Salinity and the Hydraulic Conductance of Roots

The effect of salinity on hydraulic conductance of intact roots of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was determined in split-root experiments using salinized nutrient solutions. Experiments were conducted in controlled climate chambers under two or three relative humidity levels and four solution osmotic potential levels. The relationship between water flux through roots (J_v) and total water potential difference between the leaves and the root medium (Δψ) was linear, usually with a small intercept. Thus, the root hydraulic conductance (L) was not affected by salinity within the range of fluxes obtained in these experiments, with L= 0.036 mm h^?1 bar^?1 for tomato and L= 0.0167 mm h^?1 bar^?1 for sunflower. Our results agreed with theoretical analysis of coupled water and ion uptake. From Cl^? and Na⁺ uptake data, the reflection coefficient (o) for tomato roots was calculated as 0.956, which was compatible with the near-zero intercept. A large intercept for sunflower could not be readily explained. Relative humidity strongly affected root growth, with more rapid growth under low humidity conditions. Transpiration of sunflower plants was reduced by 20% when the relative humidity was increased from 34% to 84%, whereas transpiration in tomato was reduced 50%.     

Association of some plant defense enzyme activities with systemic resistance to early leaf blight and leaf spot induced in tomato plants by azoxystrobin and Pseudomonas fluorescens

Abstract

Azoxystrobin at three different concentrations, namely, 31.25, 62.50 and 125 g a.i. ha^?1 mancozeb (1 kg ha^?1) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (10 kg ha^?1) were evaluated for their efficacy in inducing defense enzymes in tomato against Alternaria solani and Septoria lycopersici. The activity of defense enzymes peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), β-1, 3 glucanase, chitinase, catalase and defense-inducing chemicals (total phenols) was found to be increased in azoxystrobin and P. fluorescens-treated tomato plants. The activity of these defense enzymes and chemicals was higher in azoxystrobin (125 g a.i. ha^?1) and P. fluorescens-treated tomato plants challenge inoculated with the pathogens compared to other treatments. Increased expression of specific isoforms of PO and PPO was also observed due to ISR induction.     

Dual-substrate inhibition kinetic studies for recombinant human interferon gamma producing Pichia pastoris

Pichia pastoris is considered as one of the prominent host extensively used as a platform for heterologous protein production. In the present study, the growth inhibition kinetics of recombinant P. pastoris expressing human interferon gamma was studied under different initial substrate concentrations of gluconate (10–100?g?L^?1) and methanol (2–50?g?L^?1) in modified FM22 medium. The highest specific growth rate of 0.0206 and 0.019?hr^?1 was observed at 60?g?L^?1 of gluconate and 10?g?L^?1 of methanol, respectively. Various three- and four-parametric Monod-variant models were chosen to analyze the inhibition kinetics. The model parameters as well as goodness of fit were estimated using nonlinear regression analysis. The three-parameter Haldane model was found to be best fit for both gluconate (R²?=?0.95) and methanol substrate (R²?=?0.96). The parameter sensitivity analysis revealed that µ_max, K_i, and K_s are the most sensitive parameters for both methanol and gluconate. Different substrate inhibition models were fitted to the growth kinetic data and the additive form of double Webb model was found to be the best to explain the growth kinetics of recombinant P. pastoris.     

Improving the performance of nadolol stereoisomers' preparative separation using Chiralpak IA by SMB chromatography

The pseudobinary preparative separation of nadolol stereoisomers is performed by simulated moving bed chromatography (SMB). Using the Chiralpak IA adsorbent, a new 25:75:0.1 (v/v/v) methanol‐acetonitrile‐diethylamine solvent composition was selected to perform the experimental SMB separation and compare it with the previous results obtained using pure methanol. Using a 2 g L^?1 total feed concentration of an equimolar mixture of the four stereoisomers of nadolol, the more retained component was fully recovered (100% purity and 100% recovery), with a system productivity of 0.77 g L^?1 hour^?1 and a solvent consumption of 9.62 L g^?1. Comparing these results with the ones previously reported using 100:0.1 methanol‐diethylamine solvent composition, this work shows that the 25:75:0.1 methanol‐acetonitrile‐diethylamine is a better alternative for the preparative separation of nadolol stereoisomers by SMB chromatography. These results are confirmed by simulation of the SMB operation for higher feed concentrations, by comparing the performances of the two solvent compositions using the data obtained experimentally through the measurement of the adsorption equilibrium isotherms and the kinetic data obtained for both solvents. The new experimental and simulation results stress out that the performance of the preparative separation can be improved by a careful selection of the solvent composition.     

