Showing papers on "Amylase published in 2023"

Seed Priming with Nanoparticles and 24-Epibrassinolide Improved Seed Germination and Enzymatic Performance of Zea mays L. in Salt-Stressed Soil

Abstract: Saline stress is one of the most critical abiotic stress factors that can lessen crops’ productivity. However, emerging nanotechnology, nano-fertilizers, and developing knowledge of phytochromes can potentially mitigate the negative effects of saline stress on seed germination. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of seed priming either with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs; 50 and 100 mg L−1) or 24-epibrassinolide (EBL; 0.2 and 0.4 μM) and their combinations on maize (Zea mays L.) grains sown in salt-stressed soil (50 and 100 mM NaCl). Saline stress treatments significantly affected all germination traits and chemical analysis of seeds as well as α-amylase activity. Compared to un-primed seeds, seed priming with ZnO-NPs or EBL and their combinations significantly increased the cumulative germination percentage, germination energy, imbibition rate, increase in grain weight, K+ content, and α-amylase activity, and significantly reduced germination time, days to 50% emergence, Na+ uptake, and Na+/K+ ratio of maize sown in salt-stressed-soil (50 or 100 mM NaCl). The combination of 100 mg ZnO-NPs L−1 + 0.2 μM EBL resulted in the highest improvements for most of the studied traits of maize seeds sown in salt-stressed soil in comparison to all other individual and combined treatments.

Glycogen-Degrading Activities of Catalytic Domains of α-Amylase and α-Amylase-Pullulanase Enzymes Conserved in Gardnerella spp. from the Vaginal Microbiome

Abstract: Increased abundance of Gardnerella spp. is a diagnostic characteristic of bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance in the human vaginal microbiome associated with troubling symptoms, and negative reproductive health outcomes, including increased transmission of sexually transmitted infections and preterm birth. Competition for nutrients is likely an important factor in causing dramatic shifts in the vaginal microbial community, but little is known about the contribution of bacterial enzymes to the metabolism of glycogen, a major food source available to vaginal bacteria. ABSTRACT Gardnerella spp. are associated with bacterial vaginosis in which normally dominant lactobacilli are replaced with facultative and anaerobic bacteria, including Gardnerella spp. Co-occurrence of multiple species of Gardnerella is common in the vagina, and competition for nutrients such as glycogen likely contributes to the differential abundances of Gardnerella spp. Glycogen must be digested into smaller components for uptake, a process that depends on the combined action of glycogen-degrading enzymes. In this study, the ability of culture supernatants of 15 isolates of Gardnerella spp. to produce glucose, maltose, maltotriose, and maltotetraose from glycogen was demonstrated. Carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) were identified bioinformatically in Gardnerella proteomes using dbCAN2. Identified proteins included a single-domain α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) (encoded by all 15 isolates) and an α-amylase-pullulanase (EC 3.2.1.41) containing amylase, carbohydrate binding modules, and pullulanase domains (14/15 isolates). To verify the sequence-based functional predictions, the amylase and pullulanase domains of the α-amylase-pullulanase and the single-domain α-amylase were each produced in Escherichia coli. The α-amylase domain from the α-amylase-pullulanase released maltose, maltotriose, and maltotetraose from glycogen, and the pullulanase domain released maltotriose from pullulan and maltose from glycogen, demonstrating that the Gardnerella α-amylase-pullulanase is capable of hydrolyzing α-1,4 and α-1,6 glycosidic bonds. Similarly, the single-domain α-amylase protein also produced maltose, maltotriose, and maltotetraose from glycogen. Our findings show that Gardnerella spp. produce extracellular amylase enzymes as “public goods” that can digest glycogen into maltose, maltotriose, and maltotetraose that can be used by the vaginal microbiota. IMPORTANCE Increased abundance of Gardnerella spp. is a diagnostic characteristic of bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance in the human vaginal microbiome associated with troubling symptoms, and negative reproductive health outcomes, including increased transmission of sexually transmitted infections and preterm birth. Competition for nutrients is likely an important factor in causing dramatic shifts in the vaginal microbial community, but little is known about the contribution of bacterial enzymes to the metabolism of glycogen, a major food source available to vaginal bacteria. The significance of our research is characterizing the activity of enzymes conserved in Gardnerella species that contribute to the ability of these bacteria to utilize glycogen.

