Rotary Shaker Research Articles

Utilization of Hydrotropes on Solubilization of Tenoxicam in Aqueous Solution

Hydrotropy is a unique solubilization technique utilize to depict the increase in the solubility of a solute by the addition of a second solute (in large amount) resulting in an increase in the aqueous solubility solute of interest. Therapeutic effectiveness of a drug depends on its aqueous solubility and bioavailability. The purpose of the study was to establish tenoxicam solubility in hydrotropes at very low concentrations as well as explore solubilization behavior of the drug in mixed hydrotropic systems at very low concentrations. The methodology involved the use of rotary flask shaker at room temperature to determine the solubility of tenoxicam in water, hydrotropes (sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, urea) and mixed hydrotropes. The results showed that sodium benzoate gave the most increase in the aqueous solubility of tenoxicam when compared to other hydrotropes. However, the highest aqueous solubility fold increase of tenoxicam (about 92 fold-increase) was produced by sodium benzoate and sodium citrate mix at 6:2 ratio. The decrease in standard free energy pointed out the spontaneity of the solubilization process. In conclusion, the study showed that mixed hydrotropes are better to be utilized in the solubilizing of tenoxicam in aqueous solution.

Optimization of fermentation conditions for physcion production of Aspergillus chevalieri BYST01 by response surface methodology.

This study aimed to optimize the culture conditions of the termite-derived fungus Aspergillus chevalieri BYST01 for the production of physcion, a characteristic component of the traditional herb rhubarb, which has been commercially approved as a botanical fungicide in China. First, potato dextrose broth was screened as the suitable basal medium for further optimization, with an initial yield of 28.0 mg/L. Then, the suitable carbon source, fermentation time, temperature, pH value, and the rotary shaker speed for physcion production were determined using the one-variable-at-a-time method. Based on the results of single factors experiments, the variables with statistically significant effects on physcion production were further confirmed using the Plackett-Burman design (PBD). Among the five variables, temperature, initial pH, and rotary shaker speed were identified as significant factors (P < 0.05) for physcion productivity in the PDB and were further analyzed by response surface methodology (RSM). Finally, we found that the maximum physcion production (82.0 mg/L) was achieved under the following optimized conditions:initial pH 6.6, rotary shaker speed of 177 rpm, temperature of 28 °C, and glucose concentration of 30 g/L in PDB medium after 11 d of fermentation. The yield of physcion under the optimized culture conditions was approximately threefold higher than that obtained using the basal culture medium. Furthermore, the optimum fermentation conditions in the 5-L bioreactor achieved a maximal physcion yield of 85.2 mg/L within 8 d of fermentation. Hence, response surface methodology proved to be a powerful tool for optimizing physcion production by A. chevalieri BYST01. This study may be helpful in promoting the application of physcion produced by A. chevalieri BYST01 to manage plant diseases.

Natural solution for fluoride removal: a comparative analysis of three adsorbents

Background: Defluoridation of groundwater is a major global health concern, and research has been conducted worldwide to determine the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water. Adsorption is a common method for defluoridation. The present research planned to use natural adsorbents for defluoridation, they are effective and economical. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of powders of Pineapple peel, Banana peel and Ginger as adsorbents to defluoridate the fluoridated drinking water in chosen demographic area. Methods: Water samples from a highly fluoridated area were collected and their initial fluoride levels were determined. Peels from pineapple, banana and ginger were collected, washed, dried in the shade, powdered and sieved. The powdered peels were then added to the fluoridated water samples, were shaken for 24 hour on a rotary shaker and subsequently filtered. The filtered samples were analyzed for fluoride content using an Ion selective electrode. Results: The study found that powders of pineapple peel, banana peel and ginger were effectively reduced fluoride levels in drinking water. Pineapple peel and ginger powder showed the highest efficiency, removing 17.65% of fluoride ions regardless of dosage. Banana peel showed a dose dependent increase in fluoride removal with higher dosages. Conclusions: Pineapple peel, ginger powder, and banana peel powder effectively remove excess fluoride from drinking water, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution to mitigate harmful health effects.

Effect of Agitation and Temporary Immersion on Growth and Synthesis of Antibacterial Phenolic Compounds in Genus Drosera.

