Optimal Medium Research Articles

A revolutionary temporary immersion bioreactor method for commercialscale Musa sp. (Tanduk and Berangan) multiplication

Large-scale clonal banana production is required to supply current industry demand. Conventional tissue culture technique needs to be improvised to overcome the high-cost manufacturing and laborious work involved. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an efficient protocol in clonal banana production by using temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB) technology which uses intermittent immersion in liquid nutrients. This study evaluated the optimum protocol pathway for efficient Musa acuminata cv. Berangan and Musa paradisiaca cv. Tanduk propagation with the application of TIB system. M. acuminata and M. paradisiaca optimum initiation medium were developed in MS (Murashige and Skoog) media supplemented with 3 mg/L 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.2 mg/L Thiamine and 0.3 mg/L Thidiazuron (TDZ) respectively. The optimum proliferation medium in TIB developed in MS media supplemented with 3 mg/L BAP for both varieties. The highest number of shoots was achieved in TIB with 20 initial plantlets and a 15-minute immersion with a 6-hour gap along with a 14-day incubation period. Micropropagation of Musa sp. in Temporary Immersion Bioreactor System (RITA ®) has successfully shown significant growth as compared to MS media agar-conventional technique with reduced phenolic content released in both varieties. In conclusion, the production of Musa acuminata cv Berangan and Musa paradisiaca cv. Tanduk by using a temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB) system has huge potential to improve the scale production output with lower-cost plantlets

Enhancing photosynthetic efficiency in Phalaenopsis amabilis through bioreactor innovations

BackgroundMicro-propagation is the primary technique for the mass propagation of greenhouse orchids. However, various factors, including culture media and cultivation systems, influence the scaling-up and efficient commercialization of in vitro techniques. The utilization of liquid cultivation systems and bioreactors are relatively cost-effective and has attracted significant attention for mass production. In this study, we evaluated the effects of eight culture media, in both semi-solid and liquid forms, on the growth of in vitro mini-plantlets of Phalaenopsis orchids. We subsequently assessed the performance of four selected media: half-strength modified Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MMS), modified FAST (MFAST), and two simplified media (SM1 and SM2), across four types of cultivation systems, including semi-solid media in glass jars, liquid media in a permanent immersion system using Erlenmeyer flasks on a shaker (PIS), and a temporary immersion system (TIS) in two forms: FA-Bio bioreactor (TIS-FA-Bio) and RITA® bioreactor (TIS-RITA®).ResultsThe results indicated that the optimal culture medium for orchid growth depends on the cultivation system used. Among the eight evaluated semi-solid and liquid media, the highest plant growth was observed in the SM2 medium, attributed to the presence of additives (banana powder and activated charcoal), two types of sugar (with high carbon content), and small amounts of nickel and ascorbic acid. The high carbon content in the SM2 liquid medium, combined with the temporary immersion explants in a large volume of medium in the TIS-RITA®, resulted in the highest total carbohydrate content and enhanced plant growth. The maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and the number of plantlets per liter in SM2 semi-solid medium were higher than those in the 1/2 MMS semi-solid medium (control), leading to a 61.6% reduction in production costs. Furthermore, the number of plantlets per liter in the TIS-FA-Bio containing SM2 (10.8 USD) was higher than in TIS-RITA® with 1/2 MMS (39.3 USD), resulting in a 72.5% decrease in production costs due to a lower volume of medium and the use of inexpensive equipment.ConclusionsWe recommend the use of SM2 in TIS-FA-Bio and TIS-RITA® for economical and efficient mass propagation of Phalaenopsis orchid.

Modeling and optimization of culture media for recombinant Helicobacter pylori vaccine antigen HpaA