Optimization of operating conditions in the biological enzymes for efficient waste activated sludge dewatering

Abstract: The sludge dewaterability is essential for waste activated sludge (WAS) treatment and disposal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The biological enzyme conditioning process is a promising method to enhance the dewaterability of WAS. In this study, the optimal conditions in terms of pH, temperature, bio-enzyme dosage, and treatment time for five kinds of biological enzymes (α-amylase, cellulase, acidic protease, neutral protease, and alkaline protease) were investigated. Among them, α-amylase and neutral protease showed good performance in conditional optimization experiments. After biological enzyme conditioning, the sludge supernatant of proteins, polysaccharides, and SCOD contents increased. The sludge water content (Wc) decreased, while the capillary suction time (CST) increased. The optimal conditions for α-amylase were pH 6, 45 ℃ of temperature, 30 mg/g TSS of dosage, and 3 h of treatment time, under which the lowest Wc can reach 68.67%. The optimal conditions for neutral protease were pH 6.5, 40 ℃ of temperature, 30 mg/g TSS of dosage, and 2 h of treatment time, under which the lowest Wc can reach 69.82%. Using biological enzymes is an environmentally friendly conditioning process for efficient WAS dewatering. The optimization of operating conditions in the biological enzymes conditioning process may be beneficial to WAS dewatering and further disposal in actual WWTPs.

Isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria with potential probiotic activity and further investigation of their activity by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitions of fermented batters

Abstract: Probiotic microbiota plays a vital role in gastrointestinal health and possesses other beneficial attributes such as antimicrobial and antibiotic agents along with a significant role in the management of diabetes. The present study identifies the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus spp. isolated from three traditionally fermented foods namely, jalebi, medhu vada, and kallappam batters at biochemical, physiological, and molecular levels. By 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing, the isolates were identified. A similarity of >98% to Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus RAMULAB13, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RAMULAB14, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus RAMULAB15, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei RAMULAB16, Lacticaseibacillus casei RAMULAB17, Lacticaseibacillus casei RAMULAB20, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei RAMULAB21 was suggested when searched for homology using NCBI database. Utilizing the cell-free supernatant (CS), intact cells (IC), and cell-free extract (CE) of the isolates, inhibitory potential activity against the carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes α-glucosidase and α-amylase was assessed. CS, CE, and IC of the isolates had a varying capability of inhibition against α-glucosidase (15.08 to 59.55%) and α-amylase (18.79 to 63.42%) enzymes. To assess the probiotic potential of seven isolates, various preliminary characteristics were examined. All the isolates exhibited substantial tolerance toward gastrointestinal conditions and also demonstrated the highest survival rate (> 99%), hydrophobicity (> 65%), aggregation (> 76%), adherence to HT-29 cells (> 84%), and chicken crop epithelial cells suggesting that the isolates had a high probiotic attribute. Additionally, the strains showed remarkable results in safety assessment assays (DNase and hemolytic), and antibacterial and antibiotic evaluations. The study concludes that the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) characterized possesses outstanding probiotic properties and has antidiabetic effects. In order to obtain various health advantages, LAB can be utilized as probiotic supplements.

Physicochemical and nanomedicine applications of phyto-reduced erbium oxide (Er2O3) nanoparticles

