Q-Sepharose Column Research Articles

Testing for the ability to modify antibiotics of Panus tigrinus 8/18 Lentinus strigosus 1566 laccase.

In advanced biotechnology, the utilization of enzymes to achieve new or modified compounds with antibacterial, fungicidal, and anti-cancer specifications is crucial. Mushroom lactases are a hopeful biocatalyst for the synthesis and modification of different compounds. They are an accessible and inexpensive enzyme for the preparation of reaction objects and have recently received attention. Laccase purification was performed from basidiomycete Lentinus strigosus (LS) in several stages: Stage 1. On ion-exchange chromatography on TEAE Servacell 23 (400 ml), two distinctly separated laccase activity peaks were observed, eluted from the carrier at 0.21 and 0.27 M NaCl. In order to reduce the loss of enzymes, all fractions with laccase activity were collected, concentrated, and desalted using an ultrafiltration cell (Amicon, United States) with a UM-10 membrane. Stage 2. The resulting preparation with laccase activity was applied to a Q-Sepharose column (60 ml). Two well-separated peaks with laccase activity were obtained during the elution: laccase I (0.12 M NaCl) and laccase II (0.2 M NaCl). Stage 3. In the course of further purification of both enzymes, carried out on anion-exchange carrier Resource Q (6 ml), a broken gradient was used: 0 - 10%, 10 - 20%, and 20 - 100% with 1M NaCl. Stage 4. Both laccase I and laccase II, obtained after Resource Q, were desalted, concentrated to 1 ml each, and applied to a Superdex 75 gel filtration column. As a result, two laccases were obtained in a homogeneous form.

Structural and functional characterization of cold-active sialidase isolated from Antarctic fungus Penicillium griseofulvum P29

The fungal strain, Penicillium griseofulvum P29, isolated from a soil sample taken from Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica, was found to be a good producer of sialidase (P29). The present study was focused on the purification and structural characterization of the enzyme. P29 enzyme was purified using a Q-Sepharose column and fast performance liquid chromatography separation on a Mono Q column. The determined molecular mass of the purified enzyme of 40 kDa by SDS-PAGE and 39924.40 Da by matrix desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) analysis correlated well with the calculated mass (39903.75 kDa) from the amino acid sequence of the enzyme. P29 sialidase shows a temperature optimum of 37 °C and low-temperature stability, confirming its cold-active nature. The enzyme is more active towards α(2 → 3) sialyl linkages than those containing α(2 → 6) linkages.Based on the determined amino acid sequence and 3D structural modeling, a 3D model of P29 sialidase was presented, and the properties of the enzyme were explained. The conformational stability of the enzyme was followed by fluorescence spectroscopy, and the new enzyme was found to be conformationally stable in the neutral pH range of pH 6 to pH 9. In addition, the enzyme was more stable in an alkaline environment than in an acidic environment. The purified cold-active enzyme is the only sialidase produced and characterized from Antarctic fungi to date.

Purification, characterization of a novel α-glucosidase from Debaryomyces hansenii strain MCC 0202 and chromatographic separation for high purity isomalto-oligosaccharides production

This study characterized a novel intracellular α-glucosidase, produced by Debaryomyces hansenii. The enzyme was purified through ultra-filtration, ammonium sulfate precipitation, chromatography Q-Sepharose and Sephacryl S-200 column. SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the molecular weight of the purified protein to be 125 kDa. The enzyme exhibited maximum activity at pH 4.5and 50 °C and stability at pH 4.0 – 6.0 at 30 – 60 °C. The optimum isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMOs) bio-synthesis temperature using 400 g/L maltose was evaluated to be 35 °C with an optimum enzyme unit determined as 4.34 U g−1. The enzyme exhibits maximum maltose utilization of 78%, with or without inorganic salts, and was inhibited by ZnCl2, CoCl2 and CuSO4. Using maltose, the Km and Vmax values were 7.55 µM and 909 µmol/ml/mg respectively. In 3 L bioreactor, 4.34 U of enzyme produced IMOs with 47% purity utilizing 400 g/L maltose at 35 °C for 14 h. Furthermore, low purity IMOs was passed through cationic ion exchange resins to obtain high purity IMOs by separating glucose and maltose. This pioneering study produced high purity IMOs with 89% purity and 60% yield with greater conversion efficiency using a purified enzyme with a higher concentration of maltose and chromatographic method, which were confirmed by HPLC.