IntroductionH. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) infection represents a significant global health concern, exacerbated by the emergence of drug-resistant strains resulting from conventional antibiotic treatments. Consequently, the development of vaccines with both preventive and therapeutic properties has become crucial in addressing H. pylori infections. The H. pylori adhesin protein HpaA has demonstrated strong immunogenicity across various adjuvants and dosage forms, positioning it as a key candidate antigen for recombinant subunit vaccines against H. pylori. Optimizing fermentation culture conditions is an effective strategy to enhance product yield and lower production costs. However, to date, there has been no systematic investigation into methods for improving the fermentation yield of HpaA. Enhancing the fermentation medium to increase HpaA yield holds significant potential for application and economic benefits in the prevention and detection of H. pylori infection.MethodsTo achieve a stable and high-yielding H. pylori vaccine antigen HpaA, this study constructed recombinant Escherichia coli expressing HpaA. The impact of fermentation medium components on the rHpaA yield was assessed using a one-factor-at-a-time approach alongside Plackett–Burman factorial experiments. Optimal conditions were effectively identified through response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) statistical computational models. The antigenicity and immunogenicity of the purified rHpaA were validated through immunization of mice, followed by Western Blot analysis and serum IgG ELISA quantification.ResultsGlucose, yeast extract, yeast peptone, NH4Cl and CaCl2 all contributed to the production of rHpaA, with glucose, yeast extract, and NH4Cl demonstrating particularly significant effects. The artificial neural network linked genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) model exhibited superior predictive accuracy, achieving a rHpaA yield of 0.61 g/L, which represents a 93.2% increase compared to the initial medium. Animal immunization experiments confirmed that rHpaA possesses good antigenicity and immunogenicity.DiscussionThis study pioneers the statistical optimization of culture media to enhance rHpaA production, thereby supporting its large-scale application in H. pylori vaccines. Additionally, it highlights the advantages of the ANN-GA approach in bioprocess optimization.

Fundamental Thermodynamic Aspects for the Effective Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes and Improve Performance Grade of Bitumen

The application of carbon nanotubes to enhance bitumen properties is relevant due to the need to increase the durability of asphalt concrete pavements and reduce maintenance costs. Key areas requiring further study include the processes during ultrasonic dispersion, the selection of the optimal medium, and the stability of the resulting dispersions. This study examines dispersions containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) Taunit M (from 5·10−4 to 5·10−2%) and various hydrocarbon plasticizers. For the first time, the change in Gibbs free energy, enthalpy (interaction energy), and mixing and disordering entropy was calculated based on experimental data (surface tension, average cubic diameter of MWCNTs, molecular mass, etc.). The data were compared with the storage stability of polymer-modified binders (PMBs). It was found that mixing entropy plays a key role in forming thermodynamically stable dispersions, while the contribution of disordering entropy is minimal. High dispersion enthalpy of MWCNTs can reduce dispersion stability at high concentrations despite entropy growth. Systems with selective purification extracts showed the best PMB stability despite thermodynamic instability. The property changes after 3 days at 180 °C were no more than 5%. This suggests structural changes from component interactions are critical, highlighting the need for an integrated approach considering both thermodynamic and macroscopic properties.

The composition of commercially available human embryo culture media.

What is the composition of currently available commercial human embryo culture media provided by seven suppliers, for each stage of human preimplantation embryo development? While common trends existed across brands, distinct differences in composition underlined the absence of a clear standard for human embryo culture medium formulation. The reluctance of manufacturers to fully disclose the composition of their human embryo culture media generates uncertainty regarding the culture conditions that are used for human preimplantation embryo culture. The critical role of the embryo culture environment is well-recognized, with proven effects on IVF success rates and child outcomes, such as birth weight. The lack of comprehensive composition details restricts research efforts crucial for enhancing our understanding of its impacts on these outcomes. The ongoing demand for greater transparency remains unmet, highlighting a significant barrier in embryo culture medium optimization. For this study, 47 different human embryo culture media and protein supplements were purchased between December 2019 and June 2020; they comprise complete media (n = 23), unsupplemented media (n = 14), and supplements (n = 10). Unsupplemented media were supplemented with each available supplement from the same brand (n = 33 combinations). All samples were directly frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C until composition analysis. We determined the concentrations of 40 components in all samples collected (n = 80). Seven electrolytes (calcium, chloride, iron, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, sodium), glucose, immunoglobulins A, G, and M (IgA, IgG, IgM), uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), and albumin, as well as the total protein concentration, were determined in each sample using a Cobas 8000 Analyser (Roche Diagnostics). Analysis of pyruvate, lactate, carnitine, and 21 amino acids was achieved with Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Our analysis showed that generally, the concentrations of components of ready-to-use human embryo culture media align with established assumptions about the changing needs of an embryo during early development. For instance, glucose concentrations displayed a high-low-high pattern in sequential media systems from all brands: 2.5-3 mM in most fertilization media, 0.5 mM or below in all cleavage stage media, and 2.5-3.3 mM in most blastocyst stage media. Continuous media generally resembled glucose concentrations of cleavage stage media. However, for other components, such as lactate, glycine, and potassium, we observed clear differences in medium composition across different brands. No two embryo culture media compositions were the same. Remarkably, even embryo culture media from brands that belong to the same parent company differed in composition. Additionally, the scientific backing for the specific concentrations used and the differences in the composition of sequential media is quite limited and often based on minimal in vivo studies of limited sample size or studies using animal models. N/A. We used a targeted approach and performed a selection of tests which limit the composition analysis to this set of analytes. Comprehensive disclosure and complete transparency concerning the composition of human embryo culture media, including the exact concentration of each component, are crucial for evidence-based improvements of culture media for human preimplantation embryos. This research was supported by ZonMw (https://www.zonmw.nl/en), Programme Translational Research 2 (project number 446002003). M.G. declares an unrestricted research grant from Ferring not related to the presented work, paid to the institution VU Medical Center. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. N/A.

