Biotechnological Aspects Research Articles

Unraveling the Biosynthetic Logic Behind the Production of Ramoplanin and Related Lipodepsipeptide Antibiotics

This review focuses on the genetic and biotechnological aspects of the biosynthesis of ramoplanin (Rmp), enduracidin (End), and other related lipodepsipeptide antibiotics, herein named collectively ramoplanin and ramoplanin-related lipodepsipeptide (RRLDPs). These compounds exhibit a promising antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacterial pathogens, showing no cross-resistance with vancomycin. Rmp is in clinical development for human treatment and End has been used as animal growth promoter for decades. Other RRLDPs as ramoplanose and janiemycin had been poorly investigated in the past, whereas new molecules as chersinamycin have been recently discovered, attracting a renewed interest in this class of antibiotics. Nowadays, sequence and annotation of the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) of Rmp, End, and several other RRLDPs are available, and researchers are focused on understanding the biosynthetic logic behind the production of these compounds. Interestingly, producers of Rmp and chersinamycin belong to the so-called “non-common” actinomycetes from the family Micromonosporaceae, whereas End is produced by different members of the genus Streptomyces. To the best of our knowledge, no reviews summarize and systematize the current information on the biosynthesis of RRLDPs. Therefore, in this review, we aim to fill this gap. We first describe and compare the BGCs for known RRLDPs, giving an insight on how they were discovered and developed. Next, we review the biosynthetic pathways of these antibiotics, as well as the regulation of their biosynthesis. Then, we focus on the production processes of RRLDPs, demonstrating how cultivation and nutritional factors influence their production. Finally, we provide a short outline of future directions in studying RRLDPs.

Microalgae-based sunscreens as green and sustainable cosmetic products.

Recently, microalgal biotechnology has attained great acceptance among various researchers and industries for the green and sustainable production of different bioactive compounds. They provide multiple metabolites and molecules, making them an ideal candidate for cosmetic formulators and cosmeceutical companies. Nevertheless, numerous microalgae strains have never been studied for their pharmaceutical, nutritional and cosmeceutical purposes. Even less, only some have been cultivated on a large scale for bioactive compound production. Here, we have studied the cosmetic and cosmeceutical potentials of different microalgal strains for sunscreen as adjuvants and boosters in a green, carbon-neutral and sustainable platform. Other bioactive compounds were exploited, and the available products in the market and the published patents were also reviewed. From our review, it will be possible to combine the fundamental and practical aspects of microalgal biotechnology toward a greener and more sustainable future for the cosmetic/cosmeceutical areas of the photoprotection scenario.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT AND ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGAL BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE LATIN AMERICAS: I-OPPORTUNITIES IN A GLOBALAGRICULTURE

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have been used as insect biocontrol agents separately and in integrated pest management (1PM) worldwide including in the Latin Americas. The proper use of these agents along with other elements and concepts of 1PM has significant impact on the provision of crops. fruits and other agricultura! products Entomopathogenic fungi can play a significant role in the preservation of the natural delicate balance of beneficia! biota and their active spreading from the surrounding natural habitats, such as the tropical rain forest, the humid cloudy forest in the Andes and other important ecosystems, to the agricultura} lands in Central and South America. Of ali known EPF, there are only about half a dozen for which prerequisite aspects of fungal biotechnology for industrial R and D are in place. Because of its precedent setting leadership in the use ofEPF in 1PM and agroecological practices, LatinAmerica stands to gain irnrnensely here and more so if the concept of rational design of bioinsecticides (RADBIO) is employed. The future prospects will depend on a balance of discovery research coupled to a strong and dependable industrialization effort to develop the framework for illustrating public acceptance, commercialization potential and widespread use of EPF in 1PM. The potential for the next generation of mycoinsecticides is now loorning on the horizon.

Genetic engineering and genome editing technologies as catalyst for Africa's food security: the case of plant biotechnology in Nigeria.

