Biotechnological Methods Research Articles

Antimicrobial Activity of Chalcones with a Chlorine Atom and Their Glycosides.

Chalcones, secondary plant metabolites, exhibit various biological properties. The introduction of a chlorine and a glucosyl substituent to the chalcone could enhance its bioactivity and bioavailability. Such compounds can be obtained through a combination of chemical and biotechnological methods. Therefore, 4-chloro-2'-hydroxychalcone and 5'-chloro-2'-hydroxychalcone were obtained by synthesis and then glycosylated in two filamentous fungi strains cultures, i.e., Isaria fumosorosea KCH J2 and Beauveria bassiana KCH J1.5. The main site of the glycosylation of both compounds by I. fumosorosea KCH J2 was C-2' and C-3 when the second strain was utilized. The pharmacokinetics of these compounds were predicted using chemoinformatics tools. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity tests were performed. Compounds significantly inhibited the growth of the bacteria strains Escherichia coli 10536, Staphylococcus aureus DSM 799, and yeast Candida albicans DSM 1386. Nevertheless, the bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa DSM 939 exhibited significant resistance to their effects. The growth of lactic acid bacteria strain Lactococcus acidophilus KBiMZ 01 bacteria was moderately inhibited, but strains Lactococcus rhamnosus GG and Streptococcus thermophilus KBM-1 were completely inhibited. In summary, chalcones substituted with a chlorine demonstrated greater efficacy in inhibiting the microbial strains under examination compared to 2'-hydroxychalcone, while aglycones and their glycosides exhibited similar effectiveness.

Exploring the Prospective of Curcumin-loaded Nanomedicine in Brain Cancer Therapy: An Overview of Recent Updates and Patented Nanoformulations.

Cancer is a complex, one of the fatal non-communicable diseases, and its treatment has enormous challenges, with variable efficacy of traditional anti-cancer agents. By 2025, it is expected that 420 million additional cases of cancer will be diagnosed yearly. However, among various types of cancer, brain cancer treatment is most difficult due to the presence of blood-brain barriers. Nowadays, phytoconstituents are gaining popularity because of their biosafety and low toxicity to healthy cells. This article reviews various aspects related to curcumin for brain cancer therapeutics, including epidemiology, the role of nanotechnology, and various challenges for development and clinical trials. Furthermore, it elaborates on the prospects of curcumin for brain cancer therapeutics. In this article, our objective is to illuminate the anti-cancer potential of curcumin for brain cancer therapy. Moreover, it also explores how to defeat its constraints of clinical application because of poor bioavailability, stability, and rapid metabolism. This review also emphasizes the possibility of curcumin for the cure of brain cancer using cuttingedge biotechnological methods based on nanomedicine. This review further highlights the recent patents on curcumin-loaded nanoformulations for brain cancer. Overall, this article provides an overview of curcumin's potential in brain cancer therapy by considering challenges to be overwhelmed and future prospective. Moreover, this review summarizes the reported literature on the latest research related to the utility of curcumin in brain cancer therapy and aims to provide a reference for advanced investigation on brain cancer treatment.

Revolutionizing Sericulture: New Trends in Biotechnological Applications and By-Product Utilization

Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms for silk production, is evolving with significant advancements in sustainability and technology. This review deals with recent trends and innovations in Sericulture, highlighting the potential of sericulture by-products in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and biofuel production. The application of biotechnological methods, including genetic engineering and bio-nanotechnology, has revolutionized silk production, enhancing silk quality and yield. The integration of advanced techniques and the diversification of silk applications, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and agriculture, promise to enhance the economic viability of sericulture. The review emphasizes the need for comprehensive research on by-product utilization and development of sericulture models to boost sustainability and profitability of the industry. By balancing traditional practices with modern advancements, sericulture is poised for a sustainable and prosperous future.

