Highest Amylase Activity Research Articles

High keratinase and other types of hydrolase activity of the new strain of Bacillus paralicheniformis.

Keratinases, a subclass of proteases, are used to degrade keratin thereby forming peptones and free amino acids. Bacillus paralicheniformis strain T7 was isolated from soil and exhibited high keratinase, protease, collagenase, amylase, xylanase, lipase, and phosphatase activities. Keratinases of the strain showed maximum activity at 70°C and pH 9.0 as well as high thermal stability. A mass-spectrometric analysis identified seven peptidases with molecular masses of 26.8-154.8 kDa in the secretory proteome. These peptidases are members of S8 and S41 serine peptidase families and of M14, M42, and M55 metallopeptidase families. Additionally, α-amylase (55.2 kDa), alkaline phosphatase (59.8 kDa), and esterase (26.8 kDa) were detected. The strong keratinolytic properties of the strain were confirmed by degradation of chicken and goose feathers, which got completely hydrolyzed within 4 days. Submerged fermentation by strain B. paralicheniformis T7 was carried out in a pilot bioreactor, where the highest keratinase production was noted after 19 h of cultivation. After the fermentation, in the culture fluid, the keratinase activity toward keratin azure was 63.6 ± 5.8 U/mL. The protease activity against azocasein was 715.7 ± 40.2 U/mL. The possibility of obtaining enzyme preparations in liquid and powder form was demonstrated, and their comparative characteristics are given. In the concentrate, the keratinase, protease, α-amylase, phosphatase, and esterase/lipase activities were 2,656.7 ± 170.4, 29,886.7 ± 642.9, 176.1 ± 16.3, 23.9 ± 1.8, and 510.9 ± 12.2 U/mL, respectively. In the lyophilizate, these activities were 57,733.3 ± 8,911.4, 567,066.7 ± 4,822.2, 2,823.0 ± 266.8, 364.2 ± 74.8, and 17,618.0 ± 610.3 U/g, respectively. In the preparation obtained by air flow drying at 55°C, these activities were 53,466.7 ± 757.2, 585,333.3 ± 4,277.1, 2,395.8 ± 893.7, 416.7 ± 52.4, and 15,328.1 ± 528.6 U/g, respectively. The results show high potential of B. paralicheniformis strain T7 as a producer of keratinases and other enzymes for applications in agricultural raw materials and technologies for processing of keratin-containing animal waste.

The Link between Salivary Amylase Activity, Overweight, and Glucose Homeostasis.

Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers in the colon, plays a pivotal role in regulating metabolic health, particularly by enhancing insulin sensitivity. Given the rising incidence of metabolic disorders, understanding the factors that influence butyrate production is of significant interest. This study explores the link between salivary amylase activity and butyrate levels in overweight women of reproductive age. Participants were categorized into low (LSA) and high (HSA) salivary amylase activity groups and further divided into two subgroups: one followed a low-starch diet (LS), and the other underwent caloric restriction (CR). We assessed salivary amylase activity and measured serum butyrate concentrations to examine their associations. Our findings showed a significant, though weak, positive correlation (ρ = 0.0486, p < 0.05), suggesting a link between salivary amylase activity and butyrate levels. The statistical significance, despite the weak correlation, implies that this relationship is not random. Moreover, higher baseline butyrate levels were observed in women with elevated salivary amylase activity. Also, women with low salivary amylase activity on a low-starch diet experienced a more pronounced increase in butyrate levels compared to those on caloric restriction. These results suggest that salivary amylase activity and dietary intake interact to influence butyrate production, with potential implications for improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. The study underscores the potential of butyrate in enhancing insulin sensitivity and promoting overall metabolic well-being. Further research is necessary to clarify the mechanisms involved and to understand the long-term effects of butyrate on metabolic health across different populations.