Many African countries are unable to meet the food demands of their growing population and the situation is worsened by climate change and disease outbreaks. This issue of food insecurity may lead to a crisis of epic proportion if effective measures are not in place to make more food available. Thus, deploying biotechnology towards the improvement of existing crop varieties for tolerance or resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses is crucial to increasing crop production. In order to optimize crop production, several African countries have implemented strategies to make the most of this innovative technology. For example, Nigerian government has implemented the National Biotechnology Policy to facilitate capacity building, research, bioresource development and commercialization of biotechnology products for over twodecades. Several government ministries, research centers, universities, and agencies have worked together to implement the policy, resulting in the release of some genetically modified crops to farmers for cultivation and Commercialization, which is a significant accomplishment. However, the transgenic crops were only brought to Nigeria for confined field trials; the manufacturing of the transgenic crops took place outside the country. This may have contributed to the suspicion of pressure groups and embolden proponents of biotechnology as an alien technology. Likewise, this may also be the underlying issue preventing the adoption of biotechnology products in other African countries. It is therefore necessary that African universities develop capacity in various aspects of biotechnology, to continuously train indigenous scientists who can generate innovative ideas tailored towards solving problems that are peculiar to respective country. Therefore, this study intends to establish the role of genetic engineering and genome editing towards the achievement of food security in Africa while using Nigeria as a case study. In our opinion, biotechnology approaches will not only complement conventional breeding methods in the pursuit of crop improvements, but it remains a viable and sustainable means of tackling specific issues hindering optimal crop production. Furthermore, we suggest that financial institutions should offer low-interest loans to new businesses. In order to promote the growth of biotechnology products, especially through the creation of jobs and revenues through molecular farming.

Emerging trends in POME treatment and applications: chemical and biotechnological aspects

Globally, environmental challenges are growing more and more significant. Changes in soil have been caused by the years-long discharge and careless disposal of palm oil mill effluent (POME). A systematic review explored emerging trends in POME treatment and applications, with a focus on recent, innovative methods for POME treatment with biological and chemical treatment technologies, chemical and biotechnological approaches. The review highlighted several key findings, including the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these approaches, their ability to reduce environmental impacts, and their potential to recover resources such as energy and nutrients. Quantitative information on the efficacy of these approaches was also provided. Based on these findings, the review concludes that the aforementioned approaches can significantly improve POME treatment and offer a promising way to reduce environmental impacts and recover resources. However, further research is needed to optimize and scale up these approaches, as well as to assess their long-term sustainability. In addition, it is important to consider the social, economic, and environmental factors that may affect the successful implementation of these approaches.

Preface

The 6th International Conference on Food and Agriculture (ICoFA) Introduction of ICoFA 2023 Dear colleagues,We are glad to announce the release of the 6th International Conference of Food and Agriculture (ICOFA-2023). The ICOFA is an annual conference organized primarily by Politeknik Negeri Jember. This year the theme of our conference is “Enhancing a Sustainable Future For Food and Agriculture’s Technology In Saving The Planet”Surely, we plan to conduct this conference physically and virtually (hybrid). However, due to the new normal working methods based on “Work From Anywhere (WFA)”, the 6th ICOFA 2023 was carried out physically and virtually via the Zoom meeting platform. We took this option because this conference was already designated and funded. Keynote and invited speakers were also scheduled for this event. Many delegations and authors requested for this conference to be performed since they needed it to cover their publication and sharing knowledge requirements.The key directions of the conference covered the discussion of advanced achievements and touched upon the main aspects of agriculture engineering and biotechnology, organic agriculture, animal science related to food, food science and technology, food safety, food security, and sovereignty, IT for agriculture, renewable and novel energy sources, and socioeconomics related to food and agriculture.The conference was run as planned on 18th - 19th November 2023 and supported by a hybrid event organizer started from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. The conference model are Plenary session with keynotes (40 minutes for each keynote speech) and participants’ presentations (20 minutes for each presentation). A total of 164 participants from Universities, Research Institutes, and also Government Departments attended the conference in over seven countries Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Morocco, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States.Our honorable speakers were Prof. Dr. Ir. Nanang Dwi Wahyono, M.M from Politeknik Negeri Jember, Indonesia; Prof. Ir. Dyah Maharani, S.Pt., M.P., Ph.D. from Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia; Prof. Dr. Said Ziani from ENSAM Mohammed V University, Morocco; Prof. Benny Tjahjono, B. Eng., M.Sc., Ph.D. from Coventry University, UK; Dr. Nishu Gupta from Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway; and Dr. Md. Faisal Kabir from CARE Bangladesh.An amount of 153 full papers was submitted to the 6th ICOFA 2023. After a pre-review on originality and language, the peer review process was arranged by the Editorial Committee, and 74 manuscripts were selected for publication in the IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (EES).We also wish to thank to keynote speaker, invite speakers, presenters and participants, and all authors for their contributions to the 6th ICOFA 2023 and to colleague members of the organizing committee, please accept my deep appreciation for your hard work in ensuring the success of the conference. Editor-in-Chief, 6th ICOFA 2023 Dr. Ir. Hariadi Subagja, S.Pt., MSi., IPM List of Scientific Committee the 6th ICOFA 2023, Technical Committee the 6th and Conference Photograph the 6th ICOFA 2023 are available in this pdf.

