Future Biotechnology Research Articles

Amyloids. Evolutionary Past and Biotechnological Future

Amyloids. Evolutionary Past and Biotechnological Future

Mesoporous Electrodes Enhance the Electrocatalytic Performance of [FeFe]-Hydrogenase.

The metalloenzyme [FeFe]-hydrogenase is of interest to future biotechnologies targeting the production of "green" hydrogen (H2). We recently developed a simple two-step functionalized procedure to immobilize the [FeFe]-hydrogenase from Clostridium pasteurianum ("CpI") on mesoporous indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes to achieve elevated H2 production with high operational stability, with current densities of 8 mA cm-2. Here, we use a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) to understand how mesoporous ITO stabilizes and activates CpI for electroenzymatic H2 production. Examination of the topography and morphology of the mesoporous ITO surface revealed a hierarchical morphology containing cavities and well-defined nanoparticle agglomerates. Any potential effect of mesoporosity was investigated by comparing the stability and electroenzymatic activity of CpI on mesoporous 'nanoITO' and planar ITO, where we determined that CpI has a higher turnover frequency and absorbs with greater stability (with respect to electroenzymatic activity over time) to nanoITO surfaces.

Environmental Implications of Energy Sources: A Review on Technologies for Cleaning Oil-Contaminated Ecosystems

This review analyzes the main methods for cleaning up oil pollution in natural ecosystems, with a particular focus on the synergy between chemical and microbiological techniques for environmental remediation. While biological methods are a green and inexpensive soil remediation technique, they have a major limitation in their inability to clean up high concentrations of toxic contaminants. The poor performance of chemical methods stems from the high cost of chemicals and concerns over their negative and toxic effects on the environment. Physical methods also have high costs due to energy consumption and the need for additional treatment of gases generated during decontamination, making them ineffective for soil remediation. The main principle of bioremediation is based on microorganisms’ ability to degrade complex organic compounds, such as petroleum. This process is described in this review. This combination of methods allows for a higher level of decontamination of soil and water ecosystems, even against pollutants that are usually resistant to degradation, such as oil derivatives. While existing methods for cleaning oil-contaminated ecosystems are highly effective, they require significant material costs to implement. Additionally, the review discusses how the joint use of current and future biotechnology techniques can lead to the development of an effective set of strategies to protect soil and water systems from oil pollution. The reviewed studies show that a hybrid biotechnological approach is the most effective remediation method. When biological decontamination methods are adopted, the optimized combination of different remediation strategies can overcome the limitations of each technique, allowing efficiencies of even more than 70% to be achieved, given that the choice still depends on the type of contaminant, its concentration, and the properties of the receiving substrate.

Bioprospecting and Molecular Identification of Amylase and Cellulase Producing Thermophilic Bacteria from Sediment of Nglimut Hot Springs, Kendal Regency

The utilisation of enzymes in the industry has brought numerous benefits and advantages to production processes. Enzymes serve as biocatalysts, efficiently catalyzing reactions and hydrolysis in biochemical processes. However, there are challenges in applying enzymes in the industry, particularly concerning enzyme stability. The obstacle encountered in the production processes involving industrial enzyme applications is the low stability of enzymes when used at high temperatures. Heat-sensitive enzymes undergo damage or denaturation. Thermophilic microorganisms are chosen because they hold the potential to produce thermophilic enzymes. The thermophilic enzymes exhibit better heat stability compared to other enzymes, making them an effective alternative for future industrial production processes. This study aims to isolate thermotolerant bacteria from Nglimut Hot Spring sediment, screen for cellulase- and amylase-producing isolates, and molecularly identify the best isolate using 16S rRNA barcode. The results show that 22 bacterial isolates were found in the sediment of a hot spring; TS-14 was the best isolate in producing amylase, with the highest average amylolytic index of 2.38, whereas TS-15 had the highest cellulolytic index of 2.11. Based on 16S rRNA identification, TS-14 showed an homological identity of 79% with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, while TS-15 had a 100% homological identity with Bacillus licheniformis. These results were important as the first step of screening bacterial potential to produce thermophilic enzymes that could be applied in the downstream processing in future industrial and biotechnology companies.