A data-driven approach for cell culture medium optimization

Cell culture media are critical for cell propagation and bioproduction to be as efficient as possible to meet medical and pharmaceutical requirements. However, optimizing medium composition to achieve optimal cell culture remains a significant challenge due to the complexity of living cells and their required media. This study, which is a significant contribution to the field, addresses the need for data-driven techniques in cell culture technologies by integrating active machine learning (ML) to reformulate a widely used base medium for mammalian cell culture. The optimization process was facilitated by developing various ML models, which accounted for experimental data processing and time consumption. It provided a detailed methodology and essential knowledge for utilizing ML in medium development. Growth determinative medium components were identified through data mining and scale-up culture. In addition, RNA sequencing analysis indicated that active learning finetuned the media for the changes in gene expression for improved cell culture. This study offers new insights and methodologies to be applied to cell culture for future medical purposes.

Effect of NAA and TDZ on In Vitro Plantlet Induction of Cryptocoryne Wendtii “Brown”

The exotic aquatic plant, Cryptocoryne wendtii “Brown”, can develop into an economic crop with a continually increasing export value. Thailand is unable to produce to meet the demand. Therefore, this experiment aimed to study the optimum concentrations of growth regulators on plantlet induction. The sterile apical bud was cultured on semi-solid MS media (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) supplemented with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mg/L and thidiazuron (TDZ) at 0, 1, 2, 3 mg/L. In the sixth week, the semi-solid MS medium which contains 0.1 mg/L NAA and 2 mg/L TDZ showed the maximum new plantlets (67.92±19.61 plantlets/explant), leaves (67.42±19.46 leaves/explant) and height (28.65±1.55 mm./plantlet), had the highest average significance (P<0.05). Micropropagation of C. wendtii “Brown” in optimum culture medium could increase the volume within a shorter period and enhances the potential for quality and value-added to aquatic plant production.

Optimized Production of Concanamycins Using a Rational Metabolic Engineering Strategy

Plecomacrolides, such as concanamycin and bafilomycin, are potent and specific inhibitors of vacuolar-type ATPase. Concanamycins are 18-membered macrolides with promising therapeutic potential against multiple diseases, including viral infection, osteoporosis, and cancer. Due to the complexity of their total synthesis, the production of concanamycins is only achieved through microbial fermentation. However, the low titers of concanamycin A and its analogs in the native producing strains are a significant bottleneck for scale-up, robust structure-activity relationship studies, and drug development. To address this challenge, we designed a library of engineered Streptomyces strains for the overproduction of concanamycins by combining the overexpression of target regulatory genes with the optimization of fermentation media. Integration of two endogenous regulators from the concanamycin biosynthetic gene cluster (cms) and one heterologous regulatory gene from the bafilomycin biosynthetic gene cluster into the attB site significantly increased production of concanamycin A and its low abundant analog concanamycin B in Streptomyces eitanensis. The highest titers reported to date were observed in the engineered S. eitanensis DHS10676, which produced over 900 mg/L of concanamycin A and 300 mg/L of concanamycin B. Heterologous overexpression of the identified target regulatory genes across a panel of Streptomyces spp., harboring a putative concanamycin biosynthetic gene cluster confirmed its identity, and significantly improved concanamycin A production in all tested strains. Strain engineering, optimization of fermentation, and extraction purification protocols enabled swift access to these structurally complex plecomacrolides for semi-synthetic medicinal chemistry-based approaches. Together, this work established a platform for robust overproduction of concanamycin analogs across species.