Developmental regulators in promoting genetic transformation efficiency in maize and other plants

Given global agricultural challenges such as population growth, climate change, and limitations on resources and the environment, as well as increasing diversity in breeding goals, relying on traditional breeding methods is inadequate to provide food security requirements and promote sustainable development. Genetic transformation technology has become an effective tool for performing functional genomics research and molecular breeding. In this study, we conducted an in-depth analysis of 1669 literary works to investigate the potential of developmental regulators (DRs) in enhancing the efficiency of plant genetic transformation, with a concentration on their use in maize. Through multi-omics data analysis, we identified 12 homologous DRs from various species that are potentially applicable to maize. We identified a total of 41 possible disease resistances (DRs) for maize genetic transformation. Further experimental verification of ZmWIND1, a novel regulator belonging to the ERF/AP2 transcription factor (TF) family, showed that it significantly improved the efficiency of plant regeneration and transformation efficiency in maize. Specifically, compared to the control group, the callus induction rates for the pG3GB411-ZmWIND1 vector increased to 60.22 % and 47.85 % in Xiang249 and Zheng58, respectively. Transformation efficiency increased to 37.5 % in Xiang249 and 16.56 % in Zheng58, both significantly surpassing the control group. These findings have the potential to broaden the range of transformable maize varieties and lines, as well as introduce new genetic transformation methods in agricultural biotechnology, underscoring the immense potential to enhance genetic transformation efficiency through systematic exploration and application of DRs in maize.

Advances in understanding plant-pathogen interactions: insights from tomato as a model system.

The impact of plant diseases coupled with climate change on agriculture worldwide cannot be overemphasized from negative effects on crop yield as well as economy to food insecurity. The model plants are essential for understanding the intricacies of plant-pathogen interactions. One of such plants is the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Researchers hope to increase tomato productivity and boost its resilience to pathogen attacks by utilizing OMICS and biotechnological methods. With an emphasis on tomato viral infections, this review summarizes significant discoveries and developments from earlier research. The analysis elucidates ongoing efforts to advance plant pathology by exploring the implications for sustainability and tomato production.

Molecular Marker Techniques and Genotypic Characterization Approaches in Plant Breeding

Plant breeding, often known as the science of plant development, is the study and practice of modifying a plant’s genetic makeup through a variety of breeding techniques to produce higher-quality, more prolific, and more resistant to harsh environmental circumstances. Classical breeding programs are indispensable techniques for increasing yields and improving plant characteristics, but they are progressing too slowly to meet the increasing food demand of the rapidly growing world population alone. Considering that the development periods of plants are generally long in traditional plant breeding, the opportunity to develop higher quality and more productive species that are more resistant to abiotic and biotic stress factors is very limited. Because there are multiple steps required in producing new plant varieties, including hybridization, selection, and testing, the process of creating a new variation takes several years. However, it is important to rapidly develop plant varieties with desirable characteristics to meet the increasing food demand of the rapidly growing world population, so the application of biotechnological methods integrated into plant breeding and combined with traditional methods can help reduce food shortages. Today, with the quick acceleration of biotechnology, molecular DNA marker technology has been developed in plant breeding and very important developments have been experienced. Thanks to the development of molecular tools for genetic research aimed at improving agricultural traits in plants related to crop yield, crop quality, or tolerance to adverse environmental conditions, we now have a much better understanding of plant genetics and the architecture and function of plant genomes. Therefore, it is of critical importance to revise current breeding procedures by incorporating molecular markers into breeding programs in the future.

Potential of Plant Stem Cells as Helpful Agents for Skin Disorders—A Narrative Review

Recently, cellular senescence has been of great interest due to its pleiotropic nature and association with both physiological (e.g., aging) and pathological conditions. Excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can induce inflammation, which accelerates skin aging (also premature aging) and may cause several dermatoses. It has been postulated that plant-derived antioxidants, especially plant stem cells, may prevent cell damage by preserving stemness and reducing cellular senescence by ROS targeting. Therefore, this paper aims to review and summarize recent developments and innovative techniques associated with plant-derived stem cells in relation to skin senescence. This review also presents the possible pathways involved in this process. Particular attention was paid to the potential applications of plant stem cells as senostatics/senomorphics produced by modern plant biotechnology methods. Furthermore, the advantages, limitations, and future directions of this technology are also discussed. This knowledge allows the development of personalized strategies to create a healthy balance in skin care. Plant stem cells could be a more feasible and practical approach to combating the adverse effects of skin senescence processes.