Prospects of Plant Derived Bioactive Compounds as Nanoparticles for Biotechnological Applications.

Nanoparticles bestow beneficial impacts on plants, specifically in increasing photosynthetic capacity and germination rate, pesticide delivery, managing pathogenicity and enhancing nutrient supply. The nanoparticles produced from the medicinal plant extracts are identified as an exceptional applicant in nanomedicine, cosmetics, and agriculture for the treatment of diseases as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer agents, etc. Plant extracts actually have bioactive metabolites that provide therapeutic potential against a variety of diseases. Herein, we review the production of bioactive compounds from leaves, roots, seeds, flowers and stems. We further summarize the different methods for obtaining plant extracts and the green technologies for the synthesis of nanoparticles of plant derived bioactive compounds. Biotechnological aspects of these synthesized nanoparticles are also added here as highlights of this review. Overall, plant derived nanoparticles provide an alternative to conventional approaches for drug delivery as well and present exciting opportunities for future research on novel areas.

Characterization and identification of long-chain hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial communities in long-term chronically polluted soil in Ogoniland: an integrated approach using culture-dependent and independent methods

Escalating oil consumption has resulted in an increase in accidental spills of petroleum hydrocarbons, causing severe environmental degradation, notably in vulnerable regions like the Niger Delta. Complex mixture of these hydrocarbons particularly long-chain alkanes presents unique challenges in restoration of polluted environment due to their chemical properties. This study aimed to investigate the long-chain hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial communities within long-term chronically polluted soil in Ogoniland, by utilizing both traditional cultivation methods and modern culture-independent techniques. Results revealed that surface-polluted soil (SPS) and subsurface soil (SPSS) exhibit significantly higher total organic carbon (TOC) ranging from 5.64 to 5.06% and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) levels ranging from 36,775 ppm to 14,087 ppm, compared to unpolluted soil (UPS) with 1.97% TOC and 479 ppm TPH, respectively. Analysis of carbon chain lengths reveals the prevalence of longer-chain alkanes (C20-28) in the surface soil. Culture-dependent methods, utilizing crude oil enrichment (COE) and paraffin wax enrichment (PWE), yield 47 bacterial isolates subjected to a long-chain alkane degradation assay. Twelve bacterial strains demonstrate significant degradation abilities across all enriched media. Three bacterial members, namely Pseudomonas sp. (almA), Marinomonas sp. (almA), and Alteromonas (ladA), exhibit genes responsible for long-chain alkane degradation, demonstrating efficiency between 50 and 80%. Culture-independent analysis reveals that surface SPS samples exhibit greater species richness and diversity compared to subsurface SPSS samples. Proteobacteria dominates as the phylum in both soil sample types, ranging from 22.23 to 82.61%, with Firmicutes (0.2–2.22%), Actinobacteria (0.4–3.02%), and Acidobacteria (0.1–3.53%) also prevalent. Bacterial profiles at genus level revealed that distinct variations among bacterial populations between SPS and SPSS samples comprising number of hydrocarbon degraders and the functional predictions also highlight the presence of potential catabolic genes (nahAa, adh2, and cpnA) in the polluted soil. However, culture-dependent analysis only captured a few of the dominant members found in culture-independent analysis, implying that more specialized media or environments are needed to isolate more bacterial members. The findings from this study contribute valuable information to ecological and biotechnological aspects, aiding in the development of more effective bioremediation applications for restoring oil-contaminated environments.