Polyguluronic acid alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing Peli1-NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis

Polyguluronic acid (PG), a polysaccharide from alginate, possesses excellent bioactivities. We prepared high-purity PG with 10.41 kDa molecular weight (Mw) and a 59 average degree of polymerization (DP) by acid hydrolysis, three pH grades, Q-Sepharose column elution, and Sephadex G-25 column desalination. Then, we evaluated the PG protective effects on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) in vitro and in vivo. The nontoxic PG enhanced cellular viability, reduced cell pyroptosis morphology, diminished the LDH and IL-1β release, and downregulated expressions of ASC oligomerization, NLRP3, cl-CASP1, and GSDMD, by which PG protected the cardiomyocytes from NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in doxorubicin-stimulated HL-1 cells and C57BL/6J mice. The probable underlying mechanism may be that PG downregulated doxorubicin -induced Peli1, the deficiency of which could inhibit doxorubicin-induced NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. These results suggested that polysaccharide PG from alginate could prevent DIC and may be a potential therapeutic agent or bioactive material for preventing DIC.

Preparative Production and Purification of Recombinant Human Cyclophilin A.

In this work, we developed the method of preparative production of recombinant human cyclophilin A (rhCypA) in Escherichia coli. The full-length cDNA encoding the gene of human CypA (CYPA) was amplified by RT-PCR from the total RNA of human T cell lymphoma Jurkat. The nucleotide sequence of CYPA was optimized to provide highly effective translation in E. coli. Recombinant CYPA DNA was cloned into the pET22b(+) vector, and the resulted expression plasmid was used to transform E. coli strain BL21(DE3)Gold. The recombinant producer strain of E. coli produced soluble rhCypA in the bacterial cytoplasm. The synthesis efficiency of rhCypA was up to 50% of the total cell protein allowing to produce rhCypA in the amount of 1 g per liter of the culture. We also developed the method for rhCypA purification, consisting of a single-step tandem anion exchange chromatography on DEAE- and Q-Sepharose columns. The protein purity was 95% according to electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and its contamination with endotoxin did not exceed 0.05 ng per 1 mg of the protein that met the requirements of European pharmacopoeia for injectable preparations. The produced recombinant protein exhibited functional features of native CypA, i.e., isomerase activity and chemokine activity as assessed by stimulation of migration of mouse bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells in vivo. The generated producer strain of E. coli is a super-producer and could be used for large-scale experimental studies of rhCypA and in its preclinical and clinical trials as a drug.

Glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L.) protein extract with potent α-amylase inhibitory activity.

This research screened for α-amylase inhibitory activity of twenties-five varieties Thai indigenous rice seeds. Based on specific inhibition, crude protein of var. Gai Ngaw (Gs. No. 13719) was selected for purification. The unbound proteins of the Q-Sepharose column named partially purified rice α-amylase inhibitor (RAI) revealed MW of approximately 14.4kDa. The RAI was stable at pH4 to 7 and heat stable up to 80°C. The RAI had IC50 of 15.92 ± 1.08µg/ml. The double reciprocal plot implied a mixed-type inhibitor. The Dixon and Cornish-Bowden plots were used to estimate Ki and αKi. This suggested Thai indigenous rice seeds could potentially be developed as a food supplement for blood sugar and weight controls.

