Nostoc Commune Research Articles

Structure elucidation and molecular mechanism of an immunomodulatory polysaccharide from Nostoc commune

Nostoc commune Vaucher, a terrestrial and benthic blue-green alga, widely used in food and medicine worldwide. N. commune Polysaccharides (NCVP) have excellent biological activities, especially immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic and anti-tumor activities. However, the mechanism and structure-activity relationship of NCVP has been less studied. In this study, based on methylation and NMR results, a novel polysaccharide NCVP2 with 135 kDa, containing→4)-α-D-Galp-(1→, → 4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, and →4)-α-D-Xylp-(1→ residues as the backbon, was sequentially purified from N.commune by DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100 column. NCVP2 (50 μg/mL) exhibited the strong in vitro immunomodulatory activity by promoting the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). A total of 2048 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA-seq, including 1019 down-regulated genes and 1065 up-regulated genes. These DEGs were mainly enriched in the immune-related biological processes, involving in Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Furthermore, Western blot results proved NCVP2 could recognize TLR2 and TLR4/MD2, and regulate TLR7/IRF7, MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. In summary, a novel polysaccharide NCVP2 from N.commune was proposed to exhibit significant immunomodulatory effects with multiple-paths and targets, and has great potential in the development of healthy foods such as immunomodulators.

Preparation of a Porous Spherical Adsorbent by Oil-In-Water-In-Oil Emulsion Polymerization for Phycocyanin Adsorption

ABSTRACT Phycocyanin is a protein with potential in food and medical applications. A porous spherical adsorbent was prepared by oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion polymerization. Oil and water phases containing surfactants and monomers, respectively, were emulsified, and the prepared emulsion was added to the oil phase to polymerize the porous spherical adsorbent. The concentration ratio of N,N-dimethylacrylamide and 2-dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate (DMAEMA) in the water phase was changed. The obtained spherical adsorbent had a size of about 150 μm and a water content of 90%, with macropores of several micrometers. Phycocyanin (20 kDa) of Nostoc commune was leached by the freeze and thaw method to prepare the solution. The adsorption data of the batch and column modes were evaluated by ordinary differential and partial differential equations, respectively, considering competitive adsorption, to obtain parameters of the mass transfer coefficient and saturated adsorption capacity. In the b\ sfer coefficient of phycocyanin decreased by about one-third, but the saturated adsorption capacity increased three-fold. In the continuous flow column, leached biomacromolecules other than phycocyanin had greater parameters of mass transfer and capacity. To prepare an adsorbent for the biomacromolecules, selective adsorption sites in the polymer matrix should be designed and prepared.

Почвенные водоросли и цианопрокариоты степных сообществ Байкальской котловины

The article presents the results of studies of herbaceous plant communities in the Baikal basin, with the significant participation of the diazotrophic cyanoprokaryota Nostoc commune. The territory of the investigation is located at the foot of the Primorskiy range. There are developed mountain, typical steppe, and meadow communities on chestnut soils. A high content of carbonates was found in the soils, and the pH of the upper horizons varied from slightly acidic to alkaline. The composition of algae and cyanoprokaryota species living in and on soils has been revealed. In total, in steppe and meadow communities we identified 71 species from five divisions: Cyanoprokaryota – 27, Bacillariophyta – 4, Ochrophyta – 3, Chlorophyta – 34, and Charophyta – 3. 58 species have been found in steppe communities, 40 in meadow. A predominance of cyanoprokaryota and green algae was noted. The composition of the studied phototrophic species in steppe communities differed significantly from that of the meadow. In steppe communities Nostoc commune formed macroscopic colonies, and its biomass production was low (about 2 g/m2) comparable to that of a number of Asia arid territories. The N. commune biomass formation was higher on the mountain slope and at its foot, where higher density of soil composition, lower field humidity, as well as an increased content of calcium, magnesium, and sodium was found in soils. The N. commune biomass was reduced in the site at a distance from the mountain slope where the content of the above elements was lower. The regular sampling of macrocolonies had a negative impact on their renewal.

Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Nostocales and its Contribution to the SDGS

Objectives: This study explores the botanical and ethnobotanical knowledge, uses, and geobotanical distribution of Nostocales algae in high Andean communities of Huancavelica, Peru. It aims to document local knowledge and usage and understand the algae's distribution in relation to environmental conditions. Theoretical Framework: Nostocales algae are recognized for their nutritional and biomolecular value, with applications in human nutrition, animal feed, and environmental contexts. Understanding traditional and modern uses highlights their cultural and economic importance. Method: Data was collected through surveys of 610 individuals and botanical records using a photo-documentary herbarium, assessing local knowledge, usage patterns, and environmental distribution. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal that high Andean residents have significant knowledge about Nostocales algae, particularly Nostoc commune (34%) and Nostoc spp. (28%). The algae, known locally as "llullucha" are found in streams, consumed fresh, and sold at $1.80/kg. High knowledge levels are found among adult males with primary education. The algae are used as food for humans and animals and for economic support, with applications in fresh, dried, and processed forms. Geobotanically, Nostoc commune is common at altitudes between 4400 and 5320 meters, with temperatures of 4-10°C and relative humidity of 20-60%, thriving in puna and mountainous regions. Research Implications: It underscores the significance of Nostocales algae in local diets and economies, providing valuable data for conservation and sustainable management. Originality: It offers new geobotanical records and insights into local knowledge and uses, contributing to the understanding of these algae's cultural and economic roles in Peru.

P-Hydroxy benzaldehyde, a phenolic compound from Nostoc commune, ameliorates DSS-induced colitis against oxidative stress via the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO-1/NF-κB/AP-1 pathway

BackgroundUlcerative colitis (UC), a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), presents with limited current drug treatment options. Consequently, the search for safe and effective drug for UC prevention and treatment is imperative. Our prior studies have demonstrated that the phenolic compound p-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (HD) from Nostoc commune, effectively mitigates intestinal inflammation. However, the mechanisms underlying HD's anti-inflammatory effects remain unclear. PurposeThis study delved into the pharmacodynamics of HD and its underlying anti-inflammation mechanisms. MethodsFor in vivo experiments, dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model was established. In vitro inflammation model was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). The protective effect of HD against colitis was determined by monitoring clinical symptoms and histological morphology in mice. The levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress markers were subsequently analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and biochemical kits. Furthermore, western blotting (WB), immunofluorescence (IF), luciferase reporter gene, drug affinity reaction target stability (DARTS) assay, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were used to determine the potential target and molecular mechanism of HD. ResultsOur findings indicate that HD significantly alleviated the clinical symptoms and histological morphology of colitis in mice, and curtailed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, COX-2, and iNOS. Furthermore, HD stimulated the production of SOD, CAT, and GSH-px, enhanced total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and reduced MDA levels. Mechanically, HD augmented the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1, while concurrently downregulating the phosphorylation of p65, IκBα, c-Jun, and c-Fos. ML385 and siNrf2 largely attenuated the protective effect of HD in enteritis mice and RAW 264.7 cells, as well as the promotion of HO-1 expression levels. ZnPP-mediated HO-1 knockdown reversed HD-induced inhibition of colonic inflammation. Luciferase reporter assay and IF assay confirmed the transcriptional activation of Nrf2 by HD. DARTS analysis, molecular docking, and MD results showed high binding strength, interaction efficiency and remarkable stability between Nrf2 and HD. ConclusionThese outcomes extend our previous research results that HD can combat oxidative stress through the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO-1/NF-κB/AP-1 pathways, effectively alleviating colitis, and propose new targets for HD to protect against intestinal barrier damage.