Abstract: Abstract Hyphaene thebaica fruits were used for the fabrication of spherical erbium oxide nanoparticles (HT-Er 2 O 3 NP S ) using a one-step simple bioreduction process. XRD pattern revealed a highly crystalline and pure phase with crystallite size of ~ 7.5 nm, whereas, the W–H plot revealed crystallite size of 11 nm. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic Er-O atomic vibrations in the fingerprint region. Bandgap was obtained as 5.25 eV using K-M function. The physicochemical and morphological nature was established using Raman spectroscopy, reflectance spectroscopy, SAED and HR-TEM. HT-Er 2 O 3 NP S were further evaluated for antidiabetic potential in mice using in-vivo and in-vitro bioassays. The synthesized HT-Er 2 O 3 NP S were screened for in vitro anti-diabetic potentials against α -glucosidase enzyme and α -amylase enzyme and their antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH free radical assay. A dose dependent inhibition was obtained against α -glucosidase (IC 50 12 μg/mL) and α -amylase (IC 50 78 μg/mL) while good DPPH free radical scavenging potential (IC 50 78 μg mL −1 ) is reported. At 1000 μg/mL, the HT-Er 2 O 3 NP S revealed 90.30% and 92.30% inhibition of α -amylase and α -glucosidase enzymes. HT-Er 2 O 3 NPs treated groups were observed to have better glycemic control in diabetic animals (503.66 ± 5.92*** on day 0 and 185.66 ± 2.60*** on day 21) when compared with positive control glibenclamide treated group. Further, HT-Er 2 O 3 NP S therapy for 21 days caused a considerable effect on serum total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL as compared to untreated diabetic group. In conclusion, our preliminary findings on HT-Er 2 O 3 NP S revealed considerable antidiabetic potential and thus can be an effective candidate for controlling the post-prandial hyperglycemia. However, further studies are encouraged especially taking into consideration the toxicity aspects of the nanomaterial.

Preparation of magnetic microcapsules of α-amylase and α-glucosidase for dual-target affinity screening of active components from Toona sinensis

Abstract: Natural products are an important source of drug development and have good prospects in the treatment of many diseases. However, the efficacy of many natural drugs is achieved through multi-targets, which poses a huge obstacle to their development. In this study, a bienzyme microcapsule system based on α-amylase and α-glucosidase was constructed for the ligand fishing of natural compounds. The microcapsules were formed on the surface of calcium carbonate particles by self-polymerization of dopamine, which physically encapsulated iron oxide and α-glucosidase. Then, α-amylase was immobilized on the surface of magnetic material with glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent, and calcium carbonate template was removed by EDTA to form a bienzyme system for affinity screening of active components from Toona sinensis. The results showed that two compounds, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose and quercitrin were affinity screened from the extracts of Toona sinensis. In vitro activity experiment proved that they were α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors, respectively. Moreover, both of them were mixed type inhibitors that can interact with active centers of corresponding enzymes through multiple hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, etc. This study not only proved the effectiveness of the bienzyme system, but also provided a successful example for multi-target screening of natural products.

Synergism of Feeding and Digestion Regulated by the Neuropeptide F System in Ostrinia furnacalis Larvae

Abstract: Feeding is crucial for the growth and survival of animals, including humans, but relatively little is known about how it is regulated. Here, we show that larval feeding in Ostrinia furnacalis is regulated by neuropeptide F (NPF, the homologous peptide of mammalian NPY) via the insulin signalling pathway in the midgut. Furthermore, the genes pi3k and mtor in the insulin pathway positively regulate α-amylase and lipase of the midgut by recruiting the transcription factors c-Myc and PPARγ for binding to the promotors of these two enzymes. Importantly, we find that the feeding behaviour and the digestive system of midgut in O. furnacalis larvae are closely related and interactive in that knocking down α-amylase or lipase induces a reduction in larval feeding, while food-deprived larvae lead to fewer expressions of α-amylase and lipase. Importantly, it is the gut NPF that regulates the α-amylase and lipase, while variations of α-amylase and lipase may feed back to the brain NPF. This current study reveals a molecular feedback mechanism between feeding behaviour and the digestive system that is regulated by the conserved NPF via insulin signalling systems in the midgut of O. furnacalis larvae.

Anti obesity and antibacterial activity of green synthesis of copper nanoparticles by Nigella sativa seeds

Abstract: In this study, the copper nanoparticles were synthesized using various concentrations (5%, 6 %, 8%, and 10%) of Nigella sativa seed extracts, and their antibacterial and antiobesity effect was evaluated. The optimum particle size (98.23 nm) of nanoparticles was obtained at an extract concentration of 8%. FTIR results confirmed the functional groups responsible for copper ion reduction, The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited high antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli having inhibition zone of 25 mm and 24 mm, respectively. Significantly (P < 0.005) percent lipase and amylase inhibition assay of copper nanoparticles confirmed their antiobesity activities.