Modified Hank's Balanced Salt Solution as a Storage Medium for Avulsed Teeth: InVitro Assessment of Periodontal Fibroblast Viability.

The optimal storage medium for an avulsed tooth should preserve the viability of periodontal fibroblasts (PDLF) to the highest degree, facilitating the re-attachment of periodontal fibers and improving the prognosis of replantation. This study compared the effect of the PDLF viability in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), supplemented culture medium, that is, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), and four modified HBSS mixtures. Periodontal tissues were obtained from extracted human teeth and processed for PDLF culture. The cells were then exposed to six experimental media: (i) HBSS, (ii) HBSS and ascorbic acid (HBSS + Vit C), (iii) HBSS and platelet-derived growth factor (HBSS + PDGF), (iv) a mixture of HBSS, PDGF, and Vit C (HBSS + PDGF + Vit C), (v) HBSS and platelet lysate (HBSS + PL), and (vi) DMEM for 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. A MTT assay was performed to determine the cell viability. Vitamin C-containing media maintained PDLF viability significantly better than HBSS + PDGF and HBSS + PL at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h (p < 0.05). The percentages of viable PDLF at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h were significantly higher than 0 h for HBSS + Vit C, HBSS + PDGF + Vit C, HBSS + PL, and DMEM (p < 0.05). All experimental media were able to maintain PDLF viability (DMEM>HBSS+Vit C; HBSS+PDGF+Vit C>HBSS+PL>HBSS+PDGF; HBSS). Although DMEM had the highest cell proliferative effect, it is impractical to be used as a transport medium due to its cost, storage, and availability. The supplementation of Vit C yielded significant cell proliferative effects; hence, HBSS + Vit C can be a better alternative as a storage medium than HBSS.

Rock dust-based potting media enhances agronomic performance and nutritional quality of horticultural crops

The study evaluates the use of rock dust (RD)-based potting media in enhancing the agronomic performance and nutritional quality of amaranth, kale, and lettuce under controlled environmental conditions. A total of ten growth media formulations, including: 1) 100 % RD (RD), 2) 50 % RD+50 % Topsoil (RDT), 3) 50 % RD + 25 % Biochar + 25 % Promix (RBP) 4) 100 % Topsoil (TS), 5) 25 % RD + 75 % Topsoil (RT), 6) Huplaso (negative control), 7) 50 % RD + 25 % compost + 25 % promix (RCP), 8) 50 % RD + 50 % Promix (RP), 9) Promix (P) (Control), and 10) 50 % RD + 50 % Biochar (RB) were evaluated. The addition of RD to media resulted in a significantly higher root-shoot ratio in amaranth and lettuce. The RCP, RBP, and control showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in total biomass (TBM) and the number of leaves in kale and lettuce during crop cycles. The total antioxidant content of lettuce showed a significant increase in RT>RCP>RD over the control P. Lettuce crops grown in RB had the highest consumer preference based on size and overall appearance. Overall, this study demonstrated an increase in total microminerals, fresh weight, total biomass, MUFA (monosaturated fatty acid), protein content, and antioxidants in plant tissue produced using RD-based media amendments. This is supported by the strong association observed between the media quality and the agronomic performance as well as the nutritional composition. The results suggest RD-based amendments (RCP, RBP, RB, and RP) could be used as suitable, sustainable, and cost-effective media amendments for improving the growth and nutritional composition of vegetable crops, limiting the environmental disposal of RD following precious metal mining. Further optimization of the above media would enhance its utility for vegetable production in different crop management systems.