In vitro mature embryo culture protocol of einkorn (Triticum monococcum ssp. monococcum) and bread (Triticum aestivum L.) wheat under boron stress

Mature embryos of einkorn (Triticum monococcum ssp. monococcum) and bread (Triticum aestivum L.) wheat were used for callus induction on media containing four different doses (0, 1, 2 and 4 mg L^?1) of 2,4-D and dicamba supplemented with five different boron concentrations (0, 6.2, 12.4, 24.8, and 37.2 mg L^?1). The obtained callus was transferred to culture media with three (0, 0.5, and 2 mg L^?1) different BAP doses with five boron concentrations for further regeneration. The maximum callus weight in einkorn wheat was in culture media with 1 mg L^?1 dicamba and 6.2 mg L^?1 (3.71?±?0.13 g). Bread wheat had the maximum callus weight on culture media with 4 mg L^?1 dicamba and 12.4 mg L^?1 (3.46?±?0.40 g). The highest plantlet numbers were in only 2 mg L^?1 BAP (2.92?±?0.88) for einkorn wheat and 0.5 mg L^?1 BAP supplemented with 6.2 mg L^?1 boron (3.71?±?1.12) for bread wheat. This indirect regeneration protocol using mature embryos of einkorn and bread wheat under boron stresses expected to be useful for future wheat breeding studies.

     

Synergistic effect of cytokinins and auxins enables mass clonal multiplication of drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.): a wonder

The synergistic effect of plant growth regulators on axillary bud proliferation for mass clonal multiplication of Moringa oleifera Lam. (vern. drumstick) has been assessed for the first time. Treatment of decoated seeds with 1% (w/v) Bavistin for 60 min, 0.33% (w/v) streptocycline for 30 min, and 0.1% (w/v) HgCl₂ for 3.5 min resulted in complete removal of the surface contaminants. Maximum seed germination (89.13%) was obtained on quarter-strength Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium. Culture of nodal segments on MS + 6-benzyladenine (BA) at 3 mg L⁻¹ resulted in multiple shoot proliferation with ~ 18 shoots per explant. All combinations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) + kinetin (Kn) resulted in elongated shoots, while only lower concentrations of BA (0.5 mg L⁻¹), along with IAA (0.5 to 2 mg L⁻¹), or Kn (0.5 to 5 mg L⁻¹), showed significant synergy in the shoot morphogenesis. In addition, the maximum (100%) rooting efficiency was attained on half-strength MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of IAA and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The rooted plants were successfully established in the greenhouse for acclimatization. Clonality of the raised plants was assessed using 15 random primers of Operon® technologies (OPT and OPF series), and eight primers resulted in significant amplification with distinct, identical, and reproducible bands that confirmed clonality of the micropropagated plants. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the synergistic effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on in vitro shoot regeneration and proliferation for clonal mass multiplication disease-free plantlets, which can be utilized to maximize the yield of healthy and genetically identical plants of drumstick tree, which is considered to be a miracle multipurpose tree.

     

Improving operational stability of thermostable Pythium myriotylum secretory serine protease by preparation of cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs)

Abstract

Present study was undertaken to develop cross-linked enzyme aggregate (CLEA)of alkaline serine proteases (sp) from Pythium myriotylum (Pm), a necrotrophic oomycete reported to considerably secrete serine proteases. Among various precipitants screened for spPm1-CLEA preparation, ammonium sulfate at 80% saturation (w/v) yielded 100% activity recovery and retention of spherical morphology as observed by SEM analysis. Addition of glutaraldehyde as cross-linker at 1% (v/v) concentration with optimized ammonium sulfate concentration for 1?hour at 100?rpm yielded 100% activity recovery of spPm1-CLEA from 8-day old P. myriotylum culture filtrate. Addition of BSA (10?mg/ml) to CLEA cross-linking reaction mix reduced CLEA size from the range of 1.82–1.19?µm to 394–647?nm. spPm1-CLEA preparations retained 100% activity at temperature of 80?°C and pH 12.0 signifying their potential commercial applications. In terms of kinetic parameters, present process enhanced kinetic parameters as revealed by 1.67?U.mg^?1 specific activity, K_m of 0.062?mM and V_max of 0.145?µmol.min^?1.mg^?1 for the spPm1-CLEA compared to 0.288?U.mg^?1 specific activity, K_m of 0.060?mM and V_max of 0.20?µmol.min^?1.mg^?1 determined for the free spPm1 enzyme. Study has successfully demonstrated the concept of CLEA in enhancing spPm1 stability and the results so generated can be translated in future towards development of robust biocatalysts.     