Antidiabetic Activity of Potential Probiotics Limosilactobacillus spp., Levilactobacillus spp., and Lacticaseibacillus spp. Isolated from Fermented Sugarcane Juice: A Comprehensive In Vitro and In Silico Study

Abstract: Probiotics are regarded as a potential source of functional foods for improving the microbiota in human gut. When consumed, these bacteria can control the metabolism of biomolecules, which has numerous positive effects on health. Our objective was to identify a probiotic putative Lactobacillus spp. from fermented sugarcane juice that can prevent α-glucosidase and α-amylase from hydrolyzing carbohydrates. Isolates from fermented sugarcane juice were subjected to biochemical, molecular characterization (16S rRNA) and assessed for probiotic traits. Cell-free supernatant (CS) and extract (CE) and also intact cells (IC) were examined for the inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and α-amylase. CS of the strain showed the highest inhibition and was subjected to a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis to determine the organic acid profile. The in silico approach was employed to assess organic acid stability and comprehend enzyme inhibitors’ impact. Nine isolates were retained for further investigation based on the preliminary biochemical evaluation. Limosilactobacillus spp., Levilactobacillus spp., and Lacticaseibacillus spp. were identified based on similarity > 95% in homology search (NCBI database). The strains had a higher survival rate (>98%) than gastric and intestinal fluids, also a high capacity for adhesion (hydrophobicity > 56%; aggregation > 80%; HT-29 cells > 54%; buccal epithelial cells > 54%). The hemolytic assay indicated that the isolates could be considered safe. The isolates’ derivatives inhibited enzymes to varying degrees, with α-glucosidase inhibition ranging from 21 to 85% and α-amylase inhibition from 18 to 75%, respectively. The CS of RAMULAB54 was profiled for organic acid that showed the abundance of hydroxycitric acid, citric acid, and lactic acid indicating their role in the observed inhibitory effects. The in silico approach has led us to understand that hydroxycitric acid has the ability to inhibit both the enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) effectively. Inhibiting these enzymes helps moderate postprandial hyperglycemia and regulates blood glucose levels. Due to their promising antidiabetic potential, these isolates can be used to enhance intestinal health.

Fermented Chinese Herbal Medicine Promoted Growth Performance, Intestinal Health, and Regulated Bacterial Microbiota of Weaned Piglets

Abstract: Simple Summary Fermented Chinese herbs can be used as a natural additive in the diet of weaned pigs, and they can play an important role in regulating microbial flora and intestinal health. This study aimed to investigate fermented Chinese herb supplementation in newly weaned piglets’ diets and its effects on intestinal microbial composition and growth performance. Studies have found that dietary supplementation of fermented Chinese herbs can promote intestinal health and improve growth performance of weaned piglets by regulating intestinal flora. Abstract To investigate the effects of fermented Chinese herbal medicine on growth performance, diarrhea rate, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal health of weaned piglets, and to provide the theoretical basis for applying fermented Chinese herbal medicines to weaned piglet production, a total of 162 weaned and castrated piglets at 25 days of age (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, half male and half female) with an initial body weight of 7.77 ± 0.03 kg were randomly divided into the following three groups according to the principle of similar body weight: basal diet (CON) group, basal diet + 3 kg/t fermented Chinese herbal medicine (LFHM) group, and basal diet + 5 g/kg fermented Chinese herbal medicine (HFHM) group. Each group underwent six replicates and there were nine piglets in each replicate. The experiment lasted 24 days, i.e., 3 days for preliminary feeding, and 21 days for the experiment. From Day 1 of the experiment, the piglets were observed and recorded for diarrhea each day. As compared with the CON group, the results indicated: Following the addition of fermented Chinese herbal medicine, the piglets in the LFHM and HFHM groups increased final weight (FW); average daily feed intake (ADFI); average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.01); apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) (p < 0.05); as well as chymotrypsin, α-amylase, and lipase activities (p < 0.01). In addition, α-amylase activity in the LFHM group was higher than that in the HFHM group (p < 0.05); chymotrypsin activity in the LFHM group was lower than that in the HFHM group (p < 0.05); as compared with the CON group, the LFHM and the HFHM increased villus height (VH) and crypt depth (CD) in piglet jejunum; isovaleric acid concentration with the HFHM was higher than those with the CON and the LFHM (p < 0.05), but butyrate concentration with the HFFM was lower than those with the CON and the LFHM (p < 0.05). The high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing of intestinal microbiota results showed that the LFHM and the HFHM affected the microbial α diversity index in weaned piglet colon (p < 0.01). In conclusion, fermented Chinese herbs can improve the growth performance of weaned piglets by promoting the secretion of intestinal digestive enzymes, changing intestinal microbial diversity, regulating the contents of intestinal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), promoting intestinal health, and improving nutrients digestibility.