FIRST REPORT ON TRUFFLE-INHABITING FUNGI AND METAGENOMIC COMMUNITIES OF TUBER AESTIVUM COLLECTED IN RUSSIA

Truffles are one of the least studied groups of fungi in terms of their biological and biotechnological aspects. This study aimed to isolate truffle-inhabiting fungi and assess the metagenomic communities of the most common Russian summer truffle, Tuber aestivum. This study is the first to characterize the biodiversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms living in the truffle T. aestivum using molecular analysis and sequencing. Plant pathogens involved in a symbiotic relationship with truffles were identified by sequencing the hypervariable fragments of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes. In addition, some strains of fungal symbionts and likely pathogens were isolated and recognized for the first time from the truffles. This study also compared and characterized the general diversity and distribution of microbial taxa of T. aestivum collected in Russia and Europe. The results revealed that the Russian and European truffle study materials demonstrated high similarity. In addition to the truffles, representatives of bacteria, fungi, and protists were found in the fruiting bodies. Many of these prokaryotic and eukaryotic species inhabiting truffles might influence them, help them form mycorrhizae with trees, and regulate biological processes. Thus, truffles are interesting and promising sources for modern biotechnological and agricultural studies.

Biotechnological aspects of the working-out and manufacturing of living bone equivalent

Objective. To handle biotechnological aspects in manufacturing processes of three-dimensional living bone equivalent for restoration of critical sized bone defects for innovative treatment of combat-related casualties. Methods. To fabricate living bone equivalent we used devitalized xenogeneic bone scaffolds (DBM chips) and autologous fibrin hydrogel seeded with autologous cultured bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs). Quality/identity control of cell cultures was assured by donor and cell culture infection screening (IFA, PCR), flow cytometry (cell phenotype), karyotyping (GTG banding), functional assays (CFU assay, multilineage differentiation assay). Results. The BM-MSC cultures had a normal karyotype and appropriate phenotype, multilinear differentiation potential and functional properties, appropriate CFU frequency and hadn’t any signs of cell senescence. The FDA/PI combined staining showed the demineralized bone chips’ regular seeding with viable cells. Conclusions. An actual regenerative medicine approach to organ-saving transplantation of the three-dimensional living bone equivalent for combat-related casualties requires further preclinical and clinical approbation for thorough studies on the bone integrity restoration, forming new bone tissue in a site of bone defect, and duration of rehabilitation period compared to the gold standard of the conventional bone defect cure.

Dynamics of terminal fraying-peeling and hydrogen bonds dictates the sequential vs. cooperative melting pathways of nanoscale DNA and PNA triplexes.