Protecting Innovation: The Tumultuous History and Uncertain Future of Biotechnology and Patents

Protecting Innovation: The Tumultuous History and Uncertain Future of Biotechnology and Patents

The Effects of Heavy Metal Pollution on Soil Nitrogen Transformation and Rice Volatile Organic Compounds under Different Water Management Practices.

One of the most concerning global environmental issues is the pollution of agricultural soils by heavy metals (HMs), especially cadmium, which not only affects human health through Cd-containing foods but also impacts the quality of rice. The soil's nitrification and denitrification processes, coupled with the release of volatile organic compounds by plants, raise substantial concerns. In this review, we summarize the recent literature related to the deleterious effects of Cd on both soil processes related to the N cycle and rice quality, particularly aroma, in different water management practices. Under both continuous flooding (CF) and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) conditions, cadmium has been observed to reduce both the nitrification and denitrification processes. The adverse effects are more pronounced in alternate wetting and drying (AWD) as compared to continuous flooding (CF). Similarly, the alteration in rice aroma is more significant in AWD than in CF. The precise modulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by Cd remains unclear based on the available literature. Nevertheless, HM accumulation is higher in AWD conditions compared to CF, leading to a detrimental impact on volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The literature concludes that AWD practices should be avoided in Cd-contaminated fields to decrease accumulation and maintain the quality of the rice. In the future, rhizospheric engineering and plant biotechnology can be used to decrease the transport of HMs from the soil to the plant's edible parts.

Draft genome sequence of Exiguobacterium sp. strain MMG028 isolated from a salt marsh.

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Exiguobacterium sp. strain MMG028, isolated from Rose Creek, San Diego, CA, USA, assembled and analyzed by undergraduate students participating in a marine microbial genomics course. A genomic comparison suggests that MMG028 is a novel species, providing a resource for future microbiology and biotechnology investigations.

Copper and Copper Nanoparticles Applications and Their Role against Infections: A Minireview

The focus of this review article is to present a retrospective analysis of copper applications focusing on ions and nanoparticles as broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Copper nanoparticles are presented as an alternative to rising antibiotic resistance. The basic mechanisms of bacterial, fungal, and viral inactivation, which explain their potential, are presented. The green biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using biomaterials is also presented and considered a very promising trend for future biotechnology and medical applications.

AN OVERVIEW OF TISSUE CRYOPRESERVATION'S CONTRIBUTION TO ORGAN CRYOBIOLOGY

Background: Scientists and physicians have long faced challenges in their quest to identify the most effective methods for cryopreservation of living tissues and organs. While cryopreservation techniques have been used since the 1800s, they are still used for tissue preservation for a comparatively limited time. More advancements in biotechnology for tissue and organ preservation have been made possible by the availability of commercially available liquefied gases. Typical issues such as sub-zero or cell damage and re-crystallization, which ultimately results in tissue loss, impede the usefulness of cryopreservation in the field of medical sciences. However, modern cryobiology advances have provided many alternatives for chilling tissues, organs, gametes, and embryos. As tissue sensitivity to ice is more understood, safer freezing methods are used. Methods: This review discusses how tissue cryopreservation advances biotechnology. The effective banking and transplanting of living tissues and organs using cryopreservation will be a crucial and noteworthy development in the fields of biotechnology and medicine in the future. One of the most crucial elements that will enable future cryobiologists and biotechnology researchers to make enormous strides is the preservation and storage of living tissues from the point of donor removal through transfer and transplantation. Future cryobiologists will find this ancient tale fascinating as it unfolds, thanks to the discovery of anti-freezing proteins and peptides in cryopreservation's active zones.

The Push for the Free Transfer of IP Rights in Medical Biotechnology

Abstract Biotechnology is a broad range of technologies that employ living organisms or parts of them to make diverse products. Biotechnology, within the American bioeconomy, is a growing topic of concern with recent investments to help address infectious diseases, food security, and energy security. From vaccine development to comprehensive DNA mapping, the medical biotechnological industry is rapidly expanding at the forefront of technological advancement. The evolution of biotechnology as it is known today began in the 1980s with the commercialization of biotech products. The future of biotechnology is bright with scientific breakthroughs, government incentive offerings, cost-effective research and development, and therapeutic advancements to cure medical conditions that currently have inadequate or no inaccessible therapies.