Differential effects of Zn concentrations on Cr(VI) uptake by two Salvinia species: involvement of thiol compounds

Abstract

Floating ferns of the genus Salvinia have great potential for phytoremediation of heavy metals. To date, the effect of essential metals on the accumulation and transport of toxic metals by aquatic ferns has not been suitably established. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of floating leaves of Salvinia minima and Salvinia rotundifolia species to accumulate Cr from Cr(VI solutions containing very low (0.02?mg L^?1) and low (5?mg L^?1) Zn concentrations. After 7-day metal-exposure period, results showed that Zn increased Cr accumulation in S. minima leaves whereas in S. rotundifolia decreased significantly. Contrarily Zn accumulation did not show great differences between species. This fact may indicate that Zn interfere Cr(VI) uptake by S. rotundifolia. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) were affected differently by Zn in both Salvinia species. Membrane stability index (MSI) of both Salvinia species was decreased significantly by 5?mg L^?1 Zn concentration. Zn ions also increased hydrogen peroxide accumulation in fronds of Salvinia species. Total thiols (TT), non-protein thiols (NPT) and protein-bound thiols (PBT) were differentially affected by Cr(VI) and Zn ions. This study provides evidences on the involvement of different mechanisms against Cr(VI)/Zn toxicity in S. minima and S rotundifolia species.     

Melatonin affects the growth and cadmium accumulation of Malachium aquaticum and Galinsoga parviflora

Phytoremediation technology has become one of the main techniques for remediating soils polluted by heavy metals because it does not damage the environment, but heavy metal-tolerant plants have the disadvantages of low biomass and slow growth. A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of melatonin (Mel) on growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in the Cd accumulator Malachium aquaticum and hyperaccumulator Galinsoga parviflora by spraying different concentrations of Mel on them. The results showed that shoot biomass, photosynthetic pigment content and antioxidant enzyme activity were increased in both species after Mel was sprayed on their leaves. Mel reduced the Cd content in shoots of M. aquaticum and increased it in those of G. parviflora. In general, Cd accumulation was greatest in M. aquaticum when Mel was 200 μmol L^?1 (120.71 μg plant^?1, increased by 15.97% than control) and in G. parviflora when Mel was 100 μmol L^?1 (132.40 μg plant^?1, increased by 68.30% than control). Our results suggest it is feasible to improve the remediation efficiency of lightly Cd-contaminated soil by spraying G. parviflora with100 μmol L^?1 Mel.     

Physiological responses,tolerance efficiency,and phytoextraction potential of Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba under Cd stress in hydroponic condition

Abstract

A sand hydroponic experiment with different concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40?mg L^?1 Cd was used to study the growth and physiological response of Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba. and its phytoextraction potential for Cd. The results showed that total plant biomass under 5?mg L^?1 Cd treatment was slightly affected. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in leaf exposed to Cd was higher, and the POD and CAT activity exhibited a positive response to the low level of Cd addition (5?mg·L^?1). The photosynthesis pigments were slightly inhibited, and the ultrastructure of chloroplast remained intact after treatment with 10?mg L^?1 Cd. The maximum leaf Cd content (603?mg·kg^?1) was found in 5?mg L^?1 Cd treatment, then decreased with the Cd level increased. The maximum Cd content in the shoots far exceeds the threshold level (100?mg kg^?1) for a Cd-hyperaccumulator plant with the value of translocation factor (TF_shoot/root) for Cd reaching up to 5.62. In conclusion, H. spectabile showed normal growth and physiological response and high shoot Cd accumulation under 5?mg L^?1 Cd stress, which made it to be a good candidate for phytoextraction of low-level Cd polluted environment.     

