae infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice. Considering that respiratory infectious diseases continue to be a major cause of death among preschool children in developing countries, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Lr1505 on the health of children. A randomized-controlled double-blind clinical trial in 298 healthy children (2-5 years old), attending daycare centers was performed. Yogurt containing Lr1505 was administered to children for 6 months (five times a week). Results were statistically compared with those of children from the same community that received a placebo yogurt (without probiotic). Administration of Lr1505 to young children reduced the incidence of infections: 66% of children in the placebo group presented symptoms of infection while only 34% of cases were detected in the Lr1505 group. Significant differences ( P <0.05) were detected in the incidence of intestinal infections, upper respiratory tract infections and angina when placebo and Lr1505 groups were compared. Children fed Lr1505 experienced fewer fevers and needed fewer antibiotics than those receiving the placebo. The protective effect of Lr1505 was associated with increased levels of mucosal IgA antibodies. Lr1505 is a promising resource for the development of prevention strategies against mucosal infections that could be effective tools for medical application. This new probiotic strain has been included into official Nutritional Programs in Argentina and it is given to more than 200 thousand children. This project has encouraged local milk production, thanks to the constant demand of probiotic yogurt containing L. rhamnosus CRL1505 by provincial governments, while incorporating innovation to small and medium enterprises.

Biosorption of Cr(III), Fe(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) Ions from Liquid Laboratory Chemical Waste by Pleurotus ostreatus

Abstract: Heavy metals present in the liquid laboratory chemical waste should be removed due to their hazards to human health and environment. Among them, Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(II), Zn(II) are usually exist. The conventional treatments in the heavy metals removal have several limitations which encourage researchers to search for alternative treatment methods. One of possible method in the removal of heavy metal ion is through biosorption. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of white root fungus (mushroom) viz., P.ostreatus to absorb Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(II), Zn(II) from liquid laboratory chemical waste. It was found that the best operating treatment process was at pH above 4.0. The highest biosorption efficiency for Fe(II) and Cu(II) was shown at pH 6 with 80.52% and 45.20% while Zn(II) at pH 4 (5.04%) and Cr(III) at pH 5 with 21.14% at agitation speed of 150 rpm and temperature of 25°C. Throughout the research, the percentage of removal was found to be increased with the increasing of contact time between P.ostreatus and liquid laboratory chemical waste. Almost 17.02% of Cr( III ), 55.35% of Fe(II), 15.34% of Cu(II) and 13.34% of Zn(II) were removed from chemical waste. This validates that P.ostreatus is potential as biosorbent for liquid laboratory chemical waste treatment.

Mass spectrometry imaging of the capsaicin localization in the capsicum fruits

Abstract: We succeeded in performing mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of the localization of capsaicin in cross-sections of the capsicum fruits at a resolution of 250 µm using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Post source decay of protonated capsaicin ion revealed structural information of the corresponding acid amide of vanillylamide and C 9 chain fatty acid. MALDI-TOF-MSI confirmed that localization of capsaicin in the placenta is higher than that in the pericarp. In addition, it revealed no localization of capsaicin in seed and the higher localization of capsaicin at placenta surface compared with that in the internal region. A quantitative difference was detected between localizations of capsaicin at placenta, pericarp and seed in the capsicum fruits. This imaging approach is a promising technique for rapid quality evaluation general food as well as health food and identification of medicinal capsaicin in plant tissues.