Isolation of α-Amylase Producing Microorganisms from Soil of Kachchh, Gujarat

The purpose of this study is to explore the soil of the Gujarat, Kachchh region to identify amylase-producing bacteria and characterize them using molecular methods. The unique ecological characteristics of the Kachchh region may facilitate the isolation of these bacteria. Samples were collected from multiple locations within the Kachchh District, including Gandhidham, Rapar, Bhuj, Nakhatrana, Mandvi, and Mundra Talukas. These samples were then screened to isolate amylase-producing bacteria. A total of 27 different types of colonies were identified, out of which 16 exhibited amylase production (M1-M16). Out of 27 colonies identified, 16 showed amylase production. Strains M2, M7, and M13 exhibited high amylase activity, with M2 showing a consistent increase over 72 hours, making it a strong candidate for amylase production. Further identification of M2 stain identified M2 as a Gram-positive, spore-forming, capsulated, and motile bacillus, specifically Bacillus licheniformis. This was confirmed through DNA sequencing and analysis in the NCBI database, which showed a 99.15% similarity with Bacillus licheniformis. The study concludes that Soil in Kachchh is rich with microorganisms that produce amylase, an enzyme with diverse industrial applications. These organisms are valuable for sectors like food, textiles, paper, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel production.

Comparative studies on the intestinal health of wild and cultured ricefield eel (Monopterus albus).

Fish intestinal health under intensive aquaculture mode plays an important role in growth, development, and immune function. The present study was aimed to systematically investigate the differences of intestinal health between wild and cultured Monopterus albus by biochemical parameters, histomorphology, and molecular biology. A total of 15 healthy M. albus per group, with an average body weight of 45g, were sampled to analyze intestinal health parameters. Compared with wild fish, the cultured M. albus in the foregut had lower trypsin, lipase, SOD, CAT, T-AOC, and GSH-Px activities (P < 0.05) and higher amylase activity and MDA content (P < 0.05). The villus circumference and goblet cells in the cultured group were significantly lower than those in the wild group (P < 0.05). In addition, the cultured fish showed lower relative expression levels of occludin, zo-1, zo-2, claudin-12, claudin-15, mucin5, mucin15, lysozyme, complement 3, il-10, tgf-β1, tgf-β2, and tgf-β3 (P < 0.05) and higher il-1β, il-6, il-8, tnf-a, and ifnγ mRNA expressions than those of wild fish (P < 0.05). In terms of gut microbiota, the cultured group at the phylum level displayed higher percentages of Chlamydiae and Spirochaetes and lower percentages of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia compared to the wild group (P < 0.05). At the genus level, higher abundances of Pseudomonadaceae_Pseudomonas and Spironema and lower abundances of Lactococcus and Cetobacterium were observed in the cultured group than in the wild group (P < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of the intestinal health status between wild and cultured M. albus in terms of biochemistry, histology, and molecular biology levels. Overall, the present study showed significant differences in intestinal health between wild and cultured M. albus and the main manifestations that wild M. albus had higher intestinal digestion, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal barrier functions than cultured M. albus. These results would provide theoretical basis for the subsequent upgrading of healthy aquaculture technology and nutrient regulation of intestinal health of cultured M. albus.

Dietary Bacillus velezensis KNF-209 supplementation improves growth performance, enhances immunity, and promotes gut health in broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Bacillus velezensis KNF-209 (BV-KNF-209) on the growth performance, immunity, and gut health of broilers. A total of 540 one-day-old male Cobb-500 broilers were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 replicates with 18 broilers per replicate. Dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal basal diets supplemented with 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BV-KNF-209 (CON, BV 50, BV 100, BV 200, and BV 400 groups, respectively) for 42 d. Compared with the CON group, the average daily gains (ADG) at 0 to 42 d in the BV 100 and BV 200 groups were significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the feed-to-gain (F:G) ratios were significantly decreased at 0 to 21 d (P < 0.01) and 0 to 42 d (P < 0.05). The BV 200 and BV 400 groups had higher serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels at d 21 and 42 (P < 0.05). The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly decreased in the BV 50, BV 100, and BV 200 groups at d 21 (P < 0.05), and serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels were also reduced in the BV 100 and BV 200 groups at d 42 (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in the jejunal and ileal mucosa at d 42 were observed in the BV 100, BV 200, and BV 400 groups (P < 0.05), while the IL-1β and IL-6 levels (P < 0.01) were decreased. The BV 200 and BV 400 groups showed significantly higher activities of lipase and trypsin (P < 0.05) in jejunal digesta as well as higher activities of amylase and trypsin (P < 0.01) in ileal digesta at d 42. The cecal acetic acid and propionic acid levels in the BV groups and lactic acid levels in the BV 50, BV 100, and BV 200 groups (P < 0.05) were significantly higher compared to those in the CON group. Overall, dietary BV-KNF-209 supplementation significantly improved broiler growth performance, an effect that may have been achieved by heightening immunity, increasing digestive enzyme activity, and raising intestinal short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid levels.