Investigation of the toxicity of Cr (VI) against cyanobacteria and the mechanism of tolerance of the cyanobacterial consortia: a quantum mechanical approach.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) is a heavy metal that is distributed globally and poses a significant threat to the environment through various mechanisms. It can react with soil and water, leading to severe environmental damage. In this study, the toxicity of Cr (VI) was investigated by analyzing two major cyanobacteria species, Nostoc commune and Anabaena variabilis, commonly found in soil along with their consortia. The findings revealed that the toxicity mechanisms of Cr (VI) differed in individual monocultures, with Cr (VI) competing with various components. However, when the cyanobacteria species were combined, i.e., in consortia, they demonstrated an impressive retention of their functioning even in Cr (VI) concentration at 10ppm. The study also concluded that non-photochemical quenching played a critical role in minimizing Cr (VI) toxicity. Furthermore, the research examined the role of the S-cycle in the process. The quantum yield of electron flux revealed that the Cr (VI) was competing with Qa in A. variabilis and with Qb in N. commune, albeit the photosystem dysfunction is only visible in the latter. The mechanism seemed to be quantum tunneling alteration because of the Cr (VI) having different energized quantum wells. The consortia proved to be behaving in a better manner as compared to the control. Overall, this study reveals the mode of toxicity of Cr (VI) in these two important cyanobacterial strains as well as it also discusses the mechanism of tolerance of consortia against Cr (VI) toxicity.

Native Biocrust Cyanobacteria Strains Showing Antagonism against Three Soilborne Pathogenic Fungi.

The biocontrol potential of three native soil cyanobacteria from biological soil crusts (Nostoc commune, Scytonema hyalinum, and Tolypothrix distorta) was tested by means of in vitro mycelial growth inhibition assays for eighteen cyanobacteria-based products against three phytopathogenic soilborne fungi (Phytophthora capsici, Pythium aphanidermatum, and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-cucumerinum). Three cyanobacteria-based production factors were considered: (i) cyanobacterium strain, (ii) cyanobacterial culture growth phase, and (iii) different post-harvest treatments: raw cultures, cyanobacterial filtrates, and cyanobacterial extracts. Results showed that any of the factors considered are key points for successfully inhibiting fungal growth. N. commune showed the highest growth inhibition rates for the three phytopathogens; stationary phase treatments produced higher inhibition percentages than logarithmic ones; and all the post-harvest treatments of N. commune at the stationary phase inhibited the growth of P. capsici, up to 77.7%. Thus, N. commune products were tested in planta against P. capsici, but none of the products showed efficacy in delaying the onset nor reducing the damage due to P. capsici, demonstrating the complexity of the in planta assay's success and encouraging further research to design an appropriate scaling up methodology.

Comparative analysis of geotypic variations in the proteome of Nostoc commune

ABSTRACT Cyanobacterium Nostoc commune is a filamentous terrestrial prokaryotic organism widely distributed, which suggest its high adaptive potential to environmental or abiotic stress. Physiological parameters and proteomic analysis were performed in two accession of N. commune with the aim to elucidate the differences of physiological trails between distant geotypes, namely Antarctic (AN) and central European (CE). The result obtained clearly showed that the AN geotype demonstrates elevated levels of total phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins, indicative of its adaptation to environmental stress as referred by comparison to CE sample. Additionally, we employed LC-MS analysis to investigate the proteomes of N. commune from AN and CE geotypes. In total, 1147 proteins were identified, among which 646 proteins expressed significant (up-regulation) changes in both accessions. In the AN geotype, 83 exclusive proteins were identified compared to 25 in the CE geotype. Functional classification of the significant proteins showed a large fraction involved in photosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and protein biosynthesis. Further analysis revealed some defense-related proteins such as, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase, which are rather explicitly expressed in the AN N. commune. The last two proteins suggest a more stressful condition in AN N. commune. In summary, our findings highlight biochemical processes that safeguard the AN geotype of N. commune from extreme environmental challenges, not recorded in CE accession, probably due to less stressful environment in Europe. This study brings the first ever proteomic analysis of N. commune, emphasizing the need for additional investigations into the climate adaptation of this species with rather plastic genome.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of a low molecular weight polysaccharide from Nostoc commune Vaucher and its structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity

