Rare actinomycete bacteria from the shallow water sediments of the Trondheim fjord, Norway: isolation, diversity and biological activity

Actinomycete bacteria produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities, some of which have been developed for human medicine. Rare actinomycetes are promising sources in search for new drugs, and their potential for producing biologically active molecules is poorly studied. In this work, we have investigated the diversity of actinomycetes in the shallow water sediments of the Trondheim fjord (Norway). Due to the use of different selective isolation methods, an unexpected variety of actinomycete genera was isolated. Although the predominant genera were clearly Streptomyces and Micromonospora, representatives of Actinocorallia, Actinomadura, Knoellia, Glycomyces, Nocardia, Nocardiopsis, Nonomuraea, Pseudonocardia, Rhodococcus and Streptosporangium genera were isolated as well. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing isolation of Knoellia and Glycomyces species from the marine environment. 35 selected actinomycete isolates were characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing, and were shown to represent strains from 11 different genera. In addition, these isolates were tested for antimicrobial activity and the presence of polyketide synthase and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase genes. This study confirms the significant biodiversity of actinobacteria in the Norwegian marine habitats, and their potential for producing biologically active compounds.     

新疆尉犁县黑湖嗜盐嗜碱菌的分离及系统发育学分析

【目的】从新疆尉犁县黑湖中筛选分离获得嗜盐嗜碱微生物,并对筛选获得的微生物进行种属鉴定。【方法】采用传统分离鉴定技术,进行形态和生理生化特性研究和基于16S r RNA基因的序列分析。【结果】从样品中分离获得可培养嗜盐嗜碱菌25株,对其进行鉴定。根据生理生化特征、16S r RNA基因序列测定和系统发育分析表明,25株菌分布在古菌Halorubrum、Haloarcula、Natrialba、Halohasta和Halopiger等5个属。其中优势菌群为Halorubrum,次优势菌群为Natrialba。其中DH-66(KU663028)属于Halopiger属,16S r RNA基因序列同源性与该属的模式菌株Halopiger aswanensis 56T同源性最高,为95.75%,预示为潜在的新种(新种鉴定将另行报道)。25株嗜盐嗜碱菌生长条件实验表明,这些菌适应Na Cl的浓度范围为15%-30%、最适浓度为20%-25%,生长的p H范围为7.0-13.0、最适p H为9.0-10.0。各种水解酶类的分析表明,在分离的25株菌中产淀粉酶的菌有5株占20%、产蛋白酶的菌有4株占16%、产酯酶可水解吐温20的菌有15株占60%、可水解吐温40的有7株占28%、可水解吐温80的有4株占16%、产过氧化氢酶的菌有14株占56%。9株菌同时能产4种酶,2株菌同时能产3种酶。表明了嗜盐嗜碱菌产酶的多样性。19株菌硝酸盐还原为阳性。【结论】揭示了新疆尉犁县黑湖嗜盐嗜碱菌生理生化特性的多样性和系统发育多样性,而且蕴藏着较丰富的新的微生物类群,亟待系统研究和进一步开发利用。     

Occurrence of Strains Producing Specific Antibacterial Inhibitory Agents in Five Genera of Enterobacteriaceae

Striking differences in the production of specific inhibitory agents affecting other strains of the same (or of related) species were found between genera of the family Enterobacteriaceae. We tested 50–163 strains each of the potentially pathogenic genera: Escherichia, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Kluyvera, and Leclercia for their ability to produce bacteriophages, high-molecular-weight (HMW) and low-molecular-weight (LMW) bacteriocins and siderophores against the same sets of strains, using the cross-test method. The genus Escherichia differs substantially from all other Enterobacteriaceae, harboring a notable proportion of lysogenic (36.6%) and colicinogenic (13.9%) strains. Only 18.2% of the Citrobacter strains are lysogenic and only rarely are they colicinogenic, although in 7.3%, they produce phage tail-like bacteriocins. On the other hand, Kluyvera strains were only in 1.8% lysogenic, no colicinogenic strains were found, but in 7.3%, they produced siderophores causing zones of growth inhibition in agar cultures of strains of the same genus. In Leclercia, 10.0% of the strains were lysogenic, 2.0% produced HMW bacteriocins, no colicinogenic strains were found and 2.0% produced siderophores. Enterobacter has shown 23.1% of strains producing siderophores, whereas merely 7.7% were lysogenic, 1.9% colicinogenic and 3.8% formed phage tail-like bacteriocins. HMW bacteriocins of Enterobacter strains disposed of an unusually wide spectrum of activity. The siderophore activity spectrum was rather wide in any genus, but the siderophores were usually not produced by strains producing phages or colicins.     