Sundews (Drosera sp.) are the source of biologically active secondary metabolites: phenolic acids, flavonoids, and 1,4-naphtoquinones. Because obtaining them from the natural environment is impossible (rare and endangered species), in this study modifications of traditional tissue cultures grown in solid medium (SM), such as agitated cultures (ACs) (cultures in liquid medium with rotary shaking) and temporary immersion bioreactors PlantformTM (TIB), were used for multiplication of four sundew species: Drosera peltata, Drosera indica, Drosera regia, and Drosera binata, with simultaneously effective synthesis of biologically active phenolic compounds. Each species cultivated on SM, AC, and TIB was tested for biomass accumulation, the content of total phenols and selected phenolic derivative concentrations (DAD-HPLC), the productivity on of phenolic compounds, as well as its antibacterial activity against two human pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results showed that the type of culture should be selected for each species separately. Phytochemical analyses showed that the synthesis of secondary metabolites from the groups of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and 1,4-naphthoquinones can be increased by modifying the cultivation conditions. D. regia turned out to be the richest in phenolic compounds, including 1,4-naphtoquinones: plumbagin and ramentaceone. Extracts from D. indica and D. regia tissue showed strong antibacterial activity against both pathogens. It has also been shown that the growth conditions of sundews can modify the level of secondary metabolites, and thus, their biological activity.

Agitated and temporary immersion bioreactor cultures of Reynoutria japonica Houtt. as a rich source of phenolic compounds

Reynoutria japonica Houtt. (Japanese knotweed) is an invasive plant belonging to the Polygonaceae family. However, being native to East Asia, it has been used in natural medicine for ages because of its broad range of biological activity. Although R. japonica is known as a rich source of phenolic compounds, plant biomass collected from the field may be contaminated with toxic elements like heavy metals, and the level of metabolite accumulation depends on environmental conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to derive Japanese knotweed tissue cultures and investigate biomass production and phenolic compound synthesis in in vitro conditions. Plants were cultivated in a traditional agar-solidified medium, in a liquid medium with rotary shaking (agitated culture), and in a temporary immersion bioreactors Plantform™, as well as in soil (ex vitro conditions). Analyses of the growth index and dry weight accumulation were performed on the collected material. In the extracts obtained from examined plants, qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic derivatives using DAD-HPLC was conducted to determine the sum of phenolic compounds, as well as the quantity of selected phenolic acids, catechins, and other flavonoids. Results have shown that agitated cultures and temporary immersion bioreactors increased biomass accumulation compared to solid medium cultures. Tissue cultures of R. japonica had increased synthesis of phenolic compounds compared to plants from ex vitro conditions. Shoots and roots from agitated cultures were 2.8- and 3.3-fold richer in catechins, respectively, compared to plants cultivated in soil. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that agitated and bioreactor cultures are the best source of Japanese knotweed biomass rich in valuable secondary metabolites.

Microbial Induced Biotechnological Processes for Biofuel Production from Waste Organics Conversion

In the current era there are huge quantities of waste organic matter available, creating a big burden to the environment. To address these issues, researchers started to apply effective and microbial induced biotechnological processes that can mitigate these waste matters. In this context, different nature of microbial systems are involved in hydrolysing the waste organic material into fermentable sugar. These can be easily consumed by specific microbial systems like Saccharomyces cerevisiae MTCC 3821 and Clostridium acetobutylicum that produced bioethanol and biobutanol, respectively. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cultured in specific media and incubated at rotary shaker with 150 rpm at 30°C for 72 to 96 hours. Ethanol concentrations from different waste matters were found in the range of 1.2-1.5 g.L-1. Ethanol synthesis was done by shake flask experiment with addition of glucose (50 g.L-1) to waste organic hydrolyzed solution. Non-glucose media produced less than 3 g.L-1 ethanol but glucose media produced 4.5 g.L-1. Next, Clostridium acetobutylicum was grown in culture media containing waste organics as sole carbon substrate with pH 7 and then was incubated in anaerobic conditions at 35°C for 72 hours, produced butanol (0.7 to 1.25 g.L-1). This research work promoted biofuels synthesis by keeping a waste mitigation strategy.