Bioremediation of Saline Soils with the Consortium of Halophilic Bacteria

88 strains of bacteria were isolated and purified from the naturally saline soils of Kumisi, Sagarejo and Alazani valley (Eastern Georgia). Based on the initial identification all strains belong to the genus Bacillus. Two strains – Bacillus spp. 8(3)1) and Bacillus spp. 7(5)4, resistant to chloride, sulfate and mixed (chloride-sulfate) salinity, as well as possessing high cellulase and amylase activities were selected as a result of successive screenings among the isolated bacteria. After the antagonism between potential members of the consortium has been excluded, the consortium of halophilic bacteria was created. Compost was made and applied to moderately saline soils using the halophilic consortium. The bioremediation of saline soils of Alazani was especially successful: the halophilic consortium has reduced the salt content in the soil by 41% during the 21 days of composting.

Efficiency of protein combinations in diets for Rhamdia quelen: growth, digestive and metabolic biochemistry and nutrient deposition.

This study was conducted to determine the best combination of protein sources in diets for jundiá, based on growth, metabolism, and nutrient deposition. Five protein combinations were tested: casein + fish meal (control), casein + gelatin, casein + albumin, casein + albumin + fish meal, and albumin + fish meal, in diets containing 370 g Kg-1 of crude protein and 13.4 MJ Kg-1 of digestible energy. The fish (9.38 ± 0.12 g) were allocated in a water recirculation system at a density of 3.35 g L-1 per experimental unit and fed until apparent satiety for 40 days with the diets. The fish fed with the control diet had the highest final weight, specific growth rate, protein and feed efficiency ratio, protein retention, and best apparent feed conversion. On the other hand, fish that received casein + albumin and albumin + fish meal diets showed worse results in growth and body protein retention, low trypsin and chymotrypsin activity, and high intestinal amylase activity. Therefore, the combination referred to as control (casein + fish meal) conclusively provides the best rhythm for nutrient digestion and metabolism processes, enabling fish to reach greater growth and retention of body protein with low whole-fish fat content.

Molecular Characterization and Evaluation of Amylase Producing Bacteria from Soil

In the current work, we used molecular approaches to collect and characterise bacteria that produce amylase from soil. Based on clear zones, three species were separated using iodine agar plates. Then, these bacterial isolates were characterised by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Based on 16S rRNA analysis, the bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus cerus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus stratosphericus. In addition, numerous growth parameters were tuned to produce the most amylase possible. For both 24 and 48 hours, the isolates' maximum optical density for growth was seen at pH 7.0. Compared to nitrogen and peptone, all three of the bacterial isolates produced the greatest amount of amylase when maltose was utilised as the carbon source. Further investigation is needed to determine which novel isolates in this site have the highest amylase activity. Our findings indicate that this enzyme has a variety of potential industrial applications.

Study on tobacco quality improvement and bacterial community succession during microbial co-fermentation

The high levels of starch, cellulose and protein in tobacco can produce a strong irritating smoke and diminish its flavor and overall quality, but the tobacco quality can be improved by microorganisms abundant in tobacco during fermentation. In this study, we screened and identified three strains from tobacco with high amylase, cellulase, and protease activities. The co-fermentation of Bacillus velezensis A2 and Bacillus endophyticus A4 could effectively reduce the content of starch, cellulose and protein in tobacco, leading to an increase in the content of reducing sugar and alterations in the surface of fermented tobacco, making it looser, more wrinkled, and porous, coupled with the potential to mitigate the presence of the harmful substance nicotine. Additionally, compared with the control, A2 +A4 co-fermentation increased the content of aroma components by 108.33%, and remarkably improved the sensory quality of Heat-not-Burn (HnB) cigarettes. Moreover, Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Klebsiella were genera with high abundance before and after A2 +A4 co-fermentation, but Bacillus gradually became the dominant genus, with its relative abundance increased from 0.49% to 32.65%. LEfSe analysis identified Bacillus as a crucial biomarker in tobacco after microbial co-fermentation. PICRUSt analysis showed that microbial co-fermentation could promote the metabolic pathways associated with substrate utilization. This study provided new strains and a theoretical basis for optimizing the fermentation process to improve the quality of tobacco for HnB cigarettes.