Biotechnology for Wellness Industry: Concepts and Biofactories

Abstract: One of the major issues in the 21st. century facing humankind is on how to stay healthy and delay the onset of chronic metabolic diseases. Chronic metabolic chronic diseases still afflict a substantial percentage of modern human population despite the advances in medical and health care technologies. They create a long-term financial burden to the nation as well as reducing the productivity and the quality of life. In the recent years, the wellness approach to healthy living by mean of health enhancement and disease prevention has been increasing in popularity. There is a tremendous global and local interest for wellness products. Wellness sector focuses on providing products and services to a wider community to improve appearance, slow down the effect of ageing and to reduce the risk of developing chronic metabolic diseases. The wellness products are intended for the promotion of health in soil, plants, animals and human. Soil health is the foundation of wellness as healthy and productive soil produce healthy plants and crops in turn produced healthy animals for human nutrition. It is a fact that human health is closely associated with the practice of healthy life style that include consuming wholesome nutrients, living in a non-toxic environment and enhancing physical and mental fitness. These factors in turn promote the attainment and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Under cellular homeostasis the cellular metabolic activities are at their optimum. In this regard traditional and modern biotechnology offer comprehensive list of natural ingredients and metabolites essential for cellular metabolism. These natural ingredients and metabolites are derived from microbial, algal, plant, animals, and human sources. Most of these natural products are increasingly made available by using innovative bioprocess technologies as more of them are main components of functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and therapeutics. Bioprocess industries are considered as source for both health and wealth. The new concept of bioprocess industries is based on using different types of cells as small micro-bio-factories. These small biofactories belong to different classes of living organisms ranging from the most primitive prokaryotic bacterial cells up to high eukaryotic human cells. In the present review, the concept of bioprocess design and cultivation of cells up to the industrial level will be presented.

Banisteriopsis Species: A Source of Bioactive of Potential Medical Application

Abstract: In recent years, interest in further development of herbal or botanical drug products derived from traditional preparations has been increasing steadily. Plants have been used for thousands of years to treat health disorders and to prevent diseases including epidemics. Several research works have been developed to search for new natural products to be used in pharmaceutical products. Active compounds produced during secondary metabolism are responsible for the biological properties of the plant species and may be used to most diverse purposes, including treatment of several diseases. Banisteriopsis species has been described showing interesting activities by its use in popular medicine. The mainly use was described to production of the Ayahuasca, an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi, which contains � -carboline alkaloids, mainly harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine. Other species of Banisteriopsis genus have been described with biological metabolites as antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, antianxiety and others. These biological activities were described chiefly by the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins. Thus, to stimulate the study into the Banisteriopsis genus, the purpose of the present review is to gather information on the use of the extracts and metabolites of Banisteriopsis species (Malpighiaceae) as a resource to diseases treatment or to pharmaceutical purposes.

Effect of Initial Sugar Concentration on the Production of L (+) Lactic Acid by Simultaneous Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Fermentation of an Agro-Industrial Waste Product of Pineapple (Ananas comosus) Using Lactobacillus casei Subspecies rhamnosus

Abstract: Production of lactic acid by fermentation process has been studied from glucose solutions and other sources because of many important reasons: biotechnological production is cheaper than chemical synthesis; production of biodegradable materials from L (+) lactic acid and, the use of nutrient-rich agro-industrial wastes as raw material, which helps to reduce the environmental impact. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of sugar concentration of a pineapple liquid waste as the carbon source on the capacity of Lactobacillus casei subspecies rhamnosus to produce lactic acid by simultaneous enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. Three different pineapple waste concentrations were evaluated (60, 80 and 100% v/v) from a pineapple juice with 11.3% (m/v) of sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose). L. casei was able to consume all sugars present within the levels tested, and converted all into lactic acid, showing efficient yields of 0.91 g lactic acid/g sugars. Final lactic acid concentration increased significantly (p<0.05) with the increase of pineapple waste percentage. Maximum lactic acid concentration (102g/L) was achieved with 100% pineapple waste medium. The highest total productivity (4.0g/h) and maximum productivity (4.48 g/L*h) were obtained with 60% pineapple waste medium and it decreased significantly (p<0.05) when 100% was used. Fermentation time increased with the increment of sugars, but it increased considerably with the medium composed of 100% of pineapple waste in comparison with the other two mediums. Pineapple waste represents a good alternative as a cheap carbon source for bacteria growth and production of L (+) lactic acid.

Evaluation of Cuspidaria pulchra and its Isolated Compounds Against Schistosoma mansoni Adult Worms

Abstract: The present study has investigated the chemical composition of the bioactive EtOAc fraction of Cuspidaria pulchra aerial parts, as well as its schistosomicidal activities against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms in vitro . To this end, the crude ethanol extract obtained from the aerial parts of C. pulchra (Bignoniaceae) was partitioned with n -hexane, EtOAc, and n -BuOH. The EtOAc fraction was purified by preparative HPLC, which afforded 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde ( 1 ), p- coumaric acid ( 2 ), p -hydroxybenzoic acid ( 3 ), ursolic acid ( 4 ), and oleanolic acid ( 5 ). The bioassay results indicated that the crude ethanol extract and the EtOAc fraction at 100 µg/mL killed the adult schistosomes in vitro . Compounds 1 and 3 at 100 µm were only able to separate coupled S. mansoni adult worms.