The effects of photodynamic therapy on leukemia cells mediated by KillerRed, a genetically encoded fluorescent protein photosensitizer

BackgroundLeukemia is a cancer of blood and bone marrow cells, causing about 300,000 deaths worldwide. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising alternative for the treatment of malignant tumors. KillerRed is a genetically encoded red fluorescent protein photosensitizer (PS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of KillerRed-mediated PDT on chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells, acute monocytic leukemia NB4 cells, and acute monocytic leukemia THP1 cells.MethodsKillerRed was expressed in Escherichia coli cells, purified by Q-Sepharose column, and confirmed by western-blotting. The PDT effect on cell proliferation was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Cell apoptosis was determined by PE Annexin V/7-AAD staining and flow cytometry. The distribution of KillerRed in leukemia cells was detected by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and western-blotting. The ROS generation was measured by flow cytometry.ResultsPure KillerRed was obtained with a yield of about 37 mg per liter of bacterial cells. KillerRed photodynamic inactivated the leukemia cells in a concentration-dependent manner, but exhibited no obvious dark toxicity. PDT mediated by KillerRed could also induce apoptotic response (mainly early apoptosis) in the three cell lines. The CLSM imaging indicated that KillerRed was distributed within the cytoplasm and nuclei of leukemia cells, causing damages to the cytoplasm and leaving the nuclear envelope intact during light irradiation. KillerRed distributed both in the cytosol and nuclei was confirmed by western blotting, and ROS significantly increased in PDT treated cells compared to the cells treated with KillerRed alone.ConclusionsOur studies demonstrated that KillerRed-mediated PDT could effectively inactivate K562, NB4, and THP1 leukemia cells and trigger cell apoptosis, and it has potential to be used individually or complementally, in the treatment of leukemia.

Purification and Characterization of a Bacteriocin, BacBS2, Produced by Bacillus velezensis BS2 Isolated from Meongge Jeotgal.

Bacillus velezensis BS2 was isolated from meongge (common sea squirt) jeotgal, a Korean fermented seafood, and produces a bacteriocin, BacBS2, which strongly inhibits Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus. BacBS2 was partially purified by Q-Sepharose column chromatography after ammonium sulfate precipitation of the culture supernatant, then further purified by Sephadex G-50 column chromatography. Partially purified BacBS2 was estimated to be 6.5 kDa in size by Tricine-SDS PAGE and activity detection by gel-overlay. Enzyme treatment and FT-IR spectrum of partially purified BacBS2 confirmed its proteinaceous nature. BacBS2 was fully stable at pH 4-9, and half of activity was retained at pH 1-3. Full activity was retained after exposure to 80°C for 15 min, but half of the activity was retained upon exposure to 90°C for 15 min or 100°C for 10 min. BacBS2 inhibited L. monocytogenes by bactericidal mode of action. B. velezensis BS2 and its BacBS2 seem useful as biopreservatives for fermented foods such as jeotgal.

AAV Purification by anion-exchange chromatography

We describe a new optimized, scalable and reproducible method based on anion exchange chromatography to obtain high titers of rAAV vectors without empty capsids contamination. The method takes advantage of Q-sepharose matriz to development a scalable procedure. After the virus harvest from supernatant and lysate cells, virus crude was subjected to anion exchange chromatography with Q-sepharose column. Three different protocols were tested, and the elution peaks were evaluated through qPCR rAAV titration and 260/280 nm ratio determination in order to identified empty capsid-containing fractions. A 150 mM NH4Ac wash step fallowing by 1 M NaCl elution step generate a a high titer eluted fraction of rAAV with 1.334 260/280 nm ratio. The described method makes rAAV vector purification an easily adapted for a large scale GMP production format to produce empty capsid free rAAV for clinics.