Adaptive Agronomic Strategies for Enhancing Cereal Yield Resilience Under Changing Climate in Poland

Climate-driven changes have raised concerns about their long-term impacts on the yield resilience of cereal crops. This issue is critical in Poland as it affects major cereal crops like winter triticale, spring wheat, winter wheat, spring barley, and winter barley. This study investigates how soil nutrient profiles, fertilization practices, and crop management conditions influence the yield resilience of key cereal crops over a thirteen-year period (2009–2022) in the context of changing climate expressed as varying Climatic Water Balance. Data from 47 locations provided by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing were analyzed to assess the combined effects of agronomic practices and climate-related water availability on crop performance. Yield outcomes under moderate and enhanced management practices were contrasted using Classification and Regression Trees to evaluate the relationships between yield variations and agronomic factors, including soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium fertilization, and levels of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium in the soil. The study found a downward trend in Climatic Water Balance, highlighting the increasing influence of climate change on regional water resources. Crop yields responded positively to increased agricultural inputs, especially nitrogen. Optimal soil pH and medium phosphorus levels were identified as crucial for maximizing yield. The findings underscore the importance of tailored nutrient management and adaptive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability on cereal production. The results provide insights for field crop research and practical approaches to sustain cereal production in changing climatic conditions.

An Efficient In Vitro Regeneration Protocol and the Feature of Root Induction with Phloroglucinol in Paeonia ostii.

Paeonia ostii, a plant of substantial economic significance, continues to face constraints in achieving large-scale propagation. In vitro propagation offers a promising avenue for the production of disease-free plants and the genetic transformation of peonies to instill novel traits. However, significant challenges persist in tissue culture, particularly with regards to the reproduction coefficient of shoots and the rooting process. This study reports an efficacious protocol for P. ostii micropropagation, focusing on in vitro root development facilitated through the application of phloroglucinol (PG). Furthermore, the study unveils the molecular signature of P. ostii during in vitro root development. The results indicate that the modified Y3 medium (Y3M), supplemented with 1 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 0.1 mg/L α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), is optimal for adventitious bud induction, achieving a 96.67% induction rate and an average of 16.03 adventitious shoots per sample. The highest elongation percentage (92.15%) and the longest average shoot length (3.87 cm) were obtained with Y3M containing 0.3 mg/L BA and 0.03 mg/L NAA. Additionally, the optimal medium for inducing root formation in P. ostii was identified as WPM supplemented with 3 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 100 mg/L phloroglucinol (PG). Lignin content detection, microscope inspection, and molecular signature results demonstrated that PG enhanced lignin biosynthesis, thereby promoting in vitro rooting of P. ostii.

Hydrogen Evolution Reaction of Electrodeposited Ni-W Films in Acidic Medium and Performance Optimization Using Machine Learning.

Ni-W alloy films were electrodeposited from a gluconate aqueous bath at pH=5.0, at varying current densities and temperatures. While there is little to no difference in composition, i. e., all films possess ~12 at.% W, their activity at hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic medium is greatly influenced by differences in surface morphology. The kinetics of HER in 0.5 M H2SO4 indicates that the best performing film was obtained at a current density of -4.8 mA/cm2 and 50 °C. The Tafel slopes (b) and the overpotentials at a geometric current density of -10 mA/cm2 (η10) obtained for 200 cycles of linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) from a set of films deposited using different parameters were fed into a machine learning algorithm to predict optimum deposition conditions to minimize b, η10, and the degradation of samples over time. The optimum deposition conditions predicted by the machine learning model led to the electrodeposition of Ni-W films with superior performance, exhibiting b of 33-45 mV/dec and an η10 of 0.09-0.10 V after 200 LSVs.

The addition of 5-aminolevulinic acid to HBSS protects testis grafts during hypothermic transportation: a novel preservation strategy.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the optimal storage medium for testicular hypothermic transportation and identify the ideal concentration for the application of the protective agent 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). Furthermore, this study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of the protective effects of 5-ALA. First, we collected and stored mouse testicular fragments in different media, including Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS; n = 5), Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/Nutrient Mixture F-12 (DMEM/F12; n = 5), and alpha-minimum essential medium (αMEM; n = 5). Storage of testicular tissue in HBSS preserved the integrity of testicular morphology better than that in the DMEM/F12 group (P < 0.05) and the αMEM group (P < 0.01). Testicular fragments were subsequently placed in HBSS with various concentrations of 5-ALA (0 [control], 1 mmol l-1, 2 mmol l-1, and 5 mmol l-1) to determine the most effective concentration of 5-ALA. The 2 mmol l-1 5-ALA group (n = 3) presented the highest positive rate of spermatogonial stem cells compared with those in the control, 1 mmol l-1, and 5 mmol l-1 5-ALA groups. Finally, the tissue fragments were preserved in HBSS with control (n = 3) and 2 mmol l-1 5-ALA (n = 3) under low-temperature conditions. A comparative analysis was performed against fresh testes (n = 3) to elucidate the underlying mechanism of 5-ALA. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for WikiPathways revealed that the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was downregulated in the 2 mmol l-1 5-ALA group compared with that in the control group (normalized enrichment score [NES] = -1.57, false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.229, and P = 0.019). In conclusion, these data suggest that using 2 mmol l-1 5-ALA in HBSS effectively protected the viability of spermatogonial stem cells upon hypothermic transportation.