Potential of Endophytic Microorganisms in Fermentative Processes Using Agro-Industrial Waste as Substrates

This study investigated the potential of endophytic microorganisms in fermentative processes using agro-industrial residues as substrates. The aim was to explore sustainable biotechnological methods for producing valuable compounds from waste. Endophytic microorganisms were isolated from strawberry, lychee, and tangerine and used in fermentative processes with passion fruit, guava, and pineapple residues. Key methods included isolating and screening potent aroma-producing microorganisms, identifying them using MALDI-TOF MS, and analyzing volatile compounds by GC-MS. The results identified 37 endophytic microorganisms, with Kloeckera apiculata presenting the greatest aromatic potential. Fermentation with agro-industrial residues produced significant volatile compounds, identifying 27, 23, and 22 compounds from passion fruit, pineapple, and guava residues, respectively. The main conclusions highlighted the high production of ethyl acetate and 2-phenylethyl acetate, which contributed to fruity and floral aromas. The novelty of this study lies in the use of endophytic microorganisms isolated from tropical fruits to biotransform agro-industrial waste into high-value aromatic compounds, offering economic and environmental benefits. This research is significant, as it proposes a sustainable approach to valorize waste and produce natural aroma compounds through biotechnological processes.

Development of bread wheat lines resistant to warrior yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) in a short time with the use of biotechnological methods

Development of bread wheat lines resistant to warrior yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) in a short time with the use of biotechnological methods

Enhanced low-cost optimization strategies for antimicrobial rhamnolipid production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

The use of advanced biotechnological methods with agro-industrial waste is an outstanding approach for low-cost production. This study aimed to enhance rhamnolipid production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 using agro-industrial waste and statistical modeling. The Box-Behnken model significantly increased rhamnolipid yield by 7.6-fold (661.7 ± 2.57 mg/L) at 40 g/L glycerol, 20 g/L glucose, 30 g/L peptone, pH 9, and 40 °C for 5 days. The replacement of glycerol and glucose with prickly pear peel (Opuntia ficus-indica) resulted in an increase of rhamnolipids to 847.3 ± 4.5 mg/L. The rhamnolipid concentration increased to 1521 mg/L after optimizing the air flow rate and agitation speed in the pilot-scale bioreactor. The rhamnolipids showed antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus strains. A concentration of 115 mg/L resulted in a 42.3 % reduction of the surface tension from 65 to 37.5 mN/m. The optimization processes using agricultural waste are promising approaches for future low-cost industrial production.

Heterotrophic activity and hydrocarbon degradation in crude oil-contaminated coastal soil augmented with indigenous biosurfactant producing Pseudomonas sp.

The enhanced bioremediation of the petroleum-contaminated soil from the Ibeno coastal area was investigated using standard microbiological and biotechnological methods. Soil samples were simulated with 200ml, 400ml, and 800ml of Bonny Light crude oil representing 5%, 10%, and 20 % contamination levels respectively, and allowed to mimic natural crude oil degradation for 48 hours. The contaminated soil was bioaugmented with 15 ml of 24-hour culture of potent biosurfactant-producing bacteria – Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a viable cell count of 2.6 x 103 CFU/ml and monitored for 12 weeks. Analysis of the fate of the hydrocarbon contamination in soil augmented with the biosurfactant-producing pseudomonad revealed that the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was faster in augmented soils. At the end of the degradation, the augmentation process induced a reduction in the TPH content and PAH levels of soil exposed to 20% contamination from 32.85 mg/kg to 15.14 mg/kg and from 16.34 mg/kg to 5.35 mg/kg respectively. These represent 45.9% and 32.7% remediation rates of TPH and PAH, respectively. The findings of this study also indicate that bioaugmentation of crude oil-contaminated soil with a culture of P. aeruginosa, does not only influence the density of heterotrophic and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in the soil but increases the natural attenuation potentials of the contaminated soil.