In the current study, a novel crude polysaccharide (cNCEP) was extracted from N. commune Vaucher utilizing ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) with 60 % ethanol, employing response surface methodology. The optimal yield of cNCEP was determined to be 8.07 ± 0.08 mg/g, achieved through ultrasonic-assisted extraction under the conditions of a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:22, temperature of 56 °C, power of 570 W, and duration of 147 min. Subsequent purification of NCEP via Sephadex G75 resulted in a novel polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 20.466 kDa. NCEP exhibited significant scavenging activites against DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, as well as notable in vitro immunomodulatory properties. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of NCEP, involving enhancement of immunity, were investigated, revealing potential regulation of MAPK and TLR4-IRF7-NF-κB signaling pathways through RNA-Seq and Western blot analyses. These findings highlight the promising potential of NCEP as an organic immunomodulatory agent and functional food ingredient.

Effect of Nostoc commune cover on shallow soil moisture, runoff and erosion in the subtropics

Nostoc commune (Nostoc commune Vaucher ex Born & Flahault) is widely distributed in grasslands within the subtropical region. Because of its morphological changes are more sensitive to moisture, it may affect the soil’s response to infiltration-runoff processes, thus significantly influencing soil moisture dynamics, runoff, and soil loss. However, the exact effects of this phenomenon are not yet fully understood. This study established a one-year monitoring experiment of soil moisture, runoff and soil erosion in the karst area of Southwest China from September 2021 to November 2022. Using bare soil (CK) as the control, two treatments of Nostoc commune cover at 100 % coverage (C1) and 50 % coverage (C2) were set up in 3 repetitions to investigate the shallow soil’s response to Nostoc commune cover and rainfall and to quantify the effects of land cover and rainfall type on runoff and soil loss. The results showed that Nostoc commune cover significantly increased the shallow-soil water content, and the effect of increasing soil water content was more significant with increasing coverage. The cumulative soil water increment (CSWI) varied greatly under different types of rainfall due to the high water-absorbing capacity of Nostoc commune. The CSWI showed C1 < C2 < CK under light rain and moderate rain events, while the CSWI showed C1 > C2 > CK under heavy rain and rainstorm events. The temporal pattern of soil moisture changed greatly under different cover treatments and rainfall events. In particular, the response time under different rainfall types varied from 10 min to 250 min. The runoff depth and soil loss in CK were 1.19–2.15 times and 1.92–14.43 times that of C1 and C2, respectively. This indicates that Nostoc commune cover has a significant effect on controlling runoff and soil erosion. In addition, the sensitivity of runoff and soil loss to the maximum 10-min rainfall intensity was higher than that of the maximum 30-min rainfall intensity, which was attributed to the rapid swelling of Nostoc commune in the hydration process, which greatly reduced runoff and soil erosion. This study can contribute to further understanding the hydrological process and soil erosion characteristics under different surface covers in humid karst areas.

Cyanobacterial Biocrust on Biomineralized Soil Mitigates Freeze–Thaw Effects and Preserves Structure and Ecological Functions

Biocrust inoculation and microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) are tools used in restoring degraded arid lands. It remains unclear whether the ecological functions of the two tools persist when these methods are combined and subjected to freeze–thaw (FT) cycles. We hypothesized a synergetic interaction between MICP treatment and biocrust under FT cycles, which would allow both components to retain their ecological functions. We grew cyanobacterial (Nostoc commune) biocrusts on bare soil and on MICP (Sporosarcina pasteurii)-treated soil, subjecting them to repeated FT cycles simulating the Mongolian climate. Generalized linear modeling revealed that FT cycling did not affect physical structure or related functions but could increase the productivity and reduce the nutrient condition of the crust. The results confirm the high tolerance of MICP-treated soil and biocrust to FT cycling. MICP treatment + biocrust maintained higher total carbohydrate content under FT stress. Our study indicates that biocrust on biomineralized soil has a robust enough structure to endure FT cycling during spring and autumn and to promote restoration of degraded lands.