Characterization of Antibacterial Compounds from Marine Sponge-associated Streptomyces spp. against Some Pathogenic Bacteria

The increasing trend of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria is a worldwide problem. Streptomyces produce a number of bioactive compounds such as antibacterial. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different media and incubation time in increasing the antibacterial activity of marine sponge-associated Streptomyces spp. and characterize antibacterial compounds of marine sponge-associated Streptomyces spp. against pathogenic bacteria. Among the three tested media and some days of incubation times, Streptomyces spp. produce more antibacterial activity when grown using modified molasses medium at 15 days incubation. The ethyl acetate extracts of Dbi28t exhibited a significant inhibitory zone against Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, Providencia rettgeri then followed by Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas putida and the results were higher than some commercial antibiotics. This study has identified nine antibacterial compounds in Dbi28t using Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) analysis, with the most abundance belonging to pumilacidin A, then followed by pumilacidin B, surfactin B, surfactin A, phenazostatin B, chalcomycin B, neopyrrolomycin C, saquayamycin A and saphenamycin. This work provides the first report from a Streptomyces sp. Dbi28t produced pumilacidin, surfactin and other bioactive compounds with the modified molasses medium for optimization of characterization of its antibacterial compounds.

Effect of Media Formulation on Survival and Growth Performance of Star Jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum Burm. f. Andrews) Propagation by Stem Cuttings

Present study investigated “Effect of media formulation on survival and growth performance of star jasmine (Jasminum multiflorum Burm. f. Andrews) propagation by stem cuttings”. during 2023-2024 using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications with eight treatments i.e., T5: soil + vermicompost + cocopeat (1:1:1). The treatments comprised various combinations of soil, farmyard manure (FYM), cocopeat, sand, rice husk, and vermicompost. The results indicated that the propagation media significantly affected the growth parameters. Notably, Treatment T5 i.e. soil + vermicompost + cocopeat (1:1:1) demonstrated superior performance, with the shortest sprouting time (9.67 days), highest survival rate (78.67%) and overall enhanced growth attributes, including sprout number, sprout length, plant height, leaf area, and root and shoot weights. The findings suggest that soil + vermicompost + cocopeat (1:1:1) is an optimal medium for propagating of star Jasmine, warranting further studies to confirm its efficacy across different locations and seasons.

Empirical methods for enhancing user experience in human-computer interaction design with digital media integration

Abstract. This study rigorously examines the application of empirical methodologies aimed at augmenting the user experience (UX) within the domain of human-computer interaction (HCI) design, with a pronounced emphasis on the seamless integration of digital media. In an era where digital media intricately intertwines with our daily lives, crafting interfaces that are both intuitive and engaging is becoming increasingly essential. This paper embarks on an in-depth analysis of a variety of empirical research techniques, including but not limited to, user studies, A/B testing, and comprehensive analytics. These methodologies are pivotal in providing critical insights and feedback that inform and refine the HCI design process. By judiciously incorporating these empirical methods throughout the design and development phases of digital media applications, designers and developers are equipped to forge more effective, accessible, and immersive user experiences. This approach ensures that digital media interfaces are not only functional but also highly engaging and responsive to user needs and preferences. The research findings underscore the critical role of user-centered design practices in significantly enhancing user engagement, satisfaction, and usability. It emphasizes that understanding the end-user's perspective and integrating their feedback into the design process is fundamental in creating digital media interfaces that resonate with users. Through a detailed exploration of these empirical methods, the study provides a comprehensive framework for improving digital media experiences, highlighting the necessity for a synergistic approach to HCI design that prioritizes user satisfaction and usability. This body of work contributes valuable insights into the ongoing discourse on the optimization of digital media interfaces through empirically informed design strategies, advocating for a user-centric approach in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital media technology..