Biotechnological Production of the Recombinant Two-Component Lantibiotic Lichenicidin in a Bacterial Expression System

Objective: Lantibiotics are a family of bacterial antimicrobial peptides synthesized by ribosomes, that undergo post-translational modification to form lanthionine (Lan) and methyllanthionine (MeLan) residues. Lantibiotics are currently considered promising agents for combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. This paper presents a biotechnological method for obtaining two components of the lantibiotic lichenicidin from Bacillus licheniformis B-511, Lchα and Lchβ. Such a system has the potential to facilitate the production of not only lichenicidin, but also other lantibiotics, including two-component ones, and also to enable the study of their biosynthesis and the activity and substrate specificity of modifying enzymes. Methods: The developed system is based on heterologous coexpression of the genes of Lchα and Lchβ precursors with the genes of their corresponding modifying enzymes in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Subsequent steps included immobilized metal affinity chromatography of the His-tagged hybrid peptide under denaturing conditions, cyanogen bromide cleavage in acidic medium, and final purification using reverse-phase HPLC. Results and Discussion: The system was employed for the expression and purification of lantibiotics, resulting in the successful isolation of the β-component of lichenicidin in high yield (approximately 4 mg/L of culture). This purified beta component exhibited structural and functional characteristics comparable to its natural counterpart, which was purified from the natural producer. However, the yield of the mature α-component of lichenicidin in such a system was significantly lower. Conclusions: The work presents a biotechnological method for obtaining recombinant two-component lantibiotic lichenicidin, which has proven to be particularly effective in the case of Lchβ. The developed method can also be applied to the production of other promising lantibiotics and their further research.

Understanding rice blast: investigating biotechnological methods to speed up the development of robust rice cultivars

Understanding rice blast: investigating biotechnological methods to speed up the development of robust rice cultivars

Assessing the Risk, Bioavailability, and Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils: Implications for Crop Safety and Human Health

This review addresses heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils, focusing on bioavailability, toxicity, and phytoremediation techniques. We identify significant regional variations in cadmium and lead levels, posing health risks through crop consumption. Effective phytoremediation methods, such as phytoextraction and Phytostabilization, have shown marked improvements over recent years. Recommendations include best practices for soil management, stringent regulatory measures, and advanced research in biotechnological remediation methods. This study underscores the urgent need for integrated strategies to ensure food safety and sustainable agriculture in sector.

Нано-, био- и когнитивные технологии в производстве сидров и плодовой алкогольной продукции

Abstract. A brief overview of nano-, bio- and cognitive technologies in the beverage industry is presented. When developing products in the «science – production – market» system, it is currently necessary to focus on consumer preferences. The totality of the values of a manufactured product is determined by its consumer properties, commercial attractiveness, and is perceived as one whole. This must be taken into account when designing new high-quality Russian-made products. A brief overview of nano-, bio- and cognitive technologies in the beverage industry is provided with the aim of developing a cider production business plan model based on improved biotechnological techniques for the production of fermented apple wort. Objects of research: apple must from various varieties of apple fruits of domestic and foreign selection; enzyme preparations (SQzyme PCL, Grainzyme NL and Fructozym® P); yeast strains (OIC Fruit, Fruit Turbo, Combi and RV 100), bentonites (Vinobent, Bentovin, Bentovinum Gold, Bentostab, Apro-fine bent G, Apro-fine bent UF, Perdomini, etc. As a result, the feasibility of using enzyme preparations was shown (the most effective was SQzyme PCL with pectolytic action). The highest tasting rating was given to a sample of cider fermented with the Combi yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Oenococcus oeni), which was characterized by a bright, complex aroma and a full, rounded taste. The use of composites based on bentonites, proteins, tannins) for clarification and stabilization of ciders made it possible to obtain drinks of a light straw color while maintaining a bright aroma, and to increase their bottling resistance from 2 to 8 months. A model of a business plan for a cider production operating on a full cycle is proposed, with the possibility of receiving tourists, excursions to the apple orchard, production, tasting rooms and sales of products. Research was conducted to justify and select technological aids and yeast strains to improve biotechnological methods for the production of traditional ciders. Keywords: cognitive technologies, nanotechnology, biotechnology, yeast, technological aids Financing source: The research is carried out with the financial support of the Kuban Science Foundation in the framework of the scientific project № MFI-20.1/100.