湛江沿海潮间带产胞外纤溶活性酶类海洋真菌的生物多样性分析

【目的】研究湛江沿海硇洲岛和徐闻珊瑚礁自然保护区潮间带产胞外纤溶酶样酶和纤溶酶原激活物海洋真菌的生物多样性,为发掘新型溶栓药物奠定基础。【方法】采用马铃薯葡萄糖琼脂(PDA)和酵母膏蛋白胨葡萄糖(YPD)培养基分离培养海洋真菌,采用真菌r DNA转录间隔区1-5.8S r DNA-转录间隔区2(ITS1-5.8S-ITS2)片段的序列分析及其系统进化树构建的方法鉴定分离培养的海洋真菌,采用脱脂牛奶马铃薯葡萄糖琼脂(SM-PDA)培养基培养法筛选产胞外蛋白酶的海洋真菌,采用海水纤维蛋白马铃薯葡萄糖琼脂(FN-PDA)培养基培养法筛选产胞外纤溶酶样酶和/或纤溶酶原激活物的海洋真菌。【结果】从湛江沿海的硇洲岛和徐闻珊瑚礁自然保护区潮间带分离、培养和鉴定了海洋真菌446株,含真菌的98个种,分布于真菌域子囊菌门(Ascomycota)和担子菌门(Basidiomycota)的6个纲、18个目、46个科、65个属;其中产胞外蛋白酶的海洋真菌有265株,61个种,分布于41个属;产胞外纤溶酶样酶的海洋真菌有67株,22个种,分布于14个属;产胞外纤溶酶原激活物的海洋真菌有84株,23种,分布于13个属;优势属为曲霉属(Aspergillus),其次为青霉属(Penicillium)。【结论】湛江沿海潮间带可分离培养的产胞外纤溶酶样酶和纤溶酶原激活物的海洋真菌物种丰富多样,是发掘新型溶栓药的丰富资源。     

Production of oil-processing compounds by microorganisms from the Daqing oil field,China

Twenty pure cultures isolated from formation waters of the Daqing oil field were studied with respect to their capacity to produce surface-active compounds in media with individual hydrocarbons, lower alcohols, and fatty acids. Aerobic saprotrophic bacteria belonging to the genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Rhodococcus, Dietzia, Kocuria, Gordonia, Cellulomonas, Clavibacter, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter decreased the surface tension of cultivation media from 55-63 to 28-44 mN/m. Strains of Bacillus cereus, Rhodococcus ruber, and Bacillus licheniformis produced biosurfactants most actively. Bacteria of the genera Rhodococcus, Dietzia, Kocuria, and Gordonia produced exopolysaccharides in media with hydrocarbons. Culture liquids of the strains of R. ruber and B. licheniformis exhibited oil-releasing effect. Thus, the Daqing oil field is inhabited by aerobic bacteria capable of producing effective oil-releasing agents.     

深圳海域6株破囊壶菌的生长特性及油脂成分分析

【目的】从深圳海域分离得到6株破囊壶菌,对其基本形态特征、生活史和油脂含量等进行研究,开发其应用潜力。【方法】使用松花粉垂钓法对破囊壶菌进行分离,通过18S r RNA基因测序的方法对破囊壶菌进行鉴定,用显微镜观察其基本形态特征,通过使用尼罗红(Nile Red)染色法对油脂含量进行定性检测,并用GC-MS分析菌株的油脂含量和组成情况。【结果】18S r RNA基因鉴定其属于Aurantiochytrium sp.、Schizochytrium sp.和Thraustochytrium sp.三个属。破囊壶菌的脂肪酸主要成分为十六碳饱和脂肪酸和二十二碳六烯酸(DHA),其中Mn11和Mn15的饱和脂肪酸含量达到总脂肪酸含量的70%以上,Mn16和Sw7的DHA产量分别达到1.29 g/L和1.26 g/L。【结论】Mn11和Mn15菌株适合用于生物柴油的生产,Mn16和Sw7是DHA发酵生产的潜力菌株。     