The development of a formulation, the selection and harmonization of the nutrient medium for determining the activity of aminoglycoside antibiotics

The work is devoted to research on the selection of peptone for the optimization of the nutrient medium for the antimicrobial activity by the agar diffusion method of neomycin (framycetin), which have a similar chemical structure. The paper substantiates the relevance and importance of developing a formulation, selecting the optimal composition (ingredients), the quantitative ratio of ingredients, the pH of the medium, compliance of the proposed nutrient media with the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation and the European Pharmacopoeia for the standardization of antibiotics. The aim of the work was to study the components of the nutrient medium in comparison with the pharmacopoeial standards recommended for determining the effectiveness of antibiotics. It is shown that for carrying out microbiological tests in the standardization of antimicrobial drugs, the nutrient medium is the main one, and the correctness and accuracy of the interpretation of the research results depend on their quality. The experiment studied four brands of dry peptone and broth from different manufacturers – LLC NITSF and FBUN GNTs PMB (Obolensk) when working with the test strain of the spore culture Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633. An optimal nutrient medium is proposed, the composition and conditions of its preparation are selected. To determine the antimicrobial activity of framycetin by the agar diffusion method, a developed medium for determining the effectiveness of neomycin when working with the spore-forming form of the test strain Baccillus subtillis ATCC 6633 is proposed.

Combinatorial metabolic engineering strategy of precursor pools for the yield improvement of spinosad in Saccharopolyspora spinosa

Spinosad is an insecticide produced by Saccharopolyspora spinosa, and its larvicidal activity is considered a promising approach to combat crop pests. The aim of this study was to enhance the synthesis of spinosad through increasing the supply of acyl-CoAs precursor by the following steps. (i) Engineering the β-oxidation pathway by overexpressing key genes within the pathway to promote the synthesis of spinosad. The results showed that the overexpression of fadD, fadE, and fadA1 genes, as well as the co-expression of fadA1 and fadE genes, increased the yield of spinosad by 0.36-fold, 0.89-fold, 0.75-fold and 1.25-fold respectively. (ii) Employing combinatorial engineering of the β-oxidation pathway and ACC/PCC pathway to promote the synthesis of spinosad. The results showed that the co-expression of fadE and pccA, as well as accC and fadE, resulted in a 1.77-fold and 1.43-fold increase in spinosad production respectively. (iii) When exogenous triacylglycerol was added to the fermentation medium, the solely engineering of the β-oxidation pathway increased the yield of spinosad by 7.13-fold, reaching 427.23 mg/L. While the combinatorial engineering of both the β-oxidation pathway and ACC/PCC pathway increased the yield of spinosad by 9.61-fold, reaching 625.17 mg/L, and further optimization of the culture medium resulted in an even higher yield of spinosad, reaching 1293.43 mg/L. The results of this study indicate that the above combination strategy can promote the efficient biosynthesis of spinosad.

Poly-γ-glutamic production by solid-state fermentation of Bacillus natto in ammonia nitrogen movement and soil water retention processes

A high polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) producing strain of Bacillus natto UV-40–50 was screened by ultraviolet mutagenesis treatment and identified as still belonging to the Bacillus specie. The optimal fermentation medium composition for solid state fermentation (SSF) of B. natto strain UV-40–50 strain was determined by one-way analysis of variance, under which the yield of γ-PGA was 55.19 g/kg, and the presence and molecular weight of γ-PGA in the γ-PGA-purified samples were determined by a series of characterizations. The purification ability of the unseparated solid fermentation product (SFP) on ammonia nitrogen and nitrite in the water column, as well as its effect on soil water retention, germination rate and seedling length of lettuce and cabbage were further investigated. The results showed that the addition of 1 g/m3 SFP could effectively remove more than 60 % of ammonia nitrogen and more than 40 % of nitrite in the water body; the addition of 0.01 % SFP could increase the water retention capacity of cabbage soil by 2.13 times, and increase the water retention capacity of lettuce soil by 12 %; at the same time, the SFP could also significantly increase the germination rate and seedling length of both cabbage and lettuce.