An Efficient and Rapid Two-step Purification Method for Active Human Macrophage Colony-stimulating Factor from Escherichia coli

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is a hematopoietic growth factor that stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of mononuclear phagocytes. To be biologically active, M-CSF must form a homodimer linked by disulfide bridges. However, the refolding step of recombinant M-CSF is not only extremely laborious but also rate-limiting. Here, we describe an efficient and simplified method for refolding and purifying M-CSF from Escherichia coli. A truncated M-CSF (amino acids 36–181) was tagged with histidine, expressed, and then purified using nickel affinity columns under denaturing conditions. Our redox refolding buffer containing a mixture of reduced and oxidized glutathione and arginine correctly refolded M-CSF. Chromatography on Q-sepharose columns selectively purified the M-CSF dimer from the monomeric form. The dimeric nature of the purified M-CSF was confirmed using multi angle light scattering combined with high performance liquid chromatography. Moreover, cell proliferation and osteoclast differentiation assays using bone marrow-derived macrophages demonstrated that the recombinant M-CSF was biologically active ex vivo.

Molecular Mechanism of Apoptosis Signal‐Regulating Kinase I Oligomerization and Auto‐activation

Apoptosis Signal-Regulating Kinase I (ASK1) is a member of the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway. Responding to various stimulations, ASK1 activates four MAPK kinase (MKK) substrates including MKK4/7 and MKK3/7, which phosphorylate the c – Jun N terminal Kinase (JNK) and p38, respectively. The dysfunction and misregulation of ASK1 lead to various diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory diseases and diabetes. The activation of ASK1 is highly regulated by many regulatory factors. It is widely believed that the oligomerization of ASK1 is essential for its activation. However, the molecular mechanism of ASK1 activation largely remains unclear. We recently found out that the purified ASK1 is capable of auto-activating itself and it exists as a huge oligomer instead of a homodimer as previous studies suggested. To explore the mechanism of ASK1 oligomerization and auto-activation, we have generated a series of ASK1 truncates and hoping to identify the responsible domains/motifs for its oligomerization and auto-activation. We have purified two ASK1 truncates - ASK1-NK (ASK1 protein expressing N terminal and Kinase domains) and ASK1-K (ASK1 protein expressing Kinase domain only). After performing gel filtration, it was found out that ASK1-NK forms monomer and ASK1-K forms dimer in native state. We are currently developing protocols of kinase assay for different ASK1 truncates to analyze its auto-activation mechanism. In conclusion, this study will help us to unveil the detailed mechanism of ASK1 oligomerization which will surely enrich our knowledge in understanding the activation process of ASK1. Support or Funding Information This project is supported by Faculty Research Grant to Xuanzhi Zhan and Student Research Grant to Adua Rahman awarded by Tennessee Technological University. ASK1 mediated pathway Purification of ASK1 truncates. (A) ASK1-K domain was purified using Heparin and Q-sepharose column chromatography. The purified ASK1-K domain (~2μg) is shown in SDS-PAGE; (B) ASK1-NK domain was purified using Q – Sepharose and Phenyl – Sepharose column chromatography. The purified ASK1-NK domain (~2μg) is shown in SDS-PAGE. Sephacryl gel filtration chromatography of ASK1 truncates. (A) ASK1-NK is observed as monomer (116KDa). (B) Predominant form of ASK1-K is dimer (77 KDa). (C) The chromatogram of gel filtration standard and log of molecular weight vs. elution volume plot is generated to determine the molecular weights of the ASK1 truncates. This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Introduction of Two Halo-Alkali-thermo-stable Biocatalysts: Purification and Characterization