Identification of MeC3HDZ1/MeCNA as a potential regulator of cassava storage root development

The storage root (SR) of cassava is the main staple food in sub-Saharan Africa, where it feeds over 500 million people. However, little is known about the genetic and molecular regulation underlying its development. Unraveling such regulation would pave the way for biotechnology approaches aimed at enhancing cassava productivity. Anatomical studies indicate that SR development relies on the massive accumulation of xylem parenchyma, a cell-type derived from the vascular cambium. The C3HDZ family of transcription factors regulate cambial cells proliferation and xylem differentiation in Arabidopsis and other species. We thus aimed at identifying C3HDZ proteins in cassava and determining whether any of them shows preferential activity in the SR cambium and/or xylem. Using phylogeny and synteny studies, we identified eight C3HDZ proteins in cassava, namely MeCH3DZ1–8. We observed that MeC3HDZ1 is the MeC3HDZ gene displaying the highest expression in SR and that, within that organ, the gene also shows high expression in cambium and xylem. In-silico analyses revealed the existence of a number of potential C3HDZ targets displaying significant preferential expression in the SR. Subsequent Y1H analyses proved that MeC3HDZ1 can bind canonical C3HDZ binding sites, present in the promoters of these targets. Transactivation assays demonstrated that MeC3HDZ1 can regulate the expression of genes downstream of promoters harboring such binding sites, thereby demonstrating that MeC3HDZ1 has C3HDZ transcription factor activity. We conclude that MeC3HDZ1 may be a key factor for the regulation of storage root development in cassava, holding thus great promise for future biotechnology applications.

Biotechnology and Solutions: Insect-Pest-Resistance Management for Improvement and Development of Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Cotton (Gossypium spp. L.) is a major origin of natural fiber, and is projected at 117 million bales worldwide for 2021/22. A variety of biotic and abiotic stresses have considerable negative impacts on cotton. The significantly decreased applications of chemical insecticidal sprays in the agro-ecosystem have greatly affected the biodiversity and dynamics of primary and secondary insects. Various control measures were taken around the globe to increase production costs. Temperature, drought, and salinity, and biotic stresses such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, nematodes, insects, and mites cause substantial losses to cotton crops. Here, we summarize a number of biotic and abiotic stresses upsetting Bt cotton crop with present and future biotechnology solution strategies that include a refuge strategy, multi-gene pyramiding, the release of sterile insects, seed mixing, RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9, biotic signaling, and the use of bioagents. Surveillance of insect resistance, monitoring of grower compliance, and implementation of remedial actions can lead to the sustainable use of cotton across the globe.

Applications ofSynthetic Pentatricopeptide Repeat Proteins.

RNA-binding proteins play integral roles in the regulation of essential processes in cells and as such are attractive targets for engineering to manipulate gene expression at the RNA level. Expression of transcripts in chloroplasts and mitochondria is heavily regulated by pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins. The diverse roles of PPR proteins and their naturally modular architecture make them ideal candidates for engineering. Synthetic PPR proteins are showing great potential to become valuable tools for controlling the expression of plastid and mitochondrial transcripts. In this review, by 'synthetic', we mean both rationally modified natural PPR proteins and completely novel proteins designed using the principles learned from their natural counterparts. We focus on the many different applications of synthetic PPR proteins, covering both their use in basic research to learn more about protein-RNA interactions and their use to achieve specific outcomes in RNA processing and the control of gene expression. We describe the challenges associated with the design, construction and deployment of synthetic PPR proteins and provide perspectives on how they might be assembled and used in future biotechnology applications.