Occurrence of neutral and alkaline cellulases among alkali-tolerant micromycetes

600 different natural strains of alkali-tolerant micromycetes belonging to 4 classes, 38 genera and 119 species were tested on their ability to produce neutral and alkaline cellulases. Frequency of occurrence of neutral and alkaline cellulases producers among the studied strains was estimated. It is concluded that 72% of all tested strains produce cellulases at neutral and alkaline pH values. But the largest number of neutral and alkaline cellulases producers belong to the following classes which are tolerant to extreme environmental factors: namely Hyphomycetes (genera Acremonium, Alternaria, Cylindrocarpon, Fuzarium, Penicillium, Verticillium, Myrothecium, Ulocladium, Gliocladium), Ascomycetes (genus Chaetomium) and Coelomycetes (genera Phoma, Microsphaeropsis, Aposphaeria).     

杜比亚蟑螂肠道菌的分离鉴定及产消化酶功能菌株的筛选

【背景】杜比亚蟑螂(Blaptica dubia)可用于活体饲料、化妆品和医药保健品的生产,其肠道菌的研究对杜比亚蟑螂的饲养和肠道菌资源的开发与利用都十分重要。【目的】揭示杜比亚蟑螂肠道可培养菌的种类,筛选具有产消化酶功能的菌株,为理解肠道菌对宿主的影响机理及功能菌株的利用提供科学依据和研究材料。【方法】采用体外培养法获得杜比亚蟑螂肠道菌,结合形态学和分子生物学方法进行鉴定;用水解圈法分别筛选产纤维素酶、蛋白酶、脂肪酶和淀粉酶菌株。【结果】在杜比亚蟑螂肠道中共分离出4属7种细菌,其中芽孢杆菌属(Bacillus)2种,沙雷氏菌属(Serratia)和柠檬酸杆菌属(Citrobacter)各2种,肠球菌属(Enterococcus)1种。从获得的20个菌株中筛选出10个具有产消化酶功能的菌株。其中,芽孢杆菌属的菌株D6、D12和D20具有产纤维素酶、蛋白酶、淀粉酶及脂肪酶4种消化酶的功能;沙雷氏菌属的菌株D3、D7、D9、D11和D15具有产纤维素酶、蛋白酶和脂肪酶3种消化酶的能力;柠檬酸杆菌属的菌株D5具有产纤维素酶的功能;肠球菌属的菌株D17具有产蛋白酶的能力。【结论】杜比亚蟑螂肠道多种细菌具有产消化酶帮助降解大分子营养物质的功能,可通过协助食物消化影响宿主健康。菌株D12、D7和D11分别具有最强产纤维素酶、蛋白酶和脂肪酶的能力,是可进一步开发利用的肠道功能菌株资源。     

马蜂肠道菌的分离鉴定及产消化酶功能菌株的筛选

【背景】马蜂(Vespa mandarinia Smith)可以防治多种田间害虫,还具有药用价值,其肠道菌群结构和功能还有待研究。【目的】获得马蜂肠道可培养细菌并筛选出具有产消化酶功能的菌株,为理解肠道菌对宿主的影响机理及功能菌株的利用提供科学依据和研究材料。【方法】采用传统细菌分离培养法获得马蜂肠道菌,结合形态学以及16S rRNA基因序列分析进行鉴定;利用水解圈法分别筛选产蛋白酶、脂肪酶、淀粉酶和纤维素酶菌株;通过测量水解圈D与菌落直径d的比值,比较不同细菌的产酶能力。【结果】在马蜂肠道中共分离出6属10种细菌,其中芽孢杆菌属5种,肠球菌属、葡萄球菌属、明串珠菌属、乳球菌属和不动杆菌属各1种。从获得的61个菌株中筛选出6个具有产消化酶功能的菌株。其中,苏云金芽孢杆菌V44具有产蛋白酶、淀粉酶、脂肪酶和纤维素酶4种消化酶的能力;粪肠球菌V6具有产淀粉酶、蛋白酶和脂肪酶3种消化酶的能力;蜡样芽孢杆菌V43具有产蛋白酶、淀粉酶和纤维素酶3种消化酶的能力;粪肠球菌V20、蜡样芽孢杆菌V19和维德曼氏芽孢杆菌V22均具有产蛋白酶的能力。【结论】马蜂肠道细菌资源较丰富,部分有产消化酶的功能,可帮助马蜂消化食物,对宿主健康有一定影响。本研究筛选的6个菌株都能产蛋白酶,其中菌株V43和V44分别具有最强产淀粉酶和脂肪酶的能力,是可进一步开发利用的肠道功能菌株资源。     

Acetylation of O-specific lipopolysaccharides from Shigella flexneri 3a and 2a occurs in Escherichia coli K-12 carrying cloned S. flexneri 3a and 2a rfb genes.