Consolidation and cytotoxicity analysis of a purification strategy for biotechnological xylitol production using fixed bed column adsorption and nanofiltration membranes

Agro-industrial waste is increasingly utilized in biotechnological processes to convert lignocellulosic materials into high-value products, such as xylitol. This polyol can be produced using biotechnological methods that mitigate environmental impacts, but it entails high purification costs. The article proposes a comparative study between two sequential strategies for purifying biotechnological xylitol. The first strategy involves membrane filtration followed by column adsorption. While the second strategy only covers column adsorption with twice the adsorbent bed. Additionally, the study includes a cytotoxicity evaluation of various purified xylitol fractions. Column adsorption was conducted at 70 °C with a flow rate of 1.2 mL min−1 using activated carbon as the adsorbent. It proved to be efficient in separating colored compounds, proteins, and ethanol, with retention coefficients of 99.23 %, 84.0 %, and 96.71 %, respectively. The purification factor of xylitol/ethanol was 14.84. Nanofiltration was performed using a poly (piperazine amide) membrane at 40 °C and 30 bar, resulting in a protein retention of 43.55 % and a xylitol purity of 27.73 %. Finally, purified xylitol fractions underwent cytotoxicity analysis using the MTT assay, conducted in intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2). One of the analyzed fractions did not induce toxicity, demonstrating that activated carbon column adsorption was the most effective strategy for purifying biotechnologically produced xylitol. These findings contribute to enhancing the viability of biotechnological xylitol production from sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate.

Identifying Comprehensive Genomic Alterations and Potential Neoantigens for Cervical Cancer Immunotherapy in a Cohort of Chinese Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix

ObjectiveGenomic alterations and potential neoantigens for cervical cancer immunotherapy were identified in a cohort of Chinese patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). MethodsWhole-exome sequencing was used to identify genomic alterations and potential neoantigens for CSCC immunotherapy. RNA Sequencing was performed to analyze neoantigen expression. ResultsSystematic bioinformatics analysis showed that C>T/G>A transitions/transversions were dominant in CSCCs. Missense mutations were the most frequent types of somatic mutation in the coding sequence regions. Mutational signature analysis detected signature 2, signature 6, and signature 7 in CSCC samples. PIK3CA, FBXW7, and BICRA were identified as potential driver genes, with BICRA as a newly reported gene. Genomic variation profiling identified 4,960 potential neoantigens, of which 114 were listed in two neoantigen-related databases. ConclusionThe present findings contribute to our understanding of the genomic characteristics of CSCC and provide a foundation for the development of new biotechnology methods for individualized immunotherapy in CSCC.