Discovery of a non-canonical prototype long-chain monoacylglycerol lipase through a structure-based endogenous reaction intermediate complex

The identification and characterization of enzyme function is largely lacking behind the rapidly increasing availability of large numbers of sequences and associated high-resolution structures. This is often hampered by lack of knowledge on in vivo relevant substrates. Here, we present a case study of a high-resolution structure of an unusual orphan lipase in complex with an endogenous C18 monoacylglycerol ester reaction intermediate from the expression host, which is insoluble under aqueous conditions and thus not accessible for studies in solution. The data allowed its functional characterization as a prototypic long-chain monoacylglycerol lipase, which uses a minimal lid domain to position the substrate through a hydrophobic tunnel directly to the enzyme’s active site. Knowledge about the molecular details of the substrate binding site allowed us to modulate the enzymatic activity by adjusting protein/substrate interactions, demonstrating the potential of our findings for future biotechnology applications.

Auxin originated from Actinobacteria participates in abiotic stress mitigation and sustainable crop production

Plants activate their defence mechanisms to prevent damage caused by environmental stimuli through signaling pathways controlled by growth regulators. These stresses adversely affect plants' growth, disrupting the genetic control of cellular pathways and altering their metabolism, physiology and morphology. Auxin influences phenotypic plasticity under optimal and unfavourable growth conditions. This review discusses the progress in the research on auxin-mediated stress alleviation in response to abiotic stresses in plants. Then, a brief presentation of studies emphasizing the significance of auxin-producing actinobacteria and how microbial auxin promotes plant development and stress tolerance. Then, the review probes the importance of actinobacteria strains as auxin metabolic engineers and their use as natural auxin suppliers in agriculture. Finally, the review explores future biotechnology possibilities through small-scale, large-scale production and agriculture's gradual banishment of chemical phytosanitary inputs.

Anti-fungal bioactive terpenoids in the bioenergy crop switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) may contribute to ecotype-specific microbiome composition

Plant derived bioactive small molecules have attracted attention of scientists across fundamental and applied scientific disciplines. We seek to understand the influence of these phytochemicals on rhizosphere and root-associated fungi. We hypothesize that – consistent with accumulating evidence that switchgrass genotype impacts microbiome assembly – differential terpenoid accumulation contributes to switchgrass ecotype-specific microbiome composition. An initial in vitro Petri plate-based disc diffusion screen of 18 switchgrass root derived fungal isolates revealed differential responses to upland- and lowland-isolated metabolites. To identify specific fungal growth-modulating metabolites, we tested fractions from root extracts on three ecologically important fungal isolates – Linnemania elongata, Trichoderma sp. and Fusarium sp. Saponins and diterpenoids were identified as the most prominent antifungal metabolites. Finally, analysis of liquid chromatography-purified terpenoids revealed fungal inhibition structure – activity relationships (SAR). Saponin antifungal activity was primarily determined by the number of sugar moieties – saponins glycosylated at a single core position were inhibitory whereas saponins glycosylated at two core positions were inactive. Saponin core hydroxylation and acetylation were also associated with reduced activity. Diterpenoid activity required the presence of an intact furan ring for strong fungal growth inhibition. These results inform future breeding and biotechnology strategies for crop protection with reduced pesticide application.

Nuclear spin effects in biological processes

Traditionally, nuclear spin is not considered to affect biological processes. Recently, this has changed as isotopic fractionation that deviates from classical mass dependence was reported both in vitro and in vivo. In these cases, the isotopic effect correlates with the nuclear magnetic spin. Here, we show nuclear spin effects using stable oxygen isotopes (16O, 17O, and 18O) in two separate setups: an artificial dioxygen production system and biological aquaporin channels in cells. We observe that oxygen dynamics in chiral environments (in particular its transport) depend on nuclear spin, suggesting future applications for controlled isotope separation to be used, for instance, in NMR. To demonstrate the mechanism behind our findings, we formulate theoretical models based on a nuclear-spin-enhanced switch between electronic spin states. Accounting for the role of nuclear spin in biology can provide insights into the role of quantum effects in living systems and help inspire the development of future biotechnology solutions.

