Isolation and Characterization of Conotoxin Protein from Conus inscriptus and Its Potential Anticancer Activity Against Cervical Cancer (HeLa-HPV 16 Associated) Cell Lines

International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics - Marine snails are abundant sources of biologically important conopeptides with their potential applications in drug development. The...     

Isolation and characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">polyfermenticus</Emphasis> isolated from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meju,</Emphasis> Korean soybean fermentation starter

Bacteria of the Bacillus species have been reported as an important microorganism in fermented soybean products. In the present study, thirty Bacillus isolates were screened from Meju, a Korean soybean fermentation starter. The comparative analysis of 16S rDNA sequences, 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer sequences, phenotypic, and biochemical characterizations revealed three phylogenetically distinct groups namely Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus polyfermenticus and Bacillus subtilis. The isolates were assayed for poly-γ-glutamate production and fibrinolytic activity. Among the isolates, B. polyfermenticus exhibited maximum poly-γ-glutamate production and fibrinolytic activity. Moreover, the soybean products fermented by B. polyfermenticus have increased the time taken for coagulation and hemorrhage in mice. The results of the present study clearly indicate the functional role of B. polyfermenticus in fermented soybean products.     

Crystallization of silver through reduction process using Elaeis guineensis biosolid extract

This study presents a special, economically valuable, unprecedented eco-friendly green process for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles were obtained from a waste material with oil palm biosolid extract as the reducing agent. The use of the oil palm biosolid extract for the nanoparticle synthesis offers the benefit of amenability for large-scale production. An aqueous solution of silver (Ag(+) ) ions was treated with the oil palm biosolid extract for the formation of Ag nanoparticles. The nanometallic dispersion was characterized by surface plasmon absorbance measuring 428 nm. Transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of silver nanoparticles in the range of 5-50 nm. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis of the freeze-dried powder confirmed the formation of metallic silver nanoparticles. Moreover, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy provided evidence of phenolics or proteins as the biomolecules that were likely responsible for the reduction and capping agent, which helps to increase the stability of the synthesized silver nanoparticles. In addition, we have optimized the production with various parameters.     

Characterization of a mercury-reducing Bacillus cereus strain isolated from the Pulicat Lake sediments, south east coast of India

Pulicat Lake sediments are often severely polluted with the toxic heavy metal mercury. Several mercury-resistant strains of Bacillus species were isolated from the sediments and all the isolates exhibited broad spectrum resistance (resistance to both organic and inorganic mercuric compounds). Plasmid curing assay showed that all the isolated Bacillus strains carry chromosomally borne mercury resistance. Polymerase chain reaction and southern hybridization analyses using merA and merB3 gene primers/probes showed that five of the isolated Bacillus strains carry sequences similar to known merA and merB3 genes. Results of multiple sequence alignment revealed 99% similarity with merA and merB3 of TnMERI1 (class II transposons). Other mercury resistant Bacillus species lacking homology to these genes were not able to volatilize mercuric chloride, indicating the presence of other modes of resistance to mercuric compounds.     

Detection of Aster Yellows Phytoplasma (16SrI) Associated with Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum schinifolium S. et Z.) witches' Broom Disease in Korea

Prickly ash trees with shortened internodes, proliferation of shoots, phyllody and witches' brooms were observed for the first time in Korea. A phytoplasma was detected in infected trees by polymerase chain reaction amplification of 16S rDNA, 16S–23S intergenic spacer region and the fragment of rp operon sequences. The 16S rDNA sequences exhibited maximum (99.6%) similarity with Iranian lettuce phytoplasma, and the sequences of rp operon exhibited maximum (100%) similarity with golden rain phytoplasma. Based on the sequence analysis and phylogenetic studies, it was confirmed that phytoplasma infecting prickly ash trees in Korea belongs to the aster yellows group (subgroup 16SrI‐B).     

Quorum sensing inhibitory potential of vaccenic acid against Chromobacterium violaceum and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - Gluconobacter oxydans is a well-known acetic acid bacterium that has long been applied in the biotechnological industry. Its extraordinary capacity...     

Laccase-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofiber: highly stable, reusable, and efficacious for the transformation of diclofenac

Nanobiocatalysis has received growing attention for use in commercial applications. We investigated the efficiency, stability, and reusability of laccase-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofiber for diclofenac transformation. NH stretching vibrations (3400-3500 cm(-1) and 1560 cm(-1)) in FT-IR spectra confirmed immobilization of laccase on PLGA nanofibers. The relative activity of immobilized laccase was 82% that of free laccase. Immobilized laccase had better storage, pH, and thermal stability than free laccase. The immobilized laccase produced complete diclofenac transformation in three reuse cycles, which was extended to 6 cycles in the presence of syringaldehyde. Results suggest that laccase-PLGA nanofiber may be useful for removing diclofenac from aqueous sources and has potential for other commercial applications.     

Biological control of Phytophthora blight in red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) using Bacillus subtilis

Phytophthora blight is one of the most important devastating diseases of red pepper plants. Forty-one bacterial isolates were obtained from rhizosphere soil and subsequently tested for antagonistic activity under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Among the 41 isolates tested, 12 exhibited a maximum antagonistic activity in dual culture assay. These 12 isolates were further screened for disease suppression on red pepper plants in both natural and greenhouse conditions. All the antagonists showed varying levels of antagonism, whereas the isolates R33 and R13 exhibited the maximum (86.8 and 71%) ability to reduce the disease severity in in vivo conditions. Based on the 16S rDNA sequencing, the most effective isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis. In addition, the isolates were also screened for siderophores, hydrogen cyanide and hydrolytic enzymes. Further, the isolates increased the root and shoot length of the red pepper, which is an added advantage of the isolates while performing the desired function.     

Identification of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' (16SrI‐B) Causing Witches' Broom Disease of Mallotus japonicus in Korea

Mallotus japonicus with witches' broom disease were observed in Jeollabuk‐do, Korea. A phytoplasma from the infected leaves was identified, based on the 16S rDNA, 16S‐23S intergenic spacer region, and fragment of rp operon and tuf gene sequences. The 16S rDNA sequences exhibited maximum (99.7%) similarity with Iranian lettuce phytoplasma, the rp operon sequences exhibited 100% similarity with Goldenrain stunt phytoplasma, and the tuf gene sequences exhibited 99.8% similarity with Japanese spurge yellows phytoplasma. Results of the sequence analysis and phylogenetic studies confirmed that the phytoplasma associated with M. japonicus in Korea was an isolate of Aster Yellows group (subgroup16SrI‐B).