Halophilic bacterium, producing two extracellular proteases, was isolated from Badab-Sourt, Iran. 16S rDNA analysis shown high similarity with the genera Idiomarina. Maximum secretion of enzymes was observed during the early-stationary phase of bacterial growth. Both extracellular proteases were purified by three purification steps; ammonium sulfate precipitation, Q-Sepharose, and Sephadex G-200 chromatography columns. The molecular weight of purified enzymes was determined by SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis with approximate masses of 48 and 51 kDa (45.57 and 80.30 U/mg specific activity). Proteases synthesized by strain S-18 were affected by medium compositions. Optimum concentration of substrate, pH, and temperature for both enzymes activity were 0.5% casein, 9.0, and 50 °C. However, purified proteases showed different activity at various salt concentrations, which their maximum activity was determined in the presence of 7.5 and 5% NaCl. The activity of enzymes increased in the presence of metal ions such as Mn2+ and Cu2+ and decreased by the presence of Hg2+ and Fe2+. Both proteases were strongly inhibited by SDS, while DDT, EDTA, and 2-Mercaptoethanol could stimulate their activity. The results of present research might be interesting issue for industrial applications and biotechnological processes.

Extraction, purification and characterization of low molecular weight Proline iminopeptidase from probiotic L. plantarum for meat tenderization

Membrane bound proline iminopeptidase (PIP) from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) L. plantarum was extracted and purified using CM-sephadex, Sephadex G-100 and Q-sepharose column chromatography. PIP was purified with purification fold 7.13 and 33.5% yield. SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF revealed it as homodimer with molecular weight of 37.9 kDa and subunit of mass 18.9 kDa. Purified enzyme exhibited maximum activity at 45 °C and pH 7.0. Km and Vmax of purified PIP were 65 μM and 25.9 nm/min/ml respectively. Inhibition by PMSF confirmed it a serine protease. Metal ions and EDTA showed no effect on enzyme activity. The enzyme mainly hydrolysed Pro-4mβNA. The effectiveness of enzyme in purified form, membrane bound form and in combination with other enzymes to degrade collagen resulting in pharmaceutically significant collagen hydrolysates and in meat tenderization marks its industrial importance. There are very few PIPs are characterized from LAB, and therefore this study is industrially significant and brings some new knowledge into this area.

Purification and Characterization of LTC 4 Synthase from Sheep Uterus

Purification and Characterization of LTC 4 Synthase from Sheep UterusPurification and Characterization of LTC 4 Synthase from Sheep UterusEicosanoids, the oxygenated metabolites of eicosapolyenoic fatty acids such as arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX) and epoxygenase (EPOX) pathways, are generated in response to specific stimuli, elicit the response and are then quickly metabolized. Hence, these are rightly termed as “local hormones” or “autocoids”. They are involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological as well as pathological processes, including reproduction. While there are extensive studies on the role of COX metabolites, such as prostaglandins, in reproduction, not much is known on the role of LOX metabolites in reproduction. Earlier, we have identified abundant LOX activity in sheep uterus and the highly purified enzyme was found to be a homo-dimeric protein with a molecular weight of 66 kDa. When incubated with arachidonic acid, the enzyme showed two lipoxygenase activities producing both 12- and 15-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HPETEs) at the optimum pH of 5.5. The relative concentration of 12- and 15-HPETEs, however, changed with the pH of the reaction, 12-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) being higher in the alkaline range and 15-HETE being the abundant in the acidic range. Furthermore, the enzyme showed the dual lipoxygenase based 14,15-LTA 4 synthase activity as evidenced by the formation of 8,15-diHETEs, the hydrolysis products of 14,15-LTA 4 . In the present study, leukotriene C 4 synthase (LTC 4 S) enzyme was purified on Q-Sepharose column after solubilization of microsomes utilizing a combination of CHAPS and taurocholate. The purified enzyme showed activity with 5, 6-LTA 4 and 14, 15-LTA 4 , with slight preference towards the latter, and converting them to corresponding LTC 4 s. Both methyl esters and free acids of LTA 4 served as substrates, though the activity was more with methyl esters. However, the enzyme showed no activity with I-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), the conventional substrate of glutathione S-transferases. Western blot analysis of sheep uterine microsomal proteins with LTC 4 synthase specific-peptide as well as whole protein antibodies showed strong cross reactivity with two closely migrating 70 kDa proteins. While showing similarity with the known LTC 4 synthases, sheep uterine LTC 4 synthase thus appears to be quite different in terms of molecular weight, as most LTC 4 synthases reported are 18 kDa proteins. In view of its association with the microsomal membranes and involvement in eicosanoid and glutathione metabolism, sheep uterine LTC 4 synthase may form a member of MAPEG (Membrane Associated Proteins in Eicosanoid and Glutathione metabolism) superfamily.