Optimization and production of highly stable amylase isolated from Citrobacter portucalensis using low-cost agro-industrial wastes as substrates: Prospective therapeutics

Starch hydrolyzing amylases are among the vital enzymes used in the food, textile, detergent, and pharmaceutical industries. The aim was to isolate amylase bacteria from agricultural soil, its extraction and subsequent purification. Within the scope of this work, using a 1% starch agar medium, potent thermostable bacterial amylase (A-4) was isolated from agricultural soil samples. Molecular analysis revealed the amylase-producing bacterial strain (A-4) to be Citrobacter portucalensis. We used agro-industrial-based wastes (wheat bran, potato peel, and sugarcane bagasse) in amylase production. Culture condition optimization showed that high amylase activity of 4.96 U/mL was obtained at temperature 55 °C and pH 5.0 after 72 h of incubation. The best-suited substrate was nitrogen, and carbon sources were wheat bran, yeast, and lactose for enzyme production. In addition, metal ions Ca+2 and Mg+2 showed a net positive effect on the rate of the enzymatic reaction, and Al+3 and Co+2 inhibited the activity. Protein purification results demonstrated a 4-fold increase with 13% yield and specific activity of 40 U/mL/min. SDS-PAGE indicated the molecular weight of partially purified protein as ∼56 kDa. The stain removal efficiency of the purified enzyme showed considerable results. The finding revealed the use of low-cost and readily available substrates, making C. portucalensis (A-4) a promising candidate for detergent and pharmaceutical industries.

Use of moringa protein hydrolysate as a fishmeal replacer in diet of Oreochromis niloticus: Effects on growth, digestive enzymes, protein transporters and immune status

In this study, we partially replaced fishmeal (FM) with moringa protein hydrolysate (MPH) in the diet of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, in a ten-week feeding trial. We evaluated the consequences of this substitution on the growth, digestive enzyme activity, economic efficiency, immune status, and expression of immune genes, protein transporters, and insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Fish (n = 225, 36.38 ± 0.06 g/fish) were randomly assigned to five groups with five replacement levels of MPH: 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60% (MPH0, MPH15, MPH30, MPH45, and MPH60). The results showed a linear increase in the growth parameters by replacing FM with MPH. A rise in the serum level of growth hormone and a reduction in the leptin hormone and glucose levels were observed with increasing the MPH replacement level. Higher amylase activity was detected with MPH replacement, with the highest activity noticed in the MPH45 group. The protease activity was linearly increased in the MPH45–60 groups. We reported significant up-regulation in the expression of IGF-1 and amino acid and peptide transporters in MPH groups. The immune indices (serum nitric oxide level, lysozyme activity, and phagocytic activity) and immune-related gene expression were linearly up-regulated by MPH replacement up to the 45% replacement level then decreased in the MPH60 group but still higher than the control group. FM replacement with MPH increased the Nile tilapia resistance to Aeromonas sobria challenge. In conclusion, MPH can replace FM up to 60% for good performance and immune status of fish.

Intestinal Enzyme Activity and Enzyme Producing Microbial Flora in Relation to Feeding Behaviour in Some Brackishwater Teleosts