Prospects for combining the methods of haploid biotechnology and genome editing to improve spiked grains of the <i>Triticeae</i> family (review)

Over the past few decades, haploid biotechnologies have become an integral part of breeding programs for many crops. Using the strategy of doubling haploids induced in the culture of gametic cells and tissues in vitro, through androgenesis, gynogenesis and distant hybridization, it became possible to significantly reduce the time for developing new varieties. Using the technology of doubled haploids, within one or two generations, it is possible to obtain aligned homozygous lines, which can both help speed up the breeding process and study several scientific and practical issues. Another promising tool for developing lines and samples with specified traits within several generations is genome editing (engineering) using various nuclease-based engineering complexes. The CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology, which came into use ten years ago, allows solving a wide variety of problems in plant functional genomics, including engineering resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, improving productivity and product quality. The technology is better than the most known methods for improving varieties for the traits which have mono- or polygenic control, since it allows changing several genes simultaneously, which is important for polyploid species. An integral part of plant genome editing, as well as haploidogenesis technologies, is cell and tissue culture in vitro, which gives possibility for their combination. The combination of technologies allows producing homozygous plants with new gene-specific mutations, which improves genetic diversity and accelerates the selection of linear material with new economically valuable traits. The current review has summarized the experience of combining haploidy and genome editing methods in spiked grains of the Triticeae family. In addition to analyzing the current state, there have been considered the prospects for further development of technologies for obtaining haploids of wheat, barley, triticale, and rye with an edited genome.

Regulation of nitro-oxidative homeostasis: an effective approach to enhance salinity tolerance in plants.

Soil salinity is a major constraint for sustainable agricultural productivity, which together with the incessant climate change may be transformed into a severe threat to the global food security. It is, therefore, a serious concern that needs to be addressed expeditiously. The overproduction and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are the key events occurring during salt stress, consequently employing nitro-oxidative stress and programmed cell death in plants. However, very sporadic studies have been performed concerning different aspects of nitro-oxidative stress in plants under salinity stress. The ability of plants to tolerate salinity is associated with their ability to maintain the cellular redox equilibrium mediated by both non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanisms. The present review emphasizes the mechanisms of ROS and RNS generation in plants, providing a detailed evaluation of how redox homeostasis is conserved through their effective removal. The uniqueness of this article stems from its incorporation of expression analyses of candidate genes for different antioxidant enzymes involved in ROS and RNS detoxification across various developmental stages and tissues of rice, utilizing publicly available microarray data. It underscores the utilization of modern biotechnological methods to improve salinity tolerance in crops, employing different antioxidants as markers. The review also explores how various transcription factors contribute to plants' ability to tolerate salinity by either activating or repressing the expression of stress-responsive genes. In summary, the review offers a thorough insight into the nitro-oxidative homeostasis strategy for extenuating salinity stress in plants.

INTRODUCTION TO IN VITRO CULTURE OF RHAPОNTICUM CARTHAMOIDES

The article presents the results of studies on the introduction into in vitro culture of the valuable medicinal plant Rhaponticum carthamoides, growing in the territory of the Kazakhstan Altai. R. carthamoides - or maral root is a source of various biologically active compounds (flavonoids, polysaccharides, saponins, cumanins). This species is of particular value as a producer of ultra-high quantities of ecdysteroids, which have a hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic effect, acting as adaptogens. Currently, natural reserves of this species are sharply reduced due to increasing demand and, as a consequence, lead to the depletion of natural populations. Modern biotechnology methods make it possible to develop highly effective approaches for the propagation and preservation of R. carthamoides for subsequent introduction and expansion of the range of fodder and medicinal crops that meet the needs of agriculture, medicine and the food industry. Seeds collected from their natural habitats were used as research material. A seed sterilization protocol has been developed; it has been established that to obtain aseptic seedlings it is necessary to use a multi-stage sterilization protocol using various sterilizing agents. Surface-sterilized seeds were placed on MS and MS media containing ½ mineral salts with different hormonal compositions. The results showed that the percentage of seed germination varied depending on the hormonal status of the environment and ranged from 42.9 to 85.5%. Thus, the lowest percentage of germination was noted on the B0 medium option (½ MS) - 42.9%. The highest percentage of germination was in seeds on the B3 medium option (MS + 3 mg/l BAP + 3 mg/l kinetin) - 85.5%.