Decellularization of macroalgae Eucheuma cottonii: A potential cellulose-based biomaterial for tissue engineering

Introduction: The success of tissue engineering depends on the characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds, such as mechanical strength, porosity, and biocompatibility. These scaffolds are essential both in vitro and in vivo, as they better replicate the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Cellulose, abundant in nature, is a prime candidate due to its biocompatibility, adaptable biomechanical properties, and cost-effectiveness. It has been explored for applications for cardiac, cartilage, and bone tissue engineering. This study aimed at the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of decellularized Eucheuma cottonii using SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) to assess its potential as a tissue engineering scaffold. Methods: Macroalgae Eucheuma cottonii were cut into small pieces and then immersed in three different concentrations of SDS solution, namely 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%. The samples were then agitated using a rotary shaker at 160 RPM for four days. The decellularized macroalgae were processed histologically and stained with Hematoxyline-eosin (H&amp;E). In addition, microscopic characterizations were also assessed via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. Results: The results indicated the absence of nuclei or cellular contents with intact ECM, confirming acellular microarchitecture, in the decellularized Eucheuma cottoni with 1% SDS. Remarkably, SEM analysis also revealed the porous structure of decellularized Eucheuma cottonii with pore sizes ranging from 5 to 30 μm. Conclusion: This preliminary study demonstrated the potential of decellularized macroalgae as alternative nature scaffolds. Decellularized Eucheuma cottonii tissues are expected to be cellulose-based biomaterials for candidate biomedical applications in vitro and in vivo in future studies.

Culturing Osteochondral Explants Under Rotary Shaking or After Removing Bone Marrow Elements Increases Explant Cellular Viability

Background: Reduced viability in the deepest zones of osteochondral allografts (OCAs) can weaken the subchondral interface, potentially increasing the risk of failure. This reduction may result from nutritional imbalances due to uneven media distribution or interference from bone marrow elements. Purpose: To investigate whether culturing OCAs using a rotary shaker or removing the bone marrow elements would increase graft cellular viability. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Bovine osteochondral explants were stored for 28 days at 4°C under 3 different conditions (n = 6 explants per group): static (control group), rotary shaker at 150 rpm (shaker group), and static after removal of bone marrow elements using a Waterpik device (Waterpik group). Chondrocyte viability was assessed using live/dead staining across the entire tissue and in each zone (superficial, middle, deep). Subchondral bone viability was assessed using TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidal transferase–mediated biotin–deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling) staining to detect apoptotic cells. Results: Both shaker (64.2%; P = .010) and Waterpik (65.6%; P = .005) conditions showed significantly higher chondrocyte viability compared with control (49.8%). When samples were analyzed by zone, the shaker and Waterpik groups displayed higher cellular viability at the middle zone (shaker = 60.6%, P < .001; Waterpik = 56.1%, P < .001) and deep zone (shaker = 63.1%, P = .018; Waterpik = 61.5%, P = .025) than the control group (25.6% at middle zone; 32.8% at deep zone). Additionally, shaker (56.7%; P = .018) and Waterpik (51.4%; P = .007) groups demonstrated a lower percentage of apoptotic cells in subchondral bone compared with control (88.0%). No significant differences were observed between the shaker and Waterpik groups in any of the analyses. Conclusion: Both rotary shaking and removal of bone marrow elements during storage of osteochondral explants led to higher chondrocyte viability at the middle and deep zones of the graft compared with the static storage condition. Enhancing nutrition delivery to the graft could improve its quality, potentially improving outcomes of OCA transplantation. Clinical Relevance: The use of a rotary shaker or the removal of bone marrow elements may significantly improve the culture conditions, increasing graft viability and integrity after OCA storage.

Poster 299: Culturing Osteochondral Explants Under Rotatory Shaking or After Removing Bone Marrow Elements Increase Explant Cellular Viability