Purification and characterization of a novel metalloprotease from fruiting bodies of Oudemansiella radicata.

In this study, a 39-kDa metalloprotease was purified from a rare edible mushroom with health-promoting activities, Oudemansiella radicata, using a purification protocol which entailed anion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Q-Sepharose columns and gel filtration by fast protein liquid chromatography on a Superdex 75 column. Some peptide sequences were obtained by LC-MS/MS analysis and one of the sequences, DAWIQADVNR, manifested 90% identity to Coprinopsis cinerea metalloprotease. The optimal reaction pH and temperature for Oudemansiella radicata protease were pH 7.0 and 50°C, respectively. The protease was purified 79-fold and demonstrated a specific protease activity of 2.42 U/mg. The Km of the purified protease for the casein substrate was 0.65 mg/mL at pH 7.0 and 50°C. The activity of the protease was inhibited by Cd2+, Hg2+, Cu2+, Pb2+ and Fe3+ ions, but was enhanced by K+, Mn2+ and Fe2+ ions. The marked suppression of the protease activity by EDTA indicates that the protease is a metalloprotease.

Optimization, Purification, and Starch Stain Wash Application of Two New α-Amylases Extracted from Leaves and Stems of Pergularia tomentosa.

A continuous research is attempted to fulfil the highest industrial demands of natural amylases presenting special properties. New α-amylases extracted from stems and leaves of Pergularia tomentosa, which is widespread and growing spontaneously in Tunisia, were studied by the means of their activities optimization and purification. Some similarities were recorded for the two identified enzymes: (i) the highest amylase activity showed a promoted thermal stability at 50°C; (ii) the starch substrate at 1% enhanced the enzyme activity; (iii) the two α-amylases seem to be calcium-independent; (iv) Zn2+, Cu2+, and Ag2+ were considered as important inhibitors of the enzyme activity. Following the increased gradient of elution on Mono Q-Sepharose column, an increase in the specific activity of 11.82-fold and 10.92-fold was recorded, respectively, for leaves and stems with the presence of different peaks on the purification profiles. Pergularia amylases activities were stable and compatible with the tested commercial detergents. The combination of plant amylase and detergent allowed us to enhance the wash performance with an increase of 35.24 and 42.56%, respectively, for stems and leaves amylases. Characterized amylases were reported to have a promoted potential for their implication notably in detergent industry as well as biotechnological sector.

English

Plants protect themselves by producing phytoalexins and pathogenesis related (PR) proteins in response to different physical and biological stresses as well as against pathological attack. In the present study, chitinase, a PR protein, from peanut seeds was purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G-75 column and ion exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose column. Chitinase was identified as monomeric protein with molecular mass of 30 kDa by SDS-PAGE. Chitinase activity was also evaluated on chitin agar plates showing distinct zones. The optimum pH and temperature of purified chitinase activity were found to be 5.2 and 35°C, respectively. The enzyme was stable within broad pH range of 3.6 to 7.6 and up to 55°C temperature. Amongst the various substrates, acid swollen chitin was found to be the best substrate for chitinase when used at the concentration of 1% exhibiting its high specificity in catalyzing glycosidic bonds between N-acetylglucosamine residues. Chitinase activity of the purified enzyme was inhibited by Hg and Ag at 1 mM concentration and enhanced by Ca, Mg. The increase in the presence of 2-mercaptomethanol demonstrates the existence of sulfhydryl groups in enzyme active site. The enzyme exhibited a strong inhibitory action towards a variety of fungal species including Fusarium oxysporum, Trichoderma reesei, Aspergillus flavus and A. niger. Purified chitinase showed fungicidal properties against A. flavus on white bread and therefore, could be applied in bakery products to inhibit the formation and growth of fungal colonies. © 2016 Friends Science Publishers

Efficient biotransformation of ginsenoside Rb1 to Rd by isolated Aspergillus versicolor, excreting β-glucosidase in the spore production phase of solid culture.