Presence of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine in irrigation water and accumulation in cereal grains with human exposure risk.

The present study demonstrates the presence of the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine and its cyanobacterial producers in irrigation water and grains of some cereal plants from farmlands irrigated with Nile River water in Egypt. BMAA detected by LC-MS/MS in phytoplankton samples was found at higher concentrations of free form (0.84-11.4μg L-1) than of protein-bound form (0.16-1.6μg L-1), in association with the dominance of cyanobacteria in irrigation water canals. Dominant cyanobacterial species isolated from these irrigation waters including Aphanocapsa planctonica, Chroococcus minutus, Dolichospermum lemmermanni, Nostoc commune, and Oscillatoria tenuis were found to produce different concentrations of free (4.8-71.1µgg-1 dry weight) and protein-bound (0.1-11.4µgg-1 dry weight) BMAA. In the meantime, BMAA was also detected in a protein-bound form only in grains of corn (3.87-4.51µgg-1 fresh weight) and sorghum (5.1-7.1µgg-1 fresh weight) plants, but not in wheat grains. The amounts of BMAA accumulated in these grains correlated with BMAA concentrations detected in relevant irrigation water canals. The presence of BMAA in cereal grains would constitute a risk to human and animal health upon consumption of contaminated grains. The study, therefore, suggests continuous monitoring of BMAA and other cyanotoxins in irrigation waters and edible plants to protect the public against exposure to such potent toxins.

Cyanobacterial community structure and isolation of thermophilic cyanobacteria in the Zharkent geothermal spring

Cyanobacterial biodiversity represents a significant reservoir for the potential discovery of new promising microorganism species. The purpose of this research is to explore the diversity of cyanobacteria and identify thermotolerant species found in the Zharkent geothermal spring situated in the Zhetysu region. At the time of water sampling from the spring, the temperature reached 75-80 °C. Cyanobacterial mats in the form of microbial agglomerations were identified on the stream periphery. Nine cyanobacterial species were found in these cyanobacterial mats, including Synechococcus, Phormidium, Gloeocapsa, Oscillatoria, Fischerella, and Nostoc. Among the cyanobacteria inhabiting the hot spring, 44% were non-heterocystous forms, while the rest exhibited heterocystous characteristics or were present as single-celled organisms. The order Oscillatoriales was the most predominant, including four species, followed by the order Chroococcales with three species. Pure cultures of cyanobacteria, such as Oscillatoria formasa, Nostoc commune, Anabaena cylindrica, and Fischerella thermalis, were isolated from the geothermal spring. These cultures were subjected to thermotolext56rance assessment at different temperatures. All examined strains exhibited a high growth rate at 45-50°C, with a slowdown at 55 and 60°C. The optimal growth temperature was 45-50°C, except for the Fischerella thermalis strain, which showed active growth at 60°C. The obtained results emphasize the potential application of the isolated strains in biotechnology.

Effect of the biomass of the cyanobacterium Nostoc commune on the growth of &lt;i&gt;Fusarium oxysporum &lt;/i&gt;"&lt;i&gt;In vitro&lt;/i&gt;"

The cyanobacteria Nostoc commune contains bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity and high potential to control of phytopathogens. The objective of this work was to determine the in vitro effect of sonicated biomass of these cyanobacteria on the growth of Fusarium oxysporum. The biomass of N.commune was dissolved in sterile distilled water and subjected to centrifugation processes and ultrasound-assisted cell rupture. The antifungal effect was evaluated using the disk diffusion technique (Kirby-Bauer) in a PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium. In the center of the Petri dish, an agar disk (0.7 cm) with pure mycelium of the fungus was placed in the center of the Petri dish and, around it, four filter paper disk impregnateed with the algae extract (0.7 cm) were placed. The radial growth of the pathogen was measured in the presence and absence of N. commune, until the control covered the entire Petri dish to assess the Percentage of Radial Inhibition of the pathogen (PICR %). The growth rate of the fungus was lower in the initial stages of measurement and the PICR fluctuated between 33 and 58%. However, there were no inhibition halos in the growth of the fungus, it is assumed that the antifungal effect of the cyanobacteria was not permanent over the time, but it could be potentiated by improving the extraction process of the extract.