Preliminary Study of Anticoccidial Activity of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA) and their Corresponding Monoglycerides on Broiler Chicken Coccidiosis

Abstract: The effect of anticoccidial from oil containing medium chain fatty acids and their corresponding monoglycerides, which known as enhanced virgin coconut oil (EVCO) was investigated. A total of 100 broiler chicks were assigned to four treatment groups. Group A, B and C were infected with 8 species of live coccidia. Group A was then treated with 30% EVCO; Group B with antibiotic (Coccisul-Q) and no treatment for Group C. Group D as control. The birds infected with live coccidia (Group A, B and C) had significantly higher in the oocyst count and showed blood in droppings appeared after 7-day post-infection (DPI), except Group D. In Group A2 at 11-day post infection/4-day post treatment (DPI 11/ DPT 4), the number of oocyst count was dropped from 132,400 o/g to 600 o/g; and in Group B2 is about 75,600 o/g to 0 o/g. However, there was no significant reducing in Group C2. A significant deduction of oocysts level in faecal and cecal dramatically after 4 days post-treatment in group treated with EVCO. However, from the observation, the performance of EVCO was not as good as in the antibiotic treated group. Nevertheless, the EVCO is a plant-based compounds, it is good and safe to be used as alternative way to control coccidiosis in poultry industries. Therefore, for EVCO consumption, the treatment must be provided weekly for long lasting protection from coccidiosis.

Paraconiothyrium sp. P83F4/1: antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of endophytic fungus associated with Rheedia brasiliensis plant

Abstract: The endophyte Paraconiothyrium sp. P83F4/1 was isolated from leaves of the Rheedia brasiliensis medicinal plant from a bioprospecting study. This is the first report of isolation of Paraconiothyrium in leaves of R. brasiliensis and the fermentation product obtained with this fungus in ethyl acetate was evaluated for their potential bioactive through antioxidant assay by DPPH (radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method and antiproliferative assays in human tumoral cells using the sulphorhodamine B (SRB) technique for evaluating the cellular growth. The antioxidant assay, tested at 90 mg/mL, the fungal extract showed scavenging capacity of 58.92 %, being significant (p<0.05) compared the standard commercial butyl hydroxy toluene: 39.52 %. In the antiproliferative assay, the extract was selective on human keratinocyte cells (HaCat) with GI 50 0.95 mg/mL, whose mean log GI 50 = - 0.02, according to National Cancer Institute (NCI-USA) criteria, it makes a powerful extract. Cells HaCat are involved directly in diseases such as psoriasis. These results indicate the antioxidant and antiproliferative potentials of the crude extract of fermentation of the endophytic fungus Paraconiothyrium sp. P83F4/1 isolated from the leaves of R. brasiliensis.

Essential oil composition, antimicrobial potential, phytochemical profile and toxicity of essential oils and crude extracts of sweet basil prior and after flowering

Abstract: Essential oils and crude extracts of sweet basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum - OT) which are mostly used to flavor and spice food were prepared and analyzed prior and after flowering by GC and subjected to in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo toxicity evaluation. The essential oil composition was found to vary considerably with respect to harvesting time (prior to flowering stage- eugenol- 17.7%, carvacrol- 27.1% and methyl-eugenol- 52.1%; as compared to flowering (caryophyllene- 9.26% and methyl-eugenol and comparatively smaller percentages of carvacrol and eugenol). Phytochemical screening of the plant samples from either season showed that the whole plants constituted of alkaloids, flavones, saponins, terpenes, sterols, tannins and triterpenes. The essential oils and crude extracts of plant parts of OT (leaves, twigs and/or inflorescence) in both stages showed marked antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus and with no apparent toxicity in rats. The observed antimicrobial properties and non-toxic nature during both stages of flowering would tend to validate the medicinal properties of OT as a functional food.

Banisteriopsis species as a resource to new drugs research

Abstract: Several research works have been developed to search for new natural products to be used in pharmaceutical products. The purpose of this review is to gather information on the use of the extracts and metabolites of Banisteriopsis species (Malpighiaceae) as a resource to diseases treatment or to pharmaceutical purposes.