In-silico and In-vitro Evaluation of the Anti-diabetic Potential of p-Propoxybenzoic Acid

Abstract: Background: p-propoxybenzoic acid (p-PBA) is reported as an active chemical constituent of medicinal plants that possess anti-diabetic activity. It is termed a Multiple-Designed Ligand (MDL) having the ability to block more than one enzyme. A molecular docking study justifies the binding ability of p-PBA with acarbose and NaVO4 which were considered standard compounds having the ability to block target enzymes. α-amylase inhibition assay was used as an in-vitro screening model to evaluate the activity of p-PBA against diabetes on an initial basis. Methods: For the molecular docking study, a PDB file of p-PBA was prepared and PDB files of α-amylase (1C8Q), α-glucosidase (5KZW) and PTP1B (5K9W) were procured. p-PBA was docked against the enzymes using the blind docking method. The binding score of p-PBA and standard with enzymes was obtained and compared. The percentage inhibition of an α-amylase enzyme by p-PBA was measured by using a DNS-modified α-amylase inhibition assay and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. Results: p-PBA has a significant inhibitory effect against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and PTP1B with docking scores of 8.43 ± 0.44 kcal/mol, 9.19 ± 0.49 kcal/mol, and 9.40 ± 0.47 kcal/mol respectively. IC50calculated from the results of α-amylase inhibition assay p-PBA was 56.59 μg/mL. Conclusion: A combination of in-silico and in-vitro methods assessed p-PBA’s anti-diabetic potential on an initial basis. A molecular docking study involving p-PBA concluded the affinity of p-PBA to α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and PTP1B was significantly correlated with the affinity of acarbose and NaVO4. In-vitro α-amylase assay validated the compound’s inhibitory action against the enzyme.

Prebiotic properties of isomaltooligosaccharides from cassava as a potential ingredient in high-protein drinks for athletes

Abstract: Background: Studies show that prebiotics can improve the health of athletes. Isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) is a food ingredient containing prebiotic properties.Objectives: The purpose of the study is to examine the prebiotic properties of isomaltooligosaccharides based on digestibility of in vitro under-simulated upper-gut conditions and a prebiotic activity score. Additionally, the study explores the potential to use IMO as an ingredient for high protein drinks.Methods: IMO powder from cassava starch was prepared through enzymatic methods. The prebiotic properties of IMO were evaluated based on in vitro digestibility and a prebiotic activity score. Researchers assessed the digestibility of in vitro in simulated upper-gastrointestinal-tract conditions, consisting of mouth digestion, gastric digestion, and small-intestine digestion. The study calculated the probiotic activity score according to the number of growing beneficial and harmful bacteria. Finally, researchers determined the potential to use IMO as an ingredient for developing high-protein drink products.Results:The digestion of IMO by simulated salivary fluid using human salivary α-amylase for 2 min, artificial human gastric juice at pH 2.0 for two hours, intestinal fluid with pancreatic α-amylase (0.75 unit/mL), and pancreatic lipase (1.6 unit/mL) for two hours with a pH of 6.9 and a temperature of 37 oC were 1.54±0.33%, 9.19±0.64%, and 33.27±4.09%, respectively. Comparing the results with commercial isomaltooligosaccharide (cIMO), researchers found that the percentage of digestion differed significantly. Prebiotic activity scores of IMO for L. rhamnosus LGG®, L. paracasei CASEI 431®, L. acidophilus LA 5, B. longum DSM 219, B. animalis subsp. BB12® and B. bifidum BB536 were 0.477±0.07, 2.197±0.58, -0.058±0.16, 1.660±0.63, 0.801±0.59 and 1.179±0.05, respectively. Notably, the results were not significant when compared to cIMO. Researchers measured the nutritional formula in a high-protein drink containing IMO at 40 g (30 g protein) and the total serving at 148 kcal. For macronutrient distribution, the ratio of protein, carbohydrate, and fat in the product is 81:19:0. Micronutrients were added, comprising of 0-50% Thai RDI. Finally, the product also met relevant standards for the microbial quality of food products in powdered form. Conclusion:IMO from cassava was partially resistant to in vitro digestion under simulated upper-gastrointestinal conditions and promoted the growth of probiotic bacteria. Moreover, powdered IMO can be used as an ingredient for high-protein drink products.Keywords: prebiotic, probiotic, high protein drinking, athletes, IMO