Dextranase production by recombinant Pichia pastoris under operational volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) and volumetric gassed power input (Pg/V) attainable at commercial large scale

Abstract

Most of the reported bioprocesses carried out by the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris have been performed at laboratory scale using high power inputs and pure oxygen, such conditions are not feasible for industrial large-scale processes. In this study, volumetric mass transfer (k_La) and volumetric gassed power input (Pg/V) were evaluated within values attainable in large-scale production as scale-up criteria for recombinant dextranase production by Mut^S P. pastoris strain. Cultures were oxygen limited when the volumetric gassed power supply was limited to 2?kW m^?3. Specific growth rate, and then dextranase production, increased as k_La and Pg/V did. Meanwhile, specific production and methanol consumption rates were constant, due to the limited methanol condition also achieved at 2?L bioprocesses. The specific dextranase production rate was two times higher than the values previously reported for a Mut⁺ strain. After a scale-up process, at constant k_La, the specific growth rate was kept at 30?L bioprocess, whereas dextranase production decreased, due to the effect of methanol accumulation. Results obtained at 30?L bioprocesses suggest that even under oxygen-limited conditions, methanol saturated conditions are not adequate to express dextranase with the promoter alcohol oxidase. Bioprocesses developed within feasible and scalable operational conditions are of high interest for the commercial production of recombinant proteins from Pichia pastoris.     

Vanadium(III)-L-cysteine protects cisplatin-induced nephropathy through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Cisplatin (CDDP) is one of the first-line anticancer drugs; however, the major limitation of CDDP therapy is development of nephrotoxicity (25–35% cases), whose precise mechanism mainly involves oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death. Therefore, in search of a potential chemoprotectant, an organovanadium complex, viz., vanadium(III)-L-cysteine (VC-III) was evaluated against CDDP-induced nephropathy in mice. CDDP was administered intraperitoneally (5?mg/kg b.w.) and VC-III was given by oral gavage (1?mg/kg b.w.) in concomitant and pre-treatment schedule. The results showed that VC-III administration reduced (p?<?0.001) serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, suggesting amelioration of renal dysfunction. VC-III treatment also significantly (p?<?0.001) prevented CDDP-induced generation of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and onset of lipid peroxidation in kidney tissues of the experimental mice. In addition, VC-III also substantially (p?<?0.001) restored CDDP-induced depleted activities of the renal antioxidant enzymes such as, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione (reduced) level. Furthermore, histopathological study also confirmed the renoprotective efficacy of VC-III. Western blotting analysis appended by immunohistochemical data showed that VC-III treatment quite effectively reduced the expression of proinflammatory mediators such as, NFκβ, COX-2 and IL-6. VC-III administration also stimulated Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense system by promotion of downstream antioxidant enzymes, such as HO-1. Moreover, treatment with VC-III significantly (p?<?0.001) enhanced CDDP-mediated cytotoxicity in MCF-7 and NCI-H520 human cancer cell lines. Thus, VC-III can serve as a suitable chemoprotectant and increase the therapeutic window of CDDP in cancer patients.     

Efficacy of soaking cotton seeds within salicylic acid and potassium silicate on reducing reniform nematode infection

ABSTARCT

The efficiency of soaking cotton cv. Giza 45 seeds in five concentrations of salicylic acid and potassium silicate (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25?mg?L^?1 against Rotylenchulus reniformis infection showed a significant (P?<?0.05) improvement in the tested plant parameters that was distinct in soaked seeds in salicylic acid for 24?hours compared with potassium silicate in greenhouse (28?±?5?°C). The application of concentration (20?mg?L^?1) stated the highest values of improvement of plant criteria, while high concentration (25?mg?L^?1) revealed the maximum reduction rates in the total nematode population for both potassium silicate and salicylic acid. Moreover, seed soaking in salicylic acid and potassium silicate achieved a considerable increment in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, phenol and chlorophyll contents in cotton leaves with changeable values.     

A microcosm investigation of fe (iron) removal using macrophytes of ramsar lake: A phytoremediation approach

The present study deals with the microcosm study of Fe (Iron) phytoremediation using Eichhornia crassipes, Lemna minor, Pistia stratiotes and Salvinia cucullata species collected from the Loktak Lake, a Ramsar Site which exists in north-eastern India (an Indo-Burma hotspot region). Efficiency of these four macrophytes was compared using different Fe concentrations of 1 mg L^?1, 3 mg L^?1 and 5 mg L^?1 for 4 days, 8 days and 12 days, respectively. E. crassipes was the most efficient macrophyte whereas L. minor was the least efficient. E. crassipes removed the highest percentage of Fe, i.e. 89% from 1 mg L^?1, 81.3% from 3 mg L^?1 and 73.2% from 5 mg L^?1 in 12-day experiment.     