Effects of Nostoc commune extract on the cerebral oxidative and neuroinflammatory status in a mice model of schizophrenia

Cyanobacterium Nostoc commune has long been used to alleviate various diseases. This research examines the effects of Nostoc commune extract (NCE) against behavioral disorders, cerebral oxidative stress, and inflammatory damage in the ketamine-induced schizophrenia model. Oral NCE administration (70 and 150 mg/kg/d) is performed after intraperitoneal ketamine injection (20 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days. The forced swimming and open field tests are used to assess schizophrenia-like behaviors. After the behavioral test, dopamine (DA) level, oxidative stress markers, as well as the interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression are measured in the cerebral cortex. The results show that NCE treatment ameliorates KET-induced anxiety and depressive-like behaviors in OFT and FST, respectively. NCE considerably decreases the malondialdehyde (MDA) and DA levels and IL-6 and TNF-α expressions in mice with schizophrenia-like symptoms. Also, a significant increase is observed in the glutathione (GSH) level and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase (GRx) activity in cerebral tissue. The present study shows that NCE treatment effectively improves KET-induced schizophrenia-like behaviors and oxidative and inflammatory damage. Therefore, NCE, via its bioactive constituents, could have strong neuroprotective effects in the schizophrenia-like model.

The elemental composition of Nostoc commune (Cyanoprokaryota) from the Baikal region

We have established concentrations of 32 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Sc, Sr, Ti, V, W, Y, Zn) in the thalloms of the terrestrial algae Nostoc commune from the Baikal region, functioning in the meadow steppe on sod-carbonate soil. Nostoc commune is a widespread species in terrestrial ecosystems, capable of oxygenic photosynthesis and fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. The concentrations of elements in the Nostoc commune from the Baikal region according to the degree of reduction are presented in the following series: Al &gt; Ca &gt; Mg &gt; K &gt; Fe &gt; P &gt; S &gt; Ti &gt; Na &gt; Ba &gt; Sr &gt; Mn &gt; Cr &gt; Zn &gt; V &gt; Li &gt; Ni &gt; Ce &gt; Cu &gt; La &gt; Bi &gt; Sb &gt; W &gt;Y &gt; Pb &gt; Sc &gt; Co &gt; As &gt; Mo &gt; Ag &gt; Be &gt; Cd. High correlations between the content of Ca, Mg, K in the soil and thalloms of the species were revealed.

The protective effect of Nostoc commune Vauch. polysaccharide on alcohol-induced acute alcoholic liver disease and gut microbiota disturbance in mice.

In recent years, the incidence of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has gradually increased, the development of ALD is attached great attentions. Nostoc commune Vauch. polysaccharide (NCVP) is beneficial to maintain the gut health, but the protective effect of NCVP on the liver has not been reported yet. To study the protective effect and the underlying mechanisms of NCVP on ALD, a mouse model of acute ALD was established. We built an acute ALD mouse model and explored the protective effect of NCVP through the detection of cytokines, histological examination, determination of short chain fatty acids, and 16S rRNA analysis of gut microbiota. NCVP had hepatoprotective effects on acute alcohol-induced mice by improving antioxidant capacity, reducing oxidative stress and the serum cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Simultaneously, histopathological changes in liver indicated that NCVP could inhibit local hepatocyte necrosis, cytoplasmic vacuolation and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by alcohol. NCVP also increased the level of total short-chain fatty acids of acute ALD mice. In addition, NCVP could significantly decrease the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and the abundance of Patescibacteria, Helicobacter, and Actinomycetes and increase the abundance of Lachospiraceae, Prevotellaceae-UCG-003, Lactobacillaceae, and Desulfovibrio. Our study proved that NCVP had in vivo hepatoprotective effect on acute ALD mice and provided scientific evidences that NCVP might be a promising drug candidate for the prevention and treatment of ALD.