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are charge-neutral synthetic DNA/RNA analogues. In many aspects of biology and biotechnology, the details of DNA and PNA melting reaction coordinates are crucial, and their associative/dissociative details remain inadequately understood. In the current study, we have attempted to gain insights into comparative melting pathways and binding affinity of iso-sequences of an 18-mer PNA-DNA-PNA triplex and the analogous DNA-DNA-DNA triplex, and DNA-DNA and PNA-DNA duplexes. It is intriguing that while the DNA-DNA-DNA triplex melts in two sequential steps, the PNA-DNA-PNA triplex melts in a single step and the mechanistic aspects for this difference are still not clear. We report an all-atom molecular dynamics simulation of both complexes in the temperature range of 300 to 500 K with 20 K intervals. Based on the trajectory analysis, we provide evidence that the association and dissociation are dictated by the differences in fraying-peeling effects from either terminus to the center in a zipper pattern among the PNA-DNA-PNA triplex and DNA-DNA-DNA triplexes. These are shown to be governed by the different characteristics of H-bonding, RMSD, and Free Energy Landscape (FEL) as analyzed by PCA, leading to the DNA-DNA-DNA triplex exhibiting sequential melting, while the PNA-DNA-PNA triplex shows cooperative melting of the whole fragment in a single-step. The PNA-DNA-PNA triplex base pairs are thermodynamically more stable than the DNA-DNA-DNA triplex, with the binding affinity of PNA-TFO to the PNA : DNA duplex being higher than that of DNA-TFO to the DNA : DNA duplex. The investigation of the association/dissociation of PNA-TFO to the PNA-DNA duplex has relevance and importance in the emerging effective applications of oligonucleotide therapy.

Selection of Starter from Decaying Oranges and Pineapple for Bioethanol Production

Screening of yeasts for bioethanol production is an important aspect of industrial microbiology and biotechnology. Optimal yeast nutrition also requires availability of nutrients allowing for growth and ethanol production and ability to withstand the increasing concentration of the medium during fermentation. This study seeks to use appropriate methods to isolate, characterize and identify yeasts isolates with essential attributes for bioethanol production. Microbiological and Physicochemical assessment of the isolated strains was carried out on yeast maintenance media for the determination of ethanol, temperature and salt tolerance ability, growth at different pH and temperature, chloramphenicol and nalidixic acid test, determination of killer toxins production capacity of yeast, nitrate and carbon assimilation and sugar fermentation tests were carried out to select the best starter for production.
 Fifteen yeasts were isolated belonging to the genera Saccharomyces, Candida, Rhodotorula, Kluvyreomyces, Trichosporon, Pichia. S. cerevisae and K. marxianus showed efficient physico-chemical attributes. Proximate analysis of fruits juice showed a moisture content between 81.83 – 86.37%, crude protein 1.33 – 2.00%, Ash 0.73 – 0.83%, carbohydrate 11.87 – 15.67% and Ether 0.1 – 0.5%. The total sugar ranged from 1.83 – 13.17, equal mixture of oranges and pineapple juice showed a sugar content of 15 which reduced during fermentation while the alcohol content increased. Organisms were able to tolerate a percentage of 4-30% ethanol content, tolerating 15% sodium chloride which is an index of osmotolerance. At higher concentration, growth reduced, organisms produced catalase, reduced nitrate and showed a variation in utilization of different sugars.
 At the end of the screening, S. cerevisiae and K. marxianus showed the best attribute essential for bioethanol production and were chosen as starters. The ability of the selected yeast isolates to produce Killer toxins against E. coli showed a negative result. Antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out on the selected yeast isolates using chloramphenicol and nalidixic and the two organisms were resistant to the antibiotics tested.
 The ability of the organisms to grow in changing environmental conditions and ethanol tolerance are attributes essential for production while Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed the highest attribute followed by Kluveromyces marxinus. This study concluded that Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be employed as starter in the industry for the production of bioethanol and in the conversion of agricultural waste to wealth.