Most of the Shigella flexneri O-specific serotypes result from O-acetyl and/or glucosyl groups added to a common O-repeating unit of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecule. The genes involved in acetylation and/or glucosylation of S. flexneri LPS are physically located on lysogenic bacteriophages, whereas the rfb cluster contains the biosynthesis genes for the common O-repeating unit (D.A.R. Simmons and E. Romanowska, J. Med. Microbiol. 23:289-302, 1987). Using a cosmid cloning strategy, we have cloned the rfb regions from S. flexneri 3a and 2a. Escherichia coli K-12 containing plasmids pYS1-5 (derived from S. flexneri 3a) and pEY5 (derived from S. flexneri 2a) expressed O-specific LPS which reacted immunologically with S. flexneri polyvalent O antiserum. However, O-specific LPS expressed in E. coli K-12 also reacted with group 6 antiserum, indicating the presence of O-acetyl groups attached to one of the rhamnose components of the O-repeating unit. This was confirmed by measuring the amounts of acetate released from purified LPS samples and also by the chemical removal of O-acetyl groups, which abolished group 6 reactivity. The O-acetylation phenotype was absent in an E. coli strain with an sbcB-his-rfb chromosomal deletion and could be restored upon conjugation of F' 129, which carries sequences corresponding to a portion of the deleted region. Our data demonstrate that E. coli K-12 strains possess a novel locus which directs the O acetylation of LPS and is located in the sbcB-rfb region of the chromosomal map.     

海水中DHA产生菌的筛选及一株高产菌的鉴定

从海水中筛选产DHA的微生物,共采集海水样品280余份,用苏丹黑染色法得到160株产油脂菌株,在对60株脂肪粒较大的微生物用索氏抽提法提取油脂后,初筛得到油脂含量高于8%的菌株7株。对10株油脂产量较高的菌株进行复筛,编号7-3的菌株油脂含量达到15.9%,DHA在油脂中的含量达到45.2%,选用7-3作为目的菌株。对7-3进行形态特征、培养特征及生理生化特征鉴定,初步判定菌株7-3为酒香酵母属(Brettanomyces sp.)。     

不同产地美花石斛内生细菌分离及促生潜力比较

对采自广西、云南和广东的美花石斛(Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfe)野生植株根、茎和叶内的内生细菌进行分离并测定其促生特性,采用扩增核糖体DNA限制性酶切分析(ARDRA)与UPGMA聚类分析相结合的方法对内生细菌菌株进行分类并确定优势属;在此基础上,对具有解磷、解钾和产生长素能力的菌株进行促生潜力评价。结果显示:从不同产地美花石斛植株不同部位共分离得到67株内生细菌菌株,其分布呈现出组织与地区的特异性;其中,来源于广西的植株中菌株数量最多(42株),分离自茎的菌株数量最多(34株)。67株内生细菌菌株可分为31个ARDRA簇,经16S rDNA序列比对鉴定为12个属,包括假单胞菌属(Pseudomonas)、微杆菌属(Microbacterium)、肠杆菌属(Enterobacter)、芽孢杆菌属(Bacillus)、鞘氨醇单胞菌属(Sphingomonas)、葡萄球菌属(Staphylococcus)、嗜冷杆菌属(Psychrobacter)、短波单胞菌属(Brevundimonas)、涅斯捷连科氏菌属(Nesterenkonia)、副球菌属(Paracoccus)、泛菌属(Pantoea)和沙雷氏菌属(Serratia),其中芽孢杆菌属、微杆菌属和肠杆菌属为优势属;来源于广西的植株中内生细菌的丰度与多样性均高于其他两地。在67株内生细菌菌株中,有30株菌株具有解无机磷和解有机磷的双重能力、22株具有解钾能力、24株具有产生长素能力,其中仅8株菌株兼具3种促生能力。组培实验结果显示:在培养基中接种1×106CFU·mL-1芽孢杆菌DLB20菌株,对株高2~3 cm和3~4 cm的美花石斛试管苗生长有促进作用,且更有利于株高3~4 cm试管苗的生根,表明具有解磷、解钾和产生长素能力的菌株对美花石斛试管苗有一定的促生潜力。     