The Photo-Protective Activity of Crataegus monogyna Extract Proved by Complementary Mechanisms of Skin Inflammation, Damage of Extracellular Matrix, Cellular Survival and Proliferation Disorders

Abstract: The skin photo-ageing and photo-carcinogenesis are based on cellular mechanisms triggered by UV-radiation, starting with oxidative stress and inflammation, activation of matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) that increase the structural protein degradation, ending with DNA damage and apoptosis induction. In order to claim the photo-protective activity of an ingredient it’s important to explore the main pathways involved in this complex process, highlighting its target action. Our studies are based on a cellular screening of UV-A and UV-B irradiated keratinocytes (HaCat cell line), focusing on the apoptosis induction, cell cycle sequentiation, metalloproteinase’s expression, pro-inflammatory cytokines release and IL1α as sensitization molecule, as well as the antioxidant capacity of the extract, and acting on catalase and superoxide-dismutase activity. The investigation techniques are flow cytometry (cellular parameters fluorescent staining and beads-based assay for soluble protein detection), zymography and enzymatic activity tests. The Crataegus monogyna extract, with a rich content of pro-antocians, flavones and polyphenolcarboxylic acids, show a UV-A cellular protection and dose dependent inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and MMP2 and 9 after both UV-A and UV-B irradiation. All these effects are sustained by a cumulative antioxidant capacity at enzymatic and intracellular oxygen radical level. These findings recommend the phyto-complex for the prevention or therapy of UV-photo damages.

Study of Corylus cornuta twig extracts: antioxidant, radical scavenging, anti-enzymatic activities and cytotoxicity

Abstract: In a first attempt to better understand therapeutic uses of the forest species Corylus cornuta by Native People of Eastern Canada, antiradical/antioxidant, anti-enzymatic activities as well as cytotoxicity on Normal Human Keratinocytes (NHK) of C.cornuta twig extracts were studied and correlated with their polyphenolic composition. Polyphenolic extracts were obtained by water and ethanolic extractions using two different techniques: maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Antiradical and antioxidant capacities of the extracts were evaluated against DPPH, TEAC, six ROS/RNS and peroxidation lipidic. Anti-enzymatic activities against enzymes involved in oxidation processes were evaluated towards catalase and xanthine oxidase. MTT and Neutral Red assays were used for evaluating the toxicity of the various extracts on NHK after 24 and 48h exposition times. Aqueous extracts were determined to have the highest antioxidant/antiradical capacity against two reactive species involved in inflammatory processes (superoxide anion and nitric oxide) and the lowest toxicity. Their antioxidant/antiradical activities were strongly correlated to their higher content in flavonoids. Ethanolic extracts were determined to have the highest anti-enzymatic activity correlated with their higher content in hydroxycinammic acids and proanthocyanidins. These extracts were also the most toxic, this toxicity correlating with their high level in total phenols. Given that aqueous extracts presented an elevated content in total phenols and flavonoids and showed the lowest toxicity on NHK as well as a high antiradical/antioxidant capacity, they can be considered as the most valuable extracts obtained from C.cornuta twigs, which is in harmony with traditional uses in which remedies are prepared from twig infusions.

Rosemary and Sage Outperformed Six other Culinary Herbs in Antioxidant and Antibacterial PropertiesRosemary and Sage Outperformed Six other Culinary Herbs in Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties

Abstract: The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Labiatae culinary herbs are well documented but the effects of different drying methods are poorly studied. In this study, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of fresh and oven-dried herbs of oregano, marjoram, rosemary, sage, basil, thyme, peppermint and spearmint were compared with available commercial herbs. Antioxidant properties of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, caffeoylquinic acid content, free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing power and ferrous ion chelating ability were assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminium chloride, molybdate, DPPH radical scavenging, potassium ferricyanide and ferrozine assays, respectively. Antibacterial properties were assessed using the disc diffusion assay based on mean diameter of inhibitory zone and minimum inhibitory dose. The two drying treatments were oven drying at 50 o C (OD) and microwave pre-treatment followed by oven drying at 50 o C (MOD). Fresh rosemary and dried oregano had the strongest antioxidant properties. For most herbs, oven drying resulted in loss of  antioxidant values compared to fresh herbs with the exception of oregano. Values of OD and MOD oregano, spearmint, thyme, peppermint and basil were higher than commercial samples, while those of rosemary were lower. Of the six commercial herbs, rosemary had the highest values, followed by oregano, spearmint, thyme, peppermint and basil. Rosemary, sage, peppermint and spearmint inhibited the growth of all three Gram-positive bacteria of Bacillus cereus , Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus . Rosemary and sage had stronger antibacterial properties than green and black teas of Camellia sinensis . When used in combination, rosemary and sage can have enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial effects, which are desirable in developing nutraceutical products, and in controlling rancidity and bacterial growth in food.