Estimation of digestive enzyme activity, isolation and enumeration of aerobic microbial flora from the gastrointestinal tract of five brackishwater fish species (Mugil cephalus, Liza macrolepis, Mugil Lade, Chanos chanos, Lates calcarifer and Oreochromis mossambicus) of different feeding habits were carried out. The herbivorous (M. cephalus, C. chanos, M. Lade and L. macrolepis) and omnivorous (0. mossambicus) showed marked protease activity, whereas moderate protease activity was recorded in carnivorous L. calcarifer. In the herbivorous and omnivorous fish species the concentration of amylase was moderate to high. A very weak amylase activity was recorded in L. calcarifer. Cellulase activity has been found to be more pronounced in C. chanos, whereas, 0. mossambicus, M. cephalus, M. fade and L. macrolepis showed only moderate cellulase activity. Cellulase activity was weak in L. calcarzfer. Proteolytic, amylolytic, lipolytic and cellulolytic microflora were identified from the culture plates using selective media. The isolates were qualitatively screened on the basis of their extracellular enzyme producing ability. The selected isolates were further quantitatively assayed for protease, amylase and cellulase activities. Proteolytic activity was high in 0. mossambicus, whereas the activity of amylase and cellulase was high in the gastrointestinal tract of C. chanos. Protease activity was exhibited by almost all the bacterial isolates. Maximum activity of protease was exhibited by an isolate from L. macrolepis, followed by an isolate from L. calcartfer. Isolates isolated from 0. mossambicus and C. chanos exhibited high cellulase and amylase activity. Study indicated a distinct microbial source of the digestive enzymes (protease, amylase and cellulase) apart from endogenous sources in fish gut.

Principles of diagnosis and choice of treatment tactics for patients with pancreatic-pleural fistulas

Introduction. Pancreatic-pleural fistula is a rare complication of pancreatitis that has no pathognomonic symptoms and unified approaches to the choice of treatment tactics.The aim of the study was to formulate the principles of diagnosis and choice of treatment tactics in patients with pancreatic-pleural fistulas.Materials and methods. Five patients with pancreatic-pleural fistulas were treated from 2012 to 2022. All patients underwent standard clinical-laboratory and instrumental methods of investigation.Results. The diagnosis of pancreatic-pleural fistula was made at 18−65th day from the disease on the basic of amylase activity in the pleural effusion from 29462 to 51328 U/L. Surgical treatment consisted of pleural cavity and pancreatic pseudocyst drainage in two patients, in one patient we performed pleural cavity drainage and Virsung’s duct stenting, one patient underwent pancreatic duct stenting and repeated pleural punctures, one patient had papillosphincterotomy, video-thoracoscopy and pleural cavity drainage. Discussion Diagnosis of pancreatic-pleural fistulas is based on a set of criteria: history of acute attacks or exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, presence of pancreatic pseudocyst, recurrent hydrothorax, brown pleural effusion, and high amylase activity in it. Surgical treatment tactics can be staged and characterized by the principle “from simple to complex”.Conclusion. The diagnostic algorithm of pancreatic-pleural fistulas is based on the data on acute pancreatitis, recurrent hydrothorax, hemorrhagic nature of the effusion and high level of amylase in it. The choice of surgical treatment tactics implies combination of pleural cavity drainage with Virsung’s duct stenting, as well as external drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst (if any).

Biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using probiotic bacterial strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and evaluate of their biocompatibility and antifungal activity

The main goal of the current study is to biosynthesize titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) using green approach to biocontrol of different fungal strains isolated from historical Description of Egypt book. Nineteen fungal strains were isolated from deteriorated parts and identified by the traditional and molecular methods as Aspergillus flavus (8-isolates), Aspergillus versicolor (2-isolates), Aspergillus ustus (4-isolates), Aspergillus chinensis (2-isolates), Penicillium citrinum (2-isolates), and Penicillium chrysogenum (1-isolate). These fungal strains showed high cellulase, amylase, pectinase, and gelatinase activities which have a significant role in biodeterioration. The biomass filtrate of probiotic strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, was used to fabricate TiO2-NPs which characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, DLS, and zeta potential. The obtained data showed the successful formation of spherical and anatase phase NPs with sizes of 3–7 nm and zeta potential values of – 19.9 and – 36.8 mV. The main components of as-formed nanomaterial were Ti and O with weight percentages of 55.91 and 46.25, respectively. The biocompatibility of synthesized TiO2-NPs was investigated toward two normal cell lines, WI38 and HFB4, which reveal the low toxicity at high concentrations (IC50 > 300 μg mL–1). Therefore, concentrations ≤ 300 μg mL–1 were used to biocontrol of isolated fungi. Data showed the promising activity of various concentrations (300, 200, and 100 μg mL–1) of TiO2-NPs to inhibit the growth of fungal strains with varied inhibition zones and dose-dependent manner. This study exhibited the efficacy of probiotic bacterial strains in the synthesis of TiO2-NPs that can be used to preserve historical books from fungal deterioration.Graphical