Antarctic microorganisms as source of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that belong to the omega-3 group. They are essential fatty acids found in phospholipid of cell membranes. There is strong evidence that these nutrients may also favorably modulate many diseases. Primary sources of omega-3 PUFAs in the human diet are fish and fish-derived products. The fishing industry worldwide, however, is becoming unable to satisfy the growing demand for these PUFAs. A promising cost-effective alternative source of PUFAs is bacterial production. We identified 40 Antarctic marine bacterial isolates by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Fifteen genera in three phyla were represented in the collection. Isolates were tested for ability to produce EPA using a method in which their ability to reduce 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) is determined and by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). All isolates could reduce TTC, and GC–MS analysis showed that four produced EPA and that six produced DHA. We show for the first time that isolates identified as Cellulophaga, Pibocella and Polaribacter can produce EPA and DHA, only DHA or only EPA, respectively. One isolate, Shewanella sp. (strain 8-5), is indicated to be a good candidate for further study to optimize growth and EPA production. In conclusion, a rapid method was tested for identification of new EPA producing strains from marine environments. New EPA and DHA producing strains were found as well as a potentially useful PUFA production strain.     

云南干热环境可培养高温放线菌多样性及产纤维素酶活性评价

[目的]探索云南东川干热河谷、元谋土林以及昆明周边高温堆肥、热泉等环境可培养高温放线菌的多样性及其产纤维素酶的潜力.[方法]利用稀释涂布平板法从采集于上述环境的样品中分离得到菌株500余株,通过形态去重复后对300余株进行16SrRNA基因测序分析,并对获得的菌株利用刚果红染色的方法进行纤维素酶活性初步筛选.[结果]分离到的菌株共分布于放线菌纲下9个亚目15个科33个属,其中候选新属2个、候选新种3个.451株菌的纤维素酶筛选结果显示57％具有纤维素酶活性,其中链霉菌、小单孢菌、野野村氏菌在纤维素酶活性菌株中占较大比例.[结论]云南干热环境下蕴含着丰富的放线菌资源,纤维素酶初步筛选显示出了良好的降解活性,为下一步的深入研究提供良好的菌源.     

秦岭地区野生细鳞鲑肠道微生物多样性及产酶活性分析

为探究秦岭地区野生细鳞鲑(Brachymystax lenok)肠道细菌组成多样性,筛选出产胞外酶菌株,利用传统分离培养并分子鉴定的方法和基于16S r RNA基因克隆的现代分子生物技术相结合测定秦岭野生细鳞鲑肠道细菌菌群多样性并构建系统发育树,利用淀粉酶、蛋白酶、纤维素酶及脂肪酶4种胞外酶筛选培养基筛选出产上述酶的细菌。细菌传统分离培养并分子鉴定法从细鳞鲑肠道获得18个属的细菌类群,分别归属于变形菌门、拟杆菌门和厚壁菌门,其中,气单胞菌属(Aeromonas)为优势菌群。基于16S r RNA基因克隆的现代分子方法获得22个属的细菌类群,分别归属于变形菌门、拟杆菌门、厚壁菌门和放线菌门,其中,鞘氨醇杆菌属(Sphingomonas)为优势菌群。4种胞外酶筛选获得53株细菌产胞外酶,其中21株可在低温(10℃)环境下产胞外酶。结果表明,传统分离培养法与基于16S r RNA基因克隆的现代分子生物技术相结合能够更有效全面地分析细鳞鲑鱼肠道微生物的多样性,并且细鳞鲑肠道微生物具有一定的产酶活性。     

Interstrain inhibition in the sweet potato pathogen Streptomyces ipomoeae: purification and characterization of a highly specific bacteriocin and cloning of its structural gene

Strains of the sweet potato soil rot pathogen Streptomyces ipomoeae had previously been divided into three groups based on their ability to inhibit one another during pairwise cocultivation. While group I strains are not antagonistic to members of the other groups, group II and group III strains produce separate substances that are inhibitory to strains outside their respective cognate groups. Here, we purified the group III inhibitory substance from the culture supernatant of a representative strain and found that it consists of a single 10-kDa cationic protein which is bacteriolytic for S. ipomoeae group I and II strains but which showed no inhibitory function against other streptomycetes or other bacterial genera tested. The structural gene for the inhibitor was cloned from a chromosomal library of the producing strain, and while the gene sequence revealed that the inhibitor is initially made in a larger precursor form, the deduced mature protein showed no significant homology to other known proteins. Our results demonstrate that S. ipomoeae group III inhibitory activity is manifested in the form of a highly specific, potentially novel bacteriocin, which we have designated ipomicin.     