Objectives: Reduced viability in the deepest zones of osteochondral allografts (OCAs) can weaken the subchondral interface, potentially causing graft delamination and failure. This reduction may result from nutritional imbalances due to uneven media distribution or interference from bone marrow elements. This study aims to investigate whether culturing OCAs using a rotatory shaker or removing the bone marrow elements increase graft cellular viability. Methods: Bovine osteochondral (OC) explants were stored for 28 days at 4°C under three different conditions (n = 6 explants/group): static (control group), rotatory shaker at 150 rpm (shaker group), and static after removing bone marrow elements using a waterpik device (waterpik group). Chondrocyte viability was assessed using live/dead staining across the entire tissue and in each zone (superficial, middle, deep zone). Subchondral bone viability was assessed using tunel staining by detecting apoptotic cells. Results: The use of a rotatory shaker (p = 0.010) or waterpik (p = 0.005) significantly increased chondrocyte viability compared to the static control. When analyzing by zone, both the shaker and the waterpik groups displayed higher cellular viability in the middle (p &lt; 0.001) and deep zone (p = 0.018, shaker; p = 0.025, waterpik) when contrasted with the control group. Furthermore, shaker and waterpik groups demonstrated reduced levels of subchondral bone apoptotic cells compared to control (p = 0.018 and p = 0.007, respectively). Notably, no significant differences were observed between the shaker and waterpik groups in any of the analyses. Conclusions: These findings indicate that both rotatory shaking and removing bone marrow elements during osteochondral explants storage lead to higher cellular viability at the middle and deep zones of the graft compared to the static storage condition. Enhancing nutrition delivery to the graft could improve its quality, potentially improving outcomes of OCA transplantation. [Figure: see text][Figure: see text][Figure: see text][Figure: see text]

Multiple mycotoxins associated with maize (Zea mays L.) grains harvested from subsistence farmers’ fields in southwestern Ethiopia

Fifty-four maize grain samples freshly harvested from subsistence farmers’ fields in southwestern Ethiopia were analyzed for multiple mycotoxins using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method following extraction by acetonitrile/water/acetic acid on a rotary shaker. The grain samples were contaminated with a total of 164 metabolites, of which Fusarium and Penicillium metabolites were the most prevalent accounting for 27 and 30%, respectively. All the major mycotoxins and derivatives except one (citrinin) were of Fusarium origin. Zearalenone was the most frequent major mycotoxin occurring in 74% of the samples at concentrations of 0.32–1310 µg/kg. It was followed by nivalenol (63%), zearalenone-sulfate (44%), and fumonisin B1 (41%). Nivalenol, nivalenol glucoside, and fusarenon-X were detected at unusually high levels of 8–1700 µg/kg, 21–184 µg/kg, and 33–149 µg/kg, respectively. Deoxynivalenol and DON-3 glucoside contaminated 32% of the samples, each at levels of 15.9–5140 µg/kg and 10–583 µg/kg, respectively. Moniliformin and W493B occurred in 96 and 22% samples at levels of 3.27–4410 µg/kg and 3–652 µg/kg, respectively. Fumonisins were also detected in the samples at levels of 9–6770 µg/kg (B1), 16–1830 µg/kg (B2), 9.5–808 µg/kg (B3), and 1.3–128 µg/kg (A1). This study confirmed the presence of an array of mycotoxins contaminating maize grains right from the field. The effect of the co-occurring mycotoxins on consumers’ health should be investigated along with that of the newly emerging ones. Results of the current study call for application of pre-harvest mycotoxin mitigation strategies to safeguard maize-based food and feed.

Isolation and characterization of novel cadmium-resistant Escherichia fergusonii ZSF-15 from industrial effluent for flocculant production and antioxidant enzyme activity.

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic metal that frequently contaminates our environment. In this study, the bioflocculant-producing, cadmium-resistant Escherichia fergusonii ZSF-15 was characterized from Paharang drain, Bawa Chak, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The Cd-resistant E. fergusonii was used to determine the bioflocculant production using yeast-peptone-glycerol medium (pH 6.5) supplemented with 50mg L-1 of Cd. The culture was incubated for 3days at 37°C in a rotary shaker at 120rpm. The fermentation broth was centrifuged at 4000g for 10min after the incubation period. The maximum flocculating activity by isolate ZSF-15 was found to be 71.4% after 48h of incubation. According to the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, the bioflocculant produced by strain ZSF-15 was comprised of typical polysaccharide and protein, i.e. hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amino groups. The strain ZSF-15 exhibited bioflocculant activity at range of pH (6-8) and temperature (35-50℃). Maximum flocculation activity (i.e. 71%) was observed at 47℃, whereas 63% flocculation production was observed at pH 8. In the present study, antioxidant enzyme profile of ZSF-15 was also evaluated under cadmium stress. A significant increase in antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (118%) and ascorbate peroxidase (28%) was observed, whereas contents of catalase (86%), glutathione transferase (13%), and peroxidase (8%) were decreased as compared to control.