Relevances of Ethnobotanical, Chemical and Biotechnological Aspects of Andiroba (Carapa spp.) As a Source of Applications in Strategic Sectors. Review

Objective: This study sought to synthesize in the form of a literature review three aspects widely studied in relation to andiroba and its impacts on the science and oncology sectors. Theoretical framework: Because andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl) is widely used in popular medicine, it has led to the emergence of studies investigating its uses, followed by chemical characterization, and more recently with a biotechnological product, which gives the plant an important role. Method: A survey of the literature was applied, observing three points, which were ethnobotanical, chemical and biotechnological aspects that together comprise the strategic sectors of andiroba studies. Results and conclusion: The diversity of molecules already discovered, such as fatty acids and limonoids, which show that this plant is a powerful source of new substances with chemical and biological potential, and also their use for the development of plant biotechnology, which indicates new potential uses for andiroba to generate new materials and products. Implications of the research: It can be considered that the application of more advanced studies towards the generation of products from andiroba inputs still occurs as a result of the little appreciation of the potential of this species within the industry, especially the pharmaceutical industry. Originality/value: This study analyzes not only aspects that are commonly discussed about andiroba, which are the botanical aspects of the species, but also the characteristics of the plant.

Preface: 4th International Symposium on the Frontiers of Biotechnology and Bioengineering (FBB 2023)

This proceeding includes original and peer-reviewed research papers from the 4th International Symposium on the Frontiers of Biotechnology and Bioengineering (FBB 2023: http://www.fbbconf.org/), in Hong Kong, China during October 14-15, 2023.
 For thousands of years, humankind has used biotechnology in agriculture, food production, and medicine. Biotechnology is the research and development in the laboratory using bioinformatics for exploration, extraction, exploitation and production from any living organisms and any source of biomass by means of biochemical engineering. Bioengineering is the application of the principles of engineering and natural sciences to tissues, cells and molecules. FBB aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Biotechnology and Bioengineering. It also provides a platform for academic scientists, researchers and research scholars, doctors, doctoral students and related professionals to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Biotechnology and Bioengineering. All authors and participants are kindly encouraged to contribute to and help shape the conference through submissions of their research abstracts, papers and posters.
 FBB 2023 received 57 submissions, and more than 20 of them had been accepted by our reviewers in FBB 2023. By submitting a paper to FBB 2023, the authors agreed to the review process and understood that papers undergo a peer-review process. Manuscripts were reviewed by appropriately qualified experts in the field selected by the Conference Committee, who gave detailed comments and-if the submission was accepted the authors would submit a revised version that took into account this feedback. All papers were reviewed using a double-blind review process: authors declared their names and affiliations in the manuscript for the reviewers to see, but reviewers did not know each other’s identities, nor did the authors receive information about who had reviewed their manuscript. The Committees of FBB 2023 invested great efforts in reviewing the papers submitted to the conference and organizing the sessions to enable the participants to gain maximum benefit.
 Hopefully, all participants and other interested readers will benefit scientifically from the proceedings and also find it stimulating in the process.
 With our warmest regards,
 F. C. Cheuk, Lv Yang
 Conference Organizing Chair

Microalgae-based domestic wastewater treatment: a review of biological aspects, bioremediation potential, and biomass production with biotechnological high-value.

This review aims to perform an updated bibliographical survey on the cultivation of microalgae in domestic wastewater with a focus on biotechnological aspects. It was verified that the largest number of researches developed was about cultures in microalgae-bacteria consortium and mixed cultures of microalgae, followed by researches referring to the species Chlorella vulgaris and to the family Scenedesmaceae. According to published studies, these microorganisms are efficient in the biological treatment of domestic wastewater, as well as in the production of high value-added biomass, as they are capable of biosorbing the organic and inorganic compounds present in the culture medium, thus generating cells with high levels of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. These compounds are of great importance for different industry sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and also for agriculture and aquaculture. In addition, biomolecules produced by microalgae can be extracted for several biotechnological applications; however, most studies focus on the production of biofuels, with biodiesel being the main one. There are also other emerging applications that still require more in-depth research, such as the use of biomass as a biofertilizer and biostimulant in the production of bioplastic. Therefore, it is concluded that the cultivation of microalgae in domestic wastewater is a sustainable way to promote effluent bioremediation and produce valuable biomass for the biobased industry, contributing to the development of technology for the green economy.