Bread spoilage fungi as creators of α amylase using two types of wheat flour

Fungal spoilage of bread can be a great problem; however, it can be explored as a producer of enzymes. The fungi were isolated from breads, and their activity for α-amylase production was planned. The results identified nine fungi on spoiled breads. Aspergillus fumigatus occurred with 85% frequency, followed by other isolates. Starch yeast (SY), white flour (WF), and black flour (BF) were applied as substrates for α-amylase activity using fungal isolates. The SY was the best, followed by WF and BF for α-amylase activity. Using SY, A. niger showed the greatest potency for α-amylase (7.67 U/mL) unlike Monilia sitophila, which reflected low α-amylase activity (2.69 U/mL). Using WF, A. fumigatus reflected high amylase activity (5.76 U/mL) while A. niger, A. terreus, and Penicillium expansum showed less activity (5.12 U/mL, 4.41 U/mL, and 3.56 U/mL, respectively). The temperature 30 °C and pH 6 were the optimum for α-amylase activity by A. niger, A. fumigatus, and P. chrysogenum, using the three media, but α-amylase activity of A. fumigatus at 40 °C was higher than at 20 °C. At the ninth day of incubation, the maximum α-amylase activity was reported using SY, while at the twelfth day, maximum activity was reported using WF and BF.

Improvement of Alpha-amylase Activity from Bacillus Licheniformis using UV Radiation and Modified Media Composition

Alpha-amylases are glycosidic bond hydrolyzing enzymes produced in many microorganisms. In the modern era, the spectrum of amylase applications has expanded into various industries, including medical fields. Among other approaches, strain improvement by mutation and culture optimization are attractive methods for increasing the productivity of alpha-amylase in bacterial strains. The present study aimed at enhancing the yield of the enzyme alpha-amylase from the host strain Bacillus licheniformis. The UV irradiation has been used to induce mutations in the bacterial strain with different time durations. Afterwards, the mutant strains were cultured in different modified growth media for enzyme production. Among the four time periods,the highest enzyme activity (705.23 U/ml) was observed after 24 hours which is more than two-fold higher compared to the enzyme activity of the host stain (345.31 U/ml). In addition, enzyme yield varied significantly in modified culture media (i.e, MP1 and MP2, MP3 and MP4) with different carbon and nitrogen compositions. The mutant strain cultured in MP3 medium had the highest amylase activity which was 1461.2 U/ml at 24 hours. More interestingly, this medium also had the highest enzyme activity (1080.5 U/ml) at 48 hours. The trend of enzyme activity showed a decreasing tendency when the strains cultured in MP1, MP2, and MP3 media, but exceptionally, a sharp decreasing trend was seen in MP4 media from 622.1 U/ml at 24 hours to 428.4 U/ml at 48 hours. From the findings, it can be concluded that B. licheniformis is a good candidate to employ for alpha-amylase production in a modified MP3 culture condition for a short time. However, other limiting factors need to be considered for increasing the yield.&#x0D; Bioresearch Commu. 9(2): 1351-1356, 2023 (July)

Comparative study on prebiotic effects of different types of prebiotics in an in vitro fermentation by gut microbiota of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Prebiotic fermentation by gut microbiota is a key foundation for prebiotics exhibiting physiological functions. However, the relationship among prebiotic type, gut microbiota and gut microbiota metabolism remains unclear. In this study, the gut microbiota of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was inoculated into medium containing 1% fructooligosaccharide (FOS), galactooligosaccharide (GOS), mannanoligosaccharide (MOS), inulin, β-glucan, isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO) and xylooligosaccharide (XOS). The pH value, digestive enzyme activity, short-chain fatty acid yield and gut microbiota in the fermentation liquid were evaluated. The results showed that after 12 h of in vitro fermentation, β-glucan exhibited the lowest pH value and highest amylase activity among the other types of prebiotics. β-glucan had a higher ability to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and inhibit the formation of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) than the other types of prebiotics. At the genus level, β-glucan markedly promoted the growth of Bacillus. These findings suggest that β-glucan was the most suitable type of prebiotic and had greater prebiotic effects than the other types of prebiotics on the basis of in vitro fermentation by the gut microbiota of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