Production and Optimization of a Lipase-Producing Bacteria Enterobacter hormachei Isolated from an Oil-Contaminated Soil

Lipase enzymes possess a wide range of industrial applications. Thus, the capacity of lipase-producing bacteria to proliferate on tributyrin agar medium was used to screen for them among various sources. The lipase producing bacteria with highest zone of clearance on the screening media were preserved on the agar slants. The preserved slants were characterized by16SrRNA gene sequencing. The nucleotide sequence so obtained by the 16SrRNA gene sequence was then put through phylogenetic analysis and homology search using the NCBI’s BLAST program. The sequence of lipase producing bacteria showed maximum resemblance with Enterobacter hormaechei bacterial strain. These bacterial strains were produced by inoculating the culture in the inoculum media and allowing it to enrich over night. Subsequently, 3% of the inoculum from the inoculum media was added to the production media, which was then incubated for 48 hours in a rotary shaker. After production the media was centrifuged and supernatant was extracted and used further for optimization, Optimization of the physiochemical parameters of the bacterial strain like inoculum pH, incubation period, inoculum size was found using one factor at a time (OFAT) approach and medium parameters like different carbon source, nitrogen source, substrate, minerals, salts (11 factors) were screened using Plackett-Burman (PB) design which is a full factorial design. The Lipase activity was found by using a titrimetric method using olive oil and Arabic gum mixture as substrate mixture. The maximum lipase activity was found for inoculum pH of 5, 48 hours of incubation time, and 5% inoculum size. The results of the PB design showed the significant parameters to be glucose (carbon source), peptone (nitrogen source), KH2PO4 (salt), and NaCl (mineral). The organism of the soil sample containing bacterial strain showed maximum lipase activity of 70 U/ml and protein concentration of 4.3 μg/mL at the optimized conditions. After centrifuging the culture media that had been improved, the supernatant was collected and partially purified using dialysis and the ammonium sulfate precipitation procedure. Following precipitation, the supernatant’s activity was measured to be 74 U/mL. After being gathered, the pallet was dialyzed in a dialysis bag and added to a buffer. Both the protein content and the lipase activity were estimated. The protein concentration determined by Lowry’s technique was found to be 6.2 μg/mL, and the lipase activity was reported to be 85.22 U/mL.

Establishment of feijoa (Acca sellowiana) callus and cell suspension cultures and identification of arctigenin - a high value bioactive compound.

Feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg.) Burret), also known as pineapple guava, is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is well known for its fruit. Chemical profiling of the different tissues of the feijoa plant has shown that they generate an array of useful bioactive compounds which have health benefits such as significant antioxidant activities. In this study, an in vitro culture system has been developed, which could be explored to extract high-value bioactive compounds from feijoa. Feijoa tissue culture was initiated by the induction of callus from floral buds. Sections of floral buds were plated on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D and BAP at 2.0mg/L and 0.2mg/L concentrations, respectively. Cell suspension cultures of feijoa were established using a liquid MS medium with different concentrations of 2,4-D and BAP and cultured on a rotary shaker. The growth of the cell suspension was evaluated with different parameters such as different carbohydrate sources, concentration of MS media, and inoculum density. When the cell suspensions were treated with different concentrations of MeJA at different time points, phytochemicals UPLC - QTOF MS analysis identified extractables of interest. The main compounds identified were secondary metabolites (flavonoids and flavonoid-glucosides) and plant hormones. These compounds are of interest for their potential use in therapeutics or skin and personal care products. This report investigates essential methodology parameters for establishing cell suspension cultures from feijoa floral buds, which could be used to generate in vitro biomass to produce high-value bioactive compounds. This is the first study reporting the identification of arctigenin from feijoa, a high-value compound whose pharmaceutical properties, including anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory and anti-colitis effects, have been widely reported. The ability of feijoa cell cultures to produce such high-value bioactive compounds is extremely promising for its use in pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals applications.