Author correction: Application of Aroma Precursors in Food Plant Raw Materials: Biotechnological Aspect

Corretion to: Innovative Biosystems and Bioengineering https://doi.org/10.20535/ibb.2022.6.3-4.267094, publishedin vol. 6, no. 3-4, 2022 The original version of this Article lack the information about Funding. This information has been added in the apptopriate section. The original Article has been corrected.

Bicyclo[3.2.0]carbocyclic Molecules and Redox Biotransformations: The Evolution of Closed-Loop Artificial Linear Biocatalytic Cascades and Related Redox-Neutral Systems.

The role of cofactor recycling in determining the efficiency of artificial biocatalytic cascades has become paramount in recent years. Closed-loop cofactor recycling, which initially emerged in the 1990s, has made a valuable contribution to the development of this aspect of biotechnology. However, the evolution of redox-neutral closed-loop cofactor recycling has a longer history that has been integrally linked to the enzymology of oxy-functionalised bicyclo[3.2.0]carbocyclic molecule metabolism throughout. This review traces that relevant history from the mid-1960s to current times.

Биотехнологические аспекты производства творожных продуктов для специализированного питания

The biotechnological aspects of fermentation of an effective food system enriched with milk protein for its use as a dairy base of a cottage cheese product are investigated. The formulation and technological parameters of production have been developed, the nutritional, biological and energy value of the new product have been studied. The scientific tasks and their solution are formulated using ultrafiltration technologies, fortification of the system with milk-protein concentrate, vitamin-mineral complex and functional ingredients in the form of a complex of probiotic cultures and a prebiotic — inulin. The indicators of the quality and safety of the curd product have been studied. The formulation and biotechnological parameters of the production of cottage cheese product were tested in the industrial conditions of JSC «Lyubinsky MKK». The curd product enriched with functional components can be used in specialized nutrition.

Гербарии как хранители биоразнообразия и их использование (обзор)

The review presents data on the history of herbariums and fungariums, their diversity and use. It is shown that in addition to the traditional value of these objects for studying the systematics, morphology, distribution of plants and fungi, new scientific directions have emerged due to the achievements of modern science such as molecular genetic approach, genotyping, next generation sequencing. This allows identifying the molecular basis of phenotypic variability, resistance to stress, create DNA banks integrated with herbarium collections. The surviving microbial pool of herbarium samples makes it possible to isolate into a pure culture representatives of the microbiota, promising in the biotechnological aspect: for biomonitoring purposes, to create biological products of directed action against plant pathogens. Antique herbarium specimens make it possible to study the ways of migration and dispersal of plants across continents as well as expansion of epiphytoties. Analysis of the chemical composition of herbarium samples shows that the content of substances and their biological activity in many plants practically does not change over a long storage period in a dried state. At the same time, both useful biologically active substances and toxins are preserved in the studied herbarium specimens.

Escherichia coli cytosine deaminase: Structural and biotechnological aspects.

Suicide gene therapy involves introducing viral or bacterial genes into tumor cells, which enables the conversion of a nontoxic prodrug into a toxic-lethal drug. The application of the bacterial cytosine deaminase (bCD)/5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) approach has been beneficial and progressive within the current field of cancer therapy because of the enhanced bystander effect. The basis of this method is the preferential deamination of 5-FC to 5-fluorouracil by cancer cells expressing cytosine deaminase (CD), which strongly inhibits DNA synthesis and RNA function, effectively targeting tumor cells. However, the poor binding affinity of toward 5-FC compared to the natural substrate cytosine and/or inappropriate thermostability limits the clinical applications of this gene therapy approach. Nowadays, many genetic engineering studies have been carried out to solve and improve the activity of this enzyme. In the current review, we intend to discuss the biotechnological aspects of Escherichia coli CD, including its structure, functions, molecular cloning, and protein engineering. We will also explore its relevance in cancer clinical trials. By examining these aspects, we hope to provide a thorough understanding of E. coli CD and its potential applications in cancer therapy.