Dilute Solution Viscometry Studies on a Therapeutic Mixture of Non-digestible Carbohydrates

Abstract: Recent work has shown the beneficial effects of a proprietary mixture of three non-digestible carbohydrates: konjac glucomannan, xanthan and alginate and these effects have been linked with a synergistic interaction observable with analytical ultracentrifugation, rheological and NMR measurements. These observations have been supported by fundamental dilute solution viscosity studies. Preparations of konjac glucomannan, xanthan and alginate have been checked with regards their molecular integrity (molar mass distribution) using a newly established method based on the analytical ultracentrifuge. The intrinsic viscosity behaviour for each of the individual polysaccharides were estimated at low ionic strength I (10 -3 M) and found to be (2090±120) ml/g, (4430±340) ml/g and (3460±330) ml/g for konjac glucomannan, xanthan and alginate respectively and at (10 -1 M) (2350±200) ml/g, (3370±310) ml/g and (1210±50) ml/g respectively. The intrinsic viscosity (η) was then determined for a proprietary mixture of the three (known as "PGX®") at both ionic strengths and compared with the predicted values for a non-interacting mixture. In I=10 -3 M solvent a significant difference was observed (3090+250) ml/g compared with the predicted value (2350+300) ml/g, although at higher ionic strength the interaction appears to have gone: (η) = (1990+250) ml/g compared with the predicted value of (2180+300) ml/g. This appears to reinforce the earlier observations that in PGX® there is a synergistic interaction which is ionic strength sensitive.

Microbial Hydroxylation of Yohimbine

Abstract: Microbial bioconversion studies conducted on the indole alkaloid yohimbine have revealed that it was metabolized by Bacillus cereus var. fluorescens ATCC 13824 to give 18 b -hydroxyyohimbine ( 2 ) and 21 a -hydroxyyohimbine ( 3 ). Their structures were established on the basis of their spectral data, and in comparison with those of the substrate yohimbine.

Enzyme Encapsulation by Static Mixer Method for Hydrolysis of Lactose

Abstract: Enzyme immobilisation has been intensively investigated due to its advantages such as enzyme recovery, reusability and improved stability over a wide range of pH and temperatures. The encapsulation of β-galactosidase in κ-carrageenan is presented in this report for potential application in dairy industry. The immobilisation was carried out by emulsifying oil and κ-carrageenan with a static mixer device. This is a new approach and has the advantage of producing smaller beads (e.g. smaller than 100 µm size) which can be used in continuous processing. The main factors tested were the total flow rate through the static mixer (Q t , in the range 220 – 440 ml/min) and κ-carrageenan to oil volumetric fraction (e, in the range 0.05-0.2). The average bead sizes obtained were in the range of 19 - 52 µm, with smaller sizes obtained with an increase of Q t . The bead sizes decreased with (i) the decrease in emulsified droplets coalescence and oil inclusion in the beads and (ii) with the decrease in the values of WG top (defined by the weight percentage of beads found underneath the oil layer). The bead performance was tested using lactose and 2-nitrophenyl-β-galactopyranoside (ONPG) and the kinetic parameters, lactose conversion and stability were determined at the optimum conditions. The attained optimum pH and temperature were 7 (similar to free enzyme) and 21 o C, respectively. The encapsulated β-galactosidase tested at optimum conditions in 5% (w/v) lactose solution was able to convert 76.47% of lactose after six days. These findings contribute to the further understanding of the encapsulation technique and demonstrates the potential of using κ-carrageenan as an encapsulation material for β-galactosidase.