Production by fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Acremonium, Verticillium of extracellular proteases which coagulate blood plasma and lyse blood clots

Among 24 fungal strains belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Acremonium and Verticillium, eight strains synthesized proteases with the coagulating activity. The most active strains producing such proteases were found among Aspergillus species. The fibrinolytic activity was detected in 12 strains of the fungi. Proteases with the fibrinolytic activity differed in their sensitivity to plasma inhibitors and the least sensitive proteases were found in A. niger and A. flavus. Some fungal strains synthesized proteases with the fibrinolytic activity exerting an indirect action. Such enzymes activated the conversion of blood profibrinolysin into fibrinolysin in a manner similar to that of staphylokinase, urokinase and trypsin.     

脱枝酶产生菌的分离鉴定及酶学性质研究

目的：从中国高校工业微生物资源与信息中心（CICIM-CU）细菌库中分离具有产脱枝酶酶活的细菌并鉴定,进行酶学性质的研究。方法：通过碘显色平板法筛选产酶菌株,利用16S rDNA确定其属种。对每一株产脱枝酶的细菌进行初步的酶学性质研究。结果：从4005株细菌中筛选出45株产脱枝酶的细菌,建立了产脱枝酶细菌的细菌库。酶学性质表明CICIM B272、CICIMB1-30两株菌产生的脱枝酶,酶反应的最适温度分别为70℃6、0℃,最适pH分别为6.0、5.5,来源于上述两种不同属种的脱枝酶在30-70℃反应条件下,酶在pH 4.5-8.5范围内活性稳定,Li＋、Na＋、K＋、Mg2＋、Mn2＋对两者酶活均有显著的激活作用,而Cu2＋、Fe3＋及EDTA对两者均有显著的抑制作用,Mn2＋、Ca2＋分别对两者的热稳定性具有很好的提升作用。以支链淀粉为底物的动力学常数Km分别为352.883mg/mL、4.5814mg/mL,Vmax分别为30.03mg/min.mL、0.4575mg/min.mL。结论：不同属种的脱枝酶酶学性质差别显著。     

Isolation and characterization of ethanol-producing yeasts from fruits and tree barks

Aims:  Isolation and identification of yeasts converting xylose to ethanol.
Methods and Results:  A total of 374 yeasts were isolated from a variety of rotten fruits and barks of trees. Out of these, 27 yeast strains were able to assimilate xylose and produce 0·12–0·38 g of ethanol per gram of xylose. Based on phylogenetic analysis of D1/D2 domain sequence of LSU (Large Subunit) rRNA gene and phenotypic characteristics the ethanol-producing strains were identified as member(s) of the genera Pichia, Candida , Kluyveromyces, Issatchenkia, Zygosacchraomyces , Clavispora, Debaryomyces , Metschnikowia , Rhodotorula and Cryptococcus.
Conclusion:  Yeast strains producing ethanol from xylose have been isolated from a variety of rotten fruits and barks of trees and identified.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  Environmental isolates of yeasts which could convert xylose to ethanol could form the basis for bio-fuel production and proper utilization of xylan rich agricultural and forest wastes.     

Production of Oil-Releasing Compounds by Microorganisms from the Daqing Oil Field,China

Twenty pure cultures isolated from formation waters of the Daqing oil field were studied with respect to their capacity to produce surface-active compounds in media with individual hydrocarbons, lower alcohols, and fatty acids. Aerobic saprotrophic bacteria belonging to the genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Rhodococcus, Dietzia, Kocuria, Gordonia, Cellulomonas, Clavibacter, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter decreased the surface tension of cultivation media from 55–63 to 28–44 mN/m. Strains of Bacillus cereus, Rhodococcus ruber, andBacillus licheniformis produced biosurfactants most actively. Bacteria of the genera Rhodococcus, Dietzia, Kocuria, and Gordonia produced exopolysaccharides in media with hydrocarbons. Culture liquids of the strains of R. ruberand B. licheniformis exhibited an oil-releasing effect. Thus, the Daqing oil field is inhabited by aerobic bacteria capable of producing effective oil-releasing agents.