Semi-artificial photosynthetic system based on TiO2/Chlorophyll composite and microalgae for N2 fixation

Significant process has been made on the development of semi-artificial photosynthesis catering to the production of H2– and CO2– derived value-added products. But there are little reports on the application of semi-artificial photosynthetic system to nitrogen fixation areas. In this study we report the successful and highly efficient N2 fixation in one step at room temperature and ambient pressure by constructing new semi-artificial photosynthetic systems based on material-cell hybrids and microbial photo-electrolysis cells (MPECs). Improved TiO2/Chlorophyll composite that annealed at 400 °C was selected as electron donator to replenish additional electrons to Nostoc commune Vauch microalgae cell for N2 fixation. Ubiquinone-0 (2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, Q0) was selected as electron relay that guarantees efficient transmission of electrons from abiotic material to microalgae cells. Determined by an ammonia assay kit, at constant concentration of microalgae, the constructed material-cell hybrid system photosynthetically synthesized 40.67 μM/h ammonia, while H-shape MPECs synthesized 132.70 μM/h, 19.23 times higher than that produced by pure microalgae. Using 15N2 as the reduction gas, the constructed H-shape MPECs photosynthetically synthesized 28.37 μM/h 15NH4+, 2.80 time higher than that of the MPECs without Q0 as electron relay.

Proximate Content of Nostoc commune in Gilianyar Rice Field Habitat, Bangkalan Regency, East Java

Nostoc commune become one of the microalgae that can be found in Indonesia. Nostoc commune is an edible blue-green microalgae that has been used as a delicacy or herbal medicine in various countries. Nostoc commune contains high concentrations of carbohydrates, crude protein, and micronutrients. The purpose of this research is to know the proximate content of Nostoc commune in the rice field habitat of Gilianyar, Bangkalan Regency, East Java. The method used in this study includes 2 steps, namely direct observation (on site) and observations in the laboratory. Direct observation was carried out by taking samples of Nostoc commune regularly purposive sampling and water samples and water quality measurements on site which includes pH, DO (Dissolved Oxygen), temperature, salinity and light intensity were carried out with 3 location points and 2 repetitions. Observations in the laboratory include proximate analysis, nitrate and phosphate according to standard procedures. The average yield of nutrient concentrations Nostoc commune among others, moisture content 24.78%, ash content 0.6055%, fat content 0.92%, protein content 0.47%, crude fiber content 1.190% and carbohydrate content 72.0378% .

Abundance and Biomass Analysis of Nostoc commune in Rice Field Habitat in Madura

Nostoc commune is often found in terrestrial habitats as well as aquatic habitats. Nostoc commune has the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, besides being used as food or medicine. Nostoc commune in Indonesia is still little utilized, this is because its existence is often misinterpreted as a weed in rice fields. The purpose of this study was to determine the abundance and biomass of Nostoc commune in rice field habitats. This research was conducted from 5 September 2022- September 23, 2022. The sampling method of Nostoc commune and water used was purposive sampling in the rice fields of Gilianyar Kamal Village, Bangkalan Regency, with three sampling location points. The measured water quality parameters include, nitrate, phosphate, water TOM, sediment TOM, and sediment C/N ratio. Nostoc commune data were identified to determine the biomass and abundance at each station. The results of the study of the abundance of Nostoc commune found that the first week of September and the second of September, respectively got an average of 695.1 colonies/m2 with a biomass of 1,576.2 g and 768.9 colonies/m2 with 1,799.7 g of biomass. Nostoc commune found in the rice fields is classified as abundant in each m2.