Response of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) growth to different phosphorous levels and sowing dates

A field trail was carried out at the University of Agriculture Peshawar during spring, 2013 in order to evaluate the effect of different levels of phosphorus fertilizer and various planting times on the growth and development of tomato. The main objective of the research work was to investigate the best sowing time for tomato in combination with suitable dose of P fertilizer in order to get maximum yield of tomato in the climatic conditions of Peshawar. RCB Design with split plot arrangements was used in the trail. The main factor (phosphorous levels of 0, 90, 110, 130) was allotted to main plots while sowing dates in sub plots. A total twelve treatment were replicated thrice. Maximum days to flowering (39.583?days) and fruiting (46.167?days) obtained in the late sowing. Minimum days to flowering (39), minimum days to fruiting (38.778?days) were taken by the early sowing. Maximum number of branches (27.778), maximum fruit length (6.0222), maximum fruit with (6.1667), maximum fruit yield (24.653?tons?ha^?1) was produced when the plot fertilize with 130?kg?P?ha^?1. Maximum number of fruit?plant^?1 (29.778) were produced with application of 130?kg?P?ha^?1, minimum number of fruits (23.667?cm), fruit width (3.778?cm), fruit length (4.3667?cm), plant height (56.300?cm) were obtained from the controlled treatment. Among the various treatment studied in experiment, it is concluded that early planting of the tomato in the summer season i.e. in the start of March and the use of higher dose of P (130?kg?P?ha^?1) is very beneficial for the excellent growth, development and yield of tomato crop.     

Responses of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, to the chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach L.) and its extracts

Host preference bioassays for adults of the sweetpotato whitefly were performed with leaves of the chinaberry tree Melia azedarach L., tomato, cucumber and bean. Fruit and leaf extracts of the chinaberry tree were tested against adults of the sweetpotato whitefly. Fruit extracts were tested against eggs, first and second instar nymphs, and pupae of the insect. Treatments included aqueous, methanol, and acetone fruit extracts of 200 mg ml^?1 and serial dilutions of 20.0 and 2.00 mg ml^?1, ether extract, the botanical insecticides Azatin® and Margosan® ‐O and the control, water or water with Triton®. Mortality data was collected at 6, 7, and 8 days after treatment of the eggs, nymphs and pupae, respectively. Results of the host preference bioassays indicated a significantly lower number of live insects on leaves of the chinaberry tree vs leaves of bean, cucumber, and tomato after 24 h. This indicates that M. azedarach is not a good host for the sweetpotato whitefly. Adults of the insect were significantly more repelled from tomato plants treated with the undiluted extracts when compared to the control after 72 h. There were significant differences in percent mortality of nymphal instars when exposed to the undiluted extracts compared to other extracts and the control. However, there was no significant effect of the fruit extracts on the egg and pupa instars. Thus M. azedarach extracts were found to be repellent to the whitefly adults, while the fruit extracts have shown a significant detrimental effect against early nymphal instars. In general, the methanol extracts were more active against B. tabaci than extracts with other solvents.     

The Effect of Titanium Amendment in N-Withholding Nutrient Solution on Physiological and Photosynthesis Attributes and Micronutrient Uptake of Tomato

Titanium (Ti) is a beneficial element that promotes growth and biomass production although the mechanism by which this improvement takes place is still unclear, as are other effects on plants, although it is believed that Ti can compensate for N deficiency. To prove this hypothesis, a hydroponic experiment was designed to investigate the effect of adding Ti to a nutrient solution on the nutrient uptake of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) by withholding N within the nutrient solution (NS) by 25?% (NS2) and by 50?% (NS1). Ti was added at 1 and 2?mg?L^?1. When Ti was added to nutrient solution, the elemental concentration in tomato changed significantly: K, Ca, Fe, and Zn decreased while Ti increased. As the concentration of N in nutrient solution decreased, the Ca and Ti concentration of tomato leaves decreased and the K, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn concentration increased. As the N concentration in nutrient solution increased, the Ca concentration decreased although the application of Ti compensated for Ca concentration in NS1. All the photosynthetic attributes and physiological characteristics, including flower induction, decreased when the N concentration of NS decreased by 50?%, although this decrease could be compensated by applying 1?mg?L^?1 Ti. This has valuable and practical applications and implications for tomato hydroponic culture.     