Physico-Chemical Alternatives for Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Using Fusarium Chlamydosporum

Abstract Introduction/Objective Background: Synthesizing metal nanoparticles (NPs) by chemical or physical methods is difficult due to energy and time consumption, equipment costs, and chemical toxicity. Chemosynthesis-derived NPs are unstable, limiting their biological applications. Thus, identifying alternative green sources to address these drawbacks is difficult scientifically. The hardest part of green metal nanoparticle synthesis is finding a nontoxic natural product and an eco-friendly solvent. Objectives: Isolation of fungal endophytes from Eucalyptus sideroxylon leaves to synthesize ZnO and Au nanoparticles. Methods/Case Report Materials and methods: We used healthy Eucalyptus sideroxylon plant samples from the desert research center to separate endophytes. All fungi were grown on malt extract broth on a rotary shaker at 28 °C (120 rpm) for 96 hours after isolation. Biomass components were removed by filtration and washing in distilled water. Nanoparticles came from biomass cell filtrate. 0.1 M, 1 mL of Zn SO4, and HAuCl4 were added to 10 mL of fungal filtrate and agitated for 24 hours in the dark at room temperature to make Zn and Au nanoparticles separately. Characterization of nanoparticles shows a green synthesis of ZnONPs and AuNPs. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Results: Fungal endophytes' filtrates were mixed with 1mM Zn SO4 and HAuCl4 solutions to test their extracellular biosynthesis of ZnO and Au NPs. The fungal filtrate became colorless and violet after mixing with Zn SO4 and HAuCl4. Only FI-03 is from 13 (FI-01 to FI-013). The most potent fungal strain for Zn O NP and Au NP nanoparticle synthesis was Fusarium Chlamydosporum. Pure, mostly spherical ZnO and Au NPs averaged 19.3 and 22.1 nm. UV-Vis absorption: Excitonic absorption peaks of ZnO NPs were between 300 and 400 nm. ZnO NPs' maximum absorption peak was 305 nm, while Au NPs' peak was 520 nm. One absorption peak indicates metallic gold nanoparticles. Au and ZnO NPs aggregate the most due to their hydrophilicity, HD of 34.88 and 15.77 nm, and PdI of 0.77, 1.00, and 0.952. Gold face-centered cubic fcc structure dominates Au NPs' XRD pattern. EDX shows 64.61 and 35.39 percent Zn and O, respectively, in both nanoparticles. The optical absorption band of gold nanocrystallites peaked at 2.2 keV in energy-dispersive X-rays. Conclusion Endophytic fungus biosynthesizes ZnO and Au NPs, which are bioactive compounds for medicine and food without toxic chemicals and are environmentally friendly.

Biotransformation potential of the R-(+)-limonene by endophytic fungi strain associated with Amazonian fruit Malpighia emarginata DC

This study aims to offer an account of the biotransformation of limonene through the endophytic fungi strains associated with the Amazonian fruit Malpighia emarginata. The fungal biotransformation was executed in flasks containing the substrate R-(+)-limonene in a mineral medium, which was further incubated at 28 °C on a rotary shaker (120 rpm) for 120 h. Samples of each culture were taken every 24 hours, extracted with ethyl acetate, and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with the National Institute of Standards and Technology database. In this study with five endophytic fungi strains, only Penicillium sp. AF- LAB4 was considered a potential biocatalyst found in the screening due to its capacity to use the R-(+)-limonene as the single carbon and energy source in a mineral medium since they eventually accumulated interesting compound as limonene-1,2-diol (128.10 μL/L) after 48 to 120 h of reaction. This achievement is important and supports the development of the production of natural aromas and demonstrates the potential of using this endophytic fungus strain from the fruit M. emarginata, as a new biocatalyst.

The effect of three plant extracts in the control of Khapra beetle ( Trogoderma granarium Everts) (Coleoptera Dermistidae)

Trogoderma granarium (Everts) is one of the world’s most destructive pest of stored products (Legumes and cereals), oilseeds, dry fruits, copra and other stored products. In this research paper alternative of chemical control were applied to give a repellent effect and more safety method, however Repellent effect of acetone extracts of three medicinal plants: (Eucaaliptus, Rosemary and Ginger) to the Trogoderma granarium (Evetrs) larvae (Stage 3 and 4) was evaluated under laboratory condition. There were four treatments including control and three replications in this experiment. Rotary Shaker was used for the preparation of extracts 0, 10, 14 and 18% concentrations were used in this experiment. Eucalyptus plant extracts showed good results, maximum mean repellency (6.33%) followed by Ginger (5.33 %) and Rosemary (3.00%). The results show repellency was increased with increase in concentration. The application of these plant extracts can protect stored grains against attack of Trogodema granarium.