Effect of stress hormones on the metabolome of a suspension culture of the aromatic medicinal plant Cymbopogon schoenanthus subsp. proximus

The current study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of different concentrations (0.0–200.0 µM) of jasmonic acid (JA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and salicylic acid (SA) on suspension culture mass production and untargeted metabolic profiling of the medicinal plant Cymbopogon schoenanthus subsp. proximus. The addition of 50 µM MeJA improved the fresh weight of embryogenic tissue significantly. MeJA and SA did not affect tissue dry weight, whereas JA significantly decreased it. Based on 1H and 1H–13C NMR data and NMR databases, 50 compounds were identified. The addition of stress hormones resulted in the biosynthesis of novel metabolites like theophylline and syringate that were absent in control samples. In addition, significant variations in the concentrations of numerous compounds, including sugars, amino acids, organic acids, phenols, and alkaloids, were observed. The upregulation of trigonelline concentration was observed upon the addition of a higher concentration of MeJA (200 µM), whereas all tested concentrations of SA resulted in its upregulation. Addition of JA and SA causes significant changes in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathway and amino acid metabolism pathways, such as alanine-aspartate and glutamate metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism. MeJA had significant impacts on glycolysis and starch-glucose metabolism pathways in addition to amino acids metabolism pathways. The present findings were successful in demonstrating a correlation and distinction between the effects of JA, MeJA, and SA, on the metabolome of Cymbopogon schoenanthus, a valuable medicinal plant. The identified metabolites and their associated pathways would be valuable in future biotechnology applications of the genus Cymbopogon.

Review on Nano-Emulsion Drug Delivery System and Formulation, Evaluation and Their Pharmaceutical Applications

Nano-emulsion drug delivery system such as develop to eliminate the limitations with traditional drug administration system. This review provided a good overview of the recent advances in the Nano-emulsion drug delivery system. These are nano-sized submicron emulsions developed to enhanced the circulates of active pharmaceutical ingredients to targeted site. Nano-emulsion is a homogeneous mixture of lipid and aqueous phase and stabilization is obtained through the use of an effective substance such as emulsifying agents. The droplet size has been range between the 50-500 nm. The size and shape of the substance distributed throughout the usual process differentiates of emulsion, micro-emulsion, and nano-emulsion. Nano-emulsion gives a novel dosage form for less water solubility drugs and increases pharmacological activity of drugs. Nano-emulsion is used in the future cosmetic industry, diagnostic testing, drug treatment, and biotechnology. This analysis aims to include brief information on the nano-emulsion, advantages, disadvantages, limitations of nano-emulsion, types of nano-emulsion, components of formulations, surface active agents (Surfactant), preparation methods, characterization methods with strong attention of different pharmaceutical applications of nano-emulsion in a different area such as cancer and tumors therapy, targeted drug delivery, mucosal vaccine, trans-dermal drug delivery system.

Modeling non-Newtonian magnetized blood circulation with tri-nanoadditives in a charged artery

Recently, the radical evolution in the mechanism of micro-scale transport has been expedited due to their applications relating to the examination of biological and chemical samples, species control separation, blood cell separation, drug delivery, etc. In this research article, a new mathematical model is set up for searching the hydro-thermal transport functioning of non-Newtonian ionized modified hybrid nano blood (MHNB) inside a charged artery with a sinusoidal wall in an electromagnetic ambience. The rheological behaviours of blood infused with tri-nanoparticles (copper, gold and alumina) are mimicked by adopting the Casson liquid scheme’s relations. The frictional and Joule heating terms are featured in the thermal transport equation. The Poisson-Boltzmann equation is employed in determining the charge spreading in the electric double layer (EDL) due to the occurrence of an electric field aligned axially. The simplified model equations are retrieved as a result of Debye-Hückel linearization (DHL) and lubrication approximations and subsequently solved in closed forms. To cover all aspects of the modelling and analysis, the hemodynamical behaviours of blood circulation are graphed in the form of line and bar graphs, and the significant contributions of governed flow factors are illustrated with physical explications. Moreover, numerical outcomes of arterial wall shear stress are tabulated to analyze the dominance of related parameters on it. Based on the graphical simulations, it is perceived that the electro-osmotic factors control the dynamism of blood in the artery. A low-pressure gradient is recorded for modified hybrid nano bloodstream as compared to pure bloodstream. The heat transfer coefficient substantially enhances for larger fractional amounts of nanoparticles suffused with blood. The key findings of the present simulation could meet the nearing challenges in future biotechnologies.