Mineral Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Anti-Urease and Anti-α-Amylase Activities of the Unripe Fruit Extracts of Pistacia atlantica

Abstract: Pistacia Atlantica in folk medicine is used by Algerian traditional healers for treating a wide variety of diseases and conditions including dyspepsia, digestive problems, peptic ulcers, and, in particular, inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to assess the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity (using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS+, and reducing power methods), enzyme inhibitory activity (towards α-amylase and urease), antibacterial activity, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the unripe fruit extracts of Pistacia atlantica collected from different parts of the Djelfa region of Algeria. According to the findings, various aqueous extracts exhibited significant antioxidant and enzymatic activities in all tests, but showed that they have a weak inhibitory effect against all tested bacterial strains. Twenty-one minerals comprising both macro- and microelements (Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th, U, and Zn) were determined using the technique of neutron activation analysis (INAA). The result indicates that the concentration of the mineral element is close to the minimal FAO recommendation. In addition, the result revealed significant anti-inflammatory activities. The data generated can be a valuable source of information for the pharmaceutical industry and medical research. These results suggest that the unripe fruit extracts of Pistacia atlantica have an appropriate potential to be utilized across a wide range of contexts as an agent with multifunctional uses, as well as a natural remedy for other physiological diseases.

Methionine-Mediated Regulation of Intestinal Lipid Transportation Induced by High-Fat Diet in Rice Field Eel (Monopterus Albus)

Abstract: An eight-week feeding trial explored the mechanism that supplemented methionine (0 g/kg, 4 g/kg, 8 g/kg, and 12 g/kg) in a high-fat diet (120 g/kg fat) on intestinal lipid transportation and gut microbiota of M. Albus (initial weight 25.03 ± 0.13 g) based on the diet (60 g/kg fat), named as Con, HFD+M0, HFD+M4, HFD+M8, and HFD+M12, respectively. Compared with Con, gastric amylase, lipase, trypsin (P < 0.05), and intestinal lipase, amylase, trypsin, Na+/K+ -Adenosinetriphosphatase, depth of gastric fovea, and the number of intestinal villus goblet cells of HFD+M0 were markedly declined (P < 0.05), while intestinal high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein of HFD+M0 were markedly enhanced (P < 0.05); compared with HFD+M0, gastric lipase, amylase, trypsin, and intestinal lipase, trypsin, Na+/K+ -Adenosinetriphosphatase, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and apolipoprotein -A, the height of intestinal villus and the number of intestinal villus goblet cells of HFD+M8 were remarkably enhanced (P < 0.05). Compared with Con, intestinal occ, cl12, cl15, zo-1, zo-2 of HFD + M0 were markedly down-regulated (P <0.05), while intestinal vldlr, npc1l1, cd36, fatp1, fatp2, fatp6, fatp7, apo, apoa, apob, apof, apoo, mct1, mct2, mct4, mct7, mct12, lpl, mttp, moat2, dgat2 of HFD M0 were remarkably upregulated (P < 0.05); compared with HFD+M0, intestinal gcn2 and eif2α of HFD+M8 were remarkably downregulated (P < 0.05), intestinal occ, cl12, cl15, zo-1, zo-2, hdlbp, ldlrap, vldlr, cd36, fatp1, fatp2, fatp6, apo, apoa, apob, apof, apoo, mct1, mct2, mct8, mct12, lpl, mttp, moat2, and dgat2 were remarkably upregulated (P < 0.05). Compared with Con, the diversity of gut microbiota of HFD+M0 was significantly declined (P < 0.05), while the diversity of gut microbiota in HFD+M8 was significantly higher than that in HFD+M0 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a high-fat methionine deficiency diet destroyed the intestinal barrier, reduced the capacity of intestinal digestion and absorption, and disrupted the balance of gut microbiota; supplemented methionine promoted the digestion and absorption of lipids, and also improved the balance of gut microbiota.