Ultrasound-Mediated Destruction of P-Selectin-Targeted and Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Agonist-Loading Microbubbles Ameliorates Skeletal Muscle Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rat

Current study aims to explore the ameliorative effects of ultrasound in combination with P-selectin-targeted/AM1241-loaded microbubbles (AM1241 MBs) in rats with skeletal muscle ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. AM1241 MB was prepared via rotary evaporation and mechanical shaking. Histological lesions and cellular apoptosis in skeletal muscle were detected by H&amp;E staining and TUNEL staining, respectively. Changes in antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response in skeletal muscle tissue were analyzed by ELISA method. Changes of Nfr2/HO-1 pathway-related proteins were measured via the western blot. As a result, ultrasound-mediated destruction of AM1241 MBs significantly improved the degree of damage and edema in skeletal muscle tissue of rats with I/R injury. Inflammatory response and cellular apoptosis in skeletal muscle tissue were also significantly improved, while the antioxidant capacity was significantly enhanced. Western blot analysis exhibited that ultrasound in combination with AM1241 MBs treatment activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Nevertheless, selective knockdown of Nrf2 significantly reversed the beneficial effects of ultrasound combined with AM1241 MBs treatment on I/R injuries of the skeletal muscle. Ultrasound-mediated disruption of AM1241 MBs could effectively ameliorate the I/R injuries of skeletal muscle tissues in rats via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene (IDPE) by bacteria isolated from dump sites in some metropolitan cities in north central Nigeria

In this study, biodegradation of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) by bacteria isolated from dump sites was evaluated in a liquid Basal Salts Medium. The bacteria, including Psuedomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus megaterium, Providencia stuarti, Alcaligenes faecalis, Enterobacter hormaechei, Klebsiella pneumonia and Proteus vulgaris were isolated from soil samples taken from municipal dump sites in some metropolitan cities in North Central Nigeria, namely, Abuja, Makurdi and Jos and screened for their ability to utilize LDPE using the clear zone method. 0.500 gram waste LPDE strips (1 cm x 5 cm) were placed into a 500 milliliter flask containing sterilized liquid medium at 30 °C and incubated in a rotary shaker for eight (8) weeks. Each bacterium was added to a separate flask. Biodegradation was measured by pH changes of the media and gravimetrically by weight loss of the waste LDPE strips two weekly during the incubation period. The results obtained showed a gradual decrease in the pH of the media originally set at 7.05 with incubation time for all isolated bacteria. Psuedomonas aeruginosa and Providencia stuarti recorded the highest weight loss of the LDPE strips after eight (8) weeks at 19.80±0.04 %, with a final pH of 3.75±0.01 and 19.20±0.42 %, and final pH 4.85±0.01 respectively followed by Bacillus megaterium at 13.40±0.10% and final pH of 3.95±0.01. Klebsiella pnuemonia and Proteus vulgaris recorded the least gravimetric weight loss at 1.40±0.02 %, with a final pH of 4.75±0.01 and 0.80±0.01 %, pH 4.85±0.01 respectively. This work reveals that bacteria play a vital role in the degradation of low-density polyethylene waste in the natural environment. This can be applied to the development of commercial bioreactors in the future for the degradation of polyethylene wastes.

Bionanotechnology of Selenite Ions Recovery into Nanoselenium by Probiotic Strains of Lactobacteria and Tolerance of Lactobacteria to Sodium Selenite