Effects of dietary costmary (Tanacetum balsamita) essential oil on growth performance, digestive enzymes' activity, immune responses and subjected to ambient ammonia of common carp Cyprinus carpio

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of dietary costmary, Tanacetum balsamita, essential oil (CEO) on growth performance, digestive enzymes' activity, and physiological responses to ammonia exposure in common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Common carp (∼17 g) were randomly distributed in 15 tanks as five treatments receiving diets containing 0 (CTL), 100 (100E), 200 (200E), 300 (300E), and 400 (400E) mg/kg CEO for eight weeks and then exposed to 0.5 mg/l unionized ammonia nitrogen for 3 h. The results showed that dietary CEO significantly increased growth performance and feed efficiency and the best values were observed in 100E and 200E treatments. Intestinal amylase, lipase, and protease activities significantly increased in 100E, 200E, and 300E treatments, compared to CTL, and the highest amylase activity was related to 100E, and highest lipase and protease was related 100E and 200E treatments. Dietary CEO significantly decreased serum cortisol, glucose, catalase, malondialdehyde, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, but increased serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, lysozyme, complement, total immunoglobulin, high density lipoprotein, total protein, and albumin before and/or after ammonia stress, depending on CEO concentrations. Based on the present results, dietary CEO supplementation can improve digestive enzymes and growth performance of common carp. Moreover, CEO exhibits anti-stress, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and immunostimulant effects in common carp under ammonia toxicity. Based on the results, 100–200 mg/kg CEO is recommended for common carp feed supplementation.

Environmental factors drive microbial succession and huangjiu flavor formation during raw wheat qu fermentation

As the core raw material of huangjiu (Chinese rice wine) production and brewing, changes of physichemical factors during the fermentation process significantly affect the succession of the microbial community of raw wheat qu (RWQ), also playing important role in huangjiu quality. In this report we analyzed the community structure and driving force RWQ microorganisms with different processes (manual qu, MAQ; mechanical qu, MEQ), and evaluating the flavor of huangjiu. The production procedure was divided into three stages. Dominant microorganisms were Aspergillus, Alternaria, Epicoccus, Bacillus, Pantoea, Saccharopolyspora and Staphylococcus. In early stage, microbial community of MAQ was significantly correlated with temperature and water content, oxygen in middle stage, while no significant driving force in the last stage. Water content and oxygen affected MEQ community significantly in early stage, while in the final stage, fungal community was affected by both temperature and water content, and bacterial community was significantly correlated with oxygen. Glucoamylase activity reached its maximum at 50 °C, while the α-amylase activity decreased with the rise of temperature. The highest amylase activity was obtained with 19% initial water addition. Amylase activity showed positive correlation with the thickness of RWQ. The total amount of organic acids was higher in mechanical huangjiu at the end of pre-fermentation. Contents of n-hexanol, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl hexanoate and guaiacol in manual huangjiu were significantly higher than those in mechanical one, while the content of 4-vinylguaiacol was lower.

Effect of Different Concentration of Fungicide Mancozeb on Protein Concentration and Alpha Amylase Activity of Eleusine coracana. (L.) Gaertn.

Abstract: Experiments were carried out to study the effect of fungicide Mancozeb on seed germination, seedlings growth, chlorophyll content, protein concentration and alpha amylase activity. The experiments were conducted under a completely randomised design, consisting of 8 treatments in a 2×4 fractorial system [2 seed variety × 4 Mancozeb Concentration : 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.0% (control) in 3 replicates each consisting of 20 Ragi seeds.. The Ragi variety used was INDAF 7 and KMR 301. In KMR 301, the highest percentage of germination, high chlorophyll content, high protein concentration and high alpha amylase activity was recorded in seeds treated with 0.4% concentration of Mancozeb and lowest was recorded in control. In INDAF 7, the highest percentage of germination, high chlorophyll content, high protein concentration and high alpha amylase activity was recorded in Control and lowest was recorded in seeds treated with fungicide concentrations