Bacillus species in food fermentations: an under-appreciated group of organisms for safe use in food fermentations

Abstract: Fermented foods are consumed throughout the world and substantially contribute to food security. Many fermented products rely on the participation of Bacillus species, but their contribution to food quality is not well documented. The purpose of this review is to highlight metabolic properties that relate to food quality and food safety. Most fermented foods that include Bacillus species use legumes or tubers as substrate and are traditionally prepared in East Asia, Africa, and South America. In food fermentations, Bacillus species produce amylases and proteases, extracellular polysaccharides and polypeptides, and lipopeptides with antimicrobial activity. The metabolic traits of bacilli also provide opportunities for use in food fermentations in which they do not traditionally occur.

Molecular Modeling and Synthesis of Indoline-2,3-dione-Based Benzene Sulfonamide Derivatives and Their Inhibitory Activity against α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Enzymes

Abstract: Diabetes is also known as a critical and noisy disease. Hyperglycemia, that is, increased blood glucose level is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes, and over a period of time can cause serious effects on health such as blood vessel damage and nervous system damage. However, many attempts have been made to find suitable and beneficial solutions to overcome diabetes. Considering this fact, we synthesized a novel series of indoline-2,3-dione-based benzene sulfonamide derivatives and evaluated them against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. Out of the synthesized sixteen compounds (1–16), only three compounds showed better results; the IC50 value was in the range of 12.70 ± 0.20 to 0.90 ± 0.10 μM for α-glucosidase against acarbose 11.50 ± 0.30 μM and 14.90 ± 0.20 to 1.10 ± 0.10 μM for α-amylase against acarbose 12.20 ± 0.30 μM. Among the series, only three compounds showed better inhibitory potential such as analogues 11 (0.90 ± 0.10 μM for α-glucosidase and 1.10 ± 0.10 μM for α-amylase), 1 (1.10 ± 0.10 μM for α-glucosidase and 1.30 ± 0.10 μM for α-amylase), and 6 (1.20 ± 0.10 μM for α-glucosidase and 1.60 ± 0.10 μM for α-amylase). Molecular modeling was performed to determine the binding affinity of active interacting residues against these enzymes, and it was found that benzenesulfonohydrazide derivatives can be indexed as suitable inhibitors for diabetes mellitus.

Immobilization of alpha-amylase (Termamyl® 2X) in Duolite® A-568 resin

Abstract: The immobilization process of the enzyme α-amylase, Termamyl® 2X, in ion exchange resin, Duolite® A-568, was studied. First, a Central Composite Design (CCD) evaluated the influence of pH, immobilization time, and enzyme concentration on the activity of the immobilized enzyme (IA) and recovered activity (RA). A second CCD evaluated the influence of glutaraldehyde concentration and the crosslinking time on the responses IA, RA, and immobilization efficiency (Ef). At pH 4.82, 15 min of immobilization time, and an enzyme concentration of 0.878% v/v, the first CCD revealed a better result for IA (77.70U/g of support) than the one obtained from immobilization by crosslinking (35.66U/g of support). At the same time, RA was very similar for both enzyme immobilization processes. The crosslinked immobilized enzyme showed optimal activity at pH 7 and the addition of glutaraldehyde was not so significant for the immobilized biocatalyst.