Ginsenosides are the major pharmacological components in ginseng. Microorganisms from a ginseng field were isolated to identify transformation of ginsenosides. Based on HPLC and LC-MS analysis, strain LFJ1403 showed strong activities to transform ginsenoside Rb1 to Rd as the sole product. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA indicated that LFJ1403 belonged to Aspergillus versicolor. Through comparing four systems of transforming Rb1 to Rd, strain LFJ1403 was found to secrete ginsenoside-converting enzymes in the spore production phase of plate culture. This result suggested that the enzyme could be directly obtained from the plate. The spore suspension, which contained the exocrine enzyme, was easy to prepare and efficient for biotransformation of ginsenoside Rb1 to Rd. Further study showed that the maximum bioconversion rate was 96% (w/w) in shake flasks when a spore suspension system was used with optimized biotransformation conditions. Scale-up of this system to 2L resulted in an 85% conversion rate. The ginsenoside Rb1 converting enzyme was separated by gradient HPLC with Q-Sepharose column, and its β-glucosidase activity and Rb1-converting ability was assayed by the 4-Nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (PNPG) method and HPLC with C18 column, respectively. We obtained 130 U ml(-1) enzymatic activity with the purified β-glucosidase. This is the first report on efficiently converting ginsenoside using extracellular enzyme directly from the fungus spore production phase of solid culture.

Characterization of a novel endoglucanase from Ganoderma lucidum.

We evaluated the production and characterization of endoglucanase from Ganoderma lucidum using different lignocellulose biomasses. We purified a novel carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrolyzing endoglucanase from the white-rot fungus G. lucidum when the medium was supplemented with 1% (w/v) wheat bran. Endoglucanase was purified 12.5-fold via ammonium sulfate fractionation, Sephadex G-100, and Q-Sepharose column chromatography with a final yield of 15%. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that the endoglucanase had a molecular mass of 64.0 kDa. The optimal activity of purified endoglucanase was at pH 5.0 and 35 °C, though it was stable between pH 4.0-7.0 and temperatures of 30-60 °C. The purified enzyme was specific to CMC as a suitable substrate. The metal ions Hg(2+), Fe(2+), and Cr(2+) inhibited enzyme activity, while Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and Mn(2+) enhanced enzyme activity. The endoglucanase showed high activity and stability in the presence of different surfactants and non-polar hydrophobic organic solvents. This endoglucanase is tolerant to high temperature, metal ions, surfactants, and solvents, suggesting that it is appropriate for use in biomass conversion for biofuel production under harsh environmental conditions.

Isolation and Characterization of a Lectin from Japanese Mottled Beans

A 64-kDa dimeric lectin was purified from Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Japanese mottled beans. The purification protocol involved ion exchange chromatography with Q-Sepharose and SP-Sepharose and size exclusion chromatography on Superdex 75. The lectin was adsorbed on both Q-Sepharose and SP-Sepharose columns. Finally, the lectin gave a sharp absorbance peak which corresponded to 64 kDa based on results of size exclusion chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulphate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis displayed a single band at around 32 kDa, indicating that the protein was dimeric. The hemagglutination inhibition assay indicated that the lectin showed specificity toward galactose. The lectin preserved hemagglutinating activity below 70 °C and at a pH range 3 - 12. The lectin was able to inhibit proliferation of MCF-7 cells and Hep G2 cells and possessed antifungal activity toward Mycosphaeralla arachidicola with an IC50 value of 3.9 µM. The activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase was reduced by 61.9 % in the presence of the lectin at 6.25 µM concentration.