Arsenic species uptake and translocation in Elodea canadensis

Abstract

The capacity of Elodea canadensis to phytofiltrate arsenic species from water was evaluated. Plants were adapted to tap water and supplemented with 15 and 250?µg L^?1 of As. Inorganic arsenic species (As III, As V), and organic arsenic compounds: monomethylarsonate (MMA) and dimethylarsinate (DMA) were analyzed. Sampling was carried out at different times after exposure in culture water and plant organs. Plants exposed to 15?µg L^?1 of As concentration showed no significant difference on As concentration (95% confidence level) in their organs compared to controls. When plants were exposed to 250?µg L^?1 of As concentration, a significant increase of As concentration in plant organs was observed. After 1?h exposure, plants reduce 63.16% the As concentration in the culture water, with a bioaccumulation factor (BF) of 4.3. Under these conditions, E. canadensis accumulate As V in roots and do not translocate it to stems (transfer factor <1). MMA was determined in stems and leaves. E. canadensis effectively phytofiltrate As from tap water of a city located in an arsenic endemic area from concentrations of 36?µg L^?1 to undetectable levels (10?ng L^?1).     

Inorganic carbon and pH effect on growth and lipid productivity of Tetraselmis suecica and Chlorella sp (Chlorophyta) grown outdoors in bag photobioreactors

There has been considerable interest in cultivation of green microalgae (Chlorophyta) as a source of lipid that can alternatively be converted to biodiesel. However, almost all mass cultures of algae are carbon-limited. Therefore, to reach a high biomass and oil productivities, the ideal selected microalgae will most likely need a source of inorganic carbon. Here, growth and lipid productivities of Tetraselmis suecica CS-187 and Chlorella sp were tested under various ranges of pH and different sources of inorganic carbon (untreated flue gas from coal-fired power plant, pure industrial CO₂, pH-adjusted using HCl and sodium bicarbonate). Biomass and lipid productivities were highest at pH 7.5 (320?±?29.9 mg biomass L^?1 day^?1and 92?±?13.1 mg lipid L^?1 day^?1) and pH 7 (407?±?5.5 mg biomass L^?1 day^?1 and 99?±?17.2 mg lipid L^?1 day^?1) for T. suecica CS-187 and Chlorella sp, respectively. In general, biomass and lipid productivities were pH 7.5?>?pH 7?>?pH 8?>?pH 6.5 and pH 7?>?pH 7.5?=?pH 8?>?pH 6.5?>?pH 6?>?pH 5.5 for T. suecica CS-187 and Chlorella sp, respectively. The effect of various inorganic carbon on growth and productivities of T. suecica (regulated at pH?=?7.5) and Chlorella sp (regulated at pH?=?7) grown in bag photobioreactors was also examined outdoor at the International Power Hazelwood, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. The highest biomass and lipid productivities of T. suecica (51.45?±?2.67 mg biomass L^?1 day^?1 and 14.8?±?2.46 mg lipid L^?1 day^?1) and Chlorella sp (60.00?±?2.4 mg biomass L^?1 day^?1 and 13.70?±?1.35 mg lipid L^?1 day^?1) were achieved when grown using CO₂ as inorganic carbon source. No significant differences were found between CO₂ and flue gas biomass and lipid productivities. While grown using CO₂ and flue gas, biomass productivities were 10, 13 and 18 %, and 7, 14 and 19 % higher than NaHCO₃, HCl and unregulated pH for T. suecica and Chlorella sp, respectively. Addition of inorganic carbon increased specific growth rate and lipid content but reduced biomass yield and cell weight of T. suecica. Addition of inorganic carbon increased yield but did not change specific growth rate, cell weight or content of the cell weight of Chlorella sp. Both strains showed significantly higher maximum quantum yield (F_v/F_m) when grown under optimum pH.     

Suppressive Effect of Yamato-mana (Brassica rapa L. Oleifera Group) Constituent 3-Butenyl Glucosinolate (Gluconapin) on Postprandial Hypertriglyceridemia in Mice

We examined the bioactivity of Yamato-mana (Brassica rapa L. Oleifera Group) constituent glucosinolates and found that 3-butenyl glucosinolate (gluconapin) decreased the plasma triglyceride gain induced by corn oil administration to mice. However, phenethyl glucosinolate (gluconasturtiin) had little effect. 2-Propenyl glucosinolate (sinigrin) also reduced the plasma triglyceride level, which suggests that alkenyl glucosinolates might be promising agents to prevent postprandial hypertriglyceridemia.