Green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using living cells is a promising and new tool in bionanotechnology. Chemical and physical methods are used to synthesize NPs, but biological methods are preferred because of their environmentally friendly, clean, safe, cost-effective, simple, and efficient sources for high productivity and purity. Aim. To investigate the processes of bioreduction of selenite ions into nanoselenium by probiotic strains of lactobacilli Lactobacillus plantarum IMV B-7679 and L. casei IMV B-7280. Methods. Cultivation of lactobacilli L. plantarum IMV B-7679 and L. casei IMV B-7280 was carried out in vials (500 cm3) on a rotary shaker (220 rpm) at 30 °C for 2 days on the Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) broth nutrient medium. Sodium selenite was additionally added to the environment in different concentrations from 1 to 30 ppm by Se. The number of viable bacterial cells in 1 mL of suspension was determined by the method of limiting dilutions in the case of sowing aliquots on a nutrient medium containing 0.2% agar-agar. Cultures of L. plantarum IMV B-7679 or L. casei IMV B-7280 were grown in the liquid MRS broth medium with low pH in the presence or absence of Na2SeO3. The concentration of sodium selenite ranged from 1 to 30 ppm by Se level. The number of microorganisms was determined by inoculation (0.1 mL of suspension) in dense media on cups with MRS agar medium, and the seeding dose was 107 cells/Petri dish. The tolerance of lactobacilli to the selenite ions was evaluated by the decrease in the number of CFU when sowing aliquots taken from culture samples grown in the presence or absence of selenite. The results of the experiments were presented in CFU and transferred to Log CFU/cm3. The characteristics of Nano-Se were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results. It was found that after 48 h incubation in an MRS medium with the addition of sodium selenite from 1 to 30 ppm, the culture of L. plantarum IMV В-7679 was the most resistant. Thus, enrichment of the culture medium with 30 ppm of Se in the Na2SeO3 composition led to a decrease in the number of L. plantarum IMV B-7679 to 5.17 ± 0.09 Log CFU/cm3 against 4.41 ± 0.11 Log CFU/cm3 for L. casei IMV B-7280 in the control. The use of lower concentrations (1—3 ppm of Se in Na2SeO3) did not affect the change in morphology and cultural properties of L. plantarum IMV B-7679. The ability of L. casei IMV B-7280 and L. plantarum IMV B-7679 cultures to grow on MRSA nutrient medium in the presence of 3 ppm Se was shown. Higher tolerance to sodium selenite was found for L. plantarum IMV B-7679. Thus, increasing the concentration to 30 ppm of Se in the form of Na2SeO3 led to a decrease in the viability of only the culture of L. casei IMV B-7280. That is, the studied lactobacilli showed different ability to grow in the presence of selenite ions. The formation of round electron-dense granules sizing from 30 nm to 250 nm was observed using TEM. Both probiotic strains showed the ability to restore selenite ions with the accumulation of intracellular Nano-Se and the release of Nano-Se into the culture medium, which was accompanied by color shifts from yellowish to red-brown. The partial destruction of L. casei IMV B-7280 cells under the influence of oxyanions was revealed, which was accompanied by the release of culture-synthesized electron-dense Nano-Se particles. Conclusions. The optimal conditions for the growth of L. plantarum IMV B-7679 and L. casei IMV B-7280 in the presence of Na2SeO3 were established, and it was proved that lactobacilli have different abilities to grow in the presence of selenite ions. The obtained data indicate that the investigated probiotic strains showed the ability to restore selenite ions along with the accumulation of intracellular Nano-Se and the release of Nano-Se into the culture medium.

Bioconversion Study of Olive Tree Biomass Hemicellulosic Hydrolysates by Candida guilliermondii at Different Scales for Ethanol and Xylitol Production

Hemicellulosic biomass from olive-tree pruning (OTPB) was used as a raw material in order to produce a hemicellulosic hydrolysate to be fermented with the non-traditional yeast Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037 to obtain ethanol and xylitol. The main objectives of this research were to study the most relevant kinetic parameters involved in the bioconversion process and the correlation between stirred-tank bioreactor and agitated Erlenmeyer flask fermentation. In a first scale-up (using Erlenmeyer flasks) incubated on a rotary shaker at 200 rpm, fermentation assays were performed to determine the most convenient process conditions and the adaptation of the microorganism to the concentrated OTPB and added nutrients culture medium. The best conditions (2.5 kg m−3 of initial yeast cells, pH of 5.5 and 30 °C) were set in a bench bioreactor. A comparative study on ethanol and xylitol production was conducted in two scale scenarios, obtaining different results. In the bioreactor, 100% of D-glucose and partially D-xylose were consumed to produce an ethanol yield of 0.28 kg kg−1 and an ethanol volumetric productivity of 0.84 kg dm−3 h−1 as well as a yield and volumetric productivity in xylitol of 0.37 kg kg−1 and 0.26 kg dm−3 h−1, respectively. The kinetic results allowed increasing the action scale and obtaining more real results than the previous steps to enable mini-plant and industrial scaling.