Enhancement of solubilization and biodegradation of petroleum by biosurfactant from Rhodococcus erythropolis HX-2

Abstract

The demand to repair areas contaminated with hydrocarbon products has led to the development of new technologies for the treatment of contaminants in an unconventional method, that is, no physical or chemical methods are used. Biosurfactants are amphiphilic biomolecules produced by microorganisms that can be used in environments contaminated by petroleum products due to their unexceptionable tensile properties. Petroleum degrading strain Rhodococcus erythropolis HX-2 was found to be an effective producer of biosurfactants. The resulting biosurfactant (named NK) exhibits high physicochemical properties in terms of surface activity. It is capable of reducing surface tension from 54.99 to 28.89?mN/m and critical micelle concentration (CMC) is 100?mg/L. NK was found to be a substitute for chemically synthesized surfactants because of its higher solubilization efficiency for petroleum and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, superior to SDS, Tween 80, Triton X-100 and Rhamnolipid (a wide used biosurfactant). In addition, it exhibits favorable emulsion stability over a wide range of pH (3–10), temperature (20–100?°C) and salinity ranges (5–20?g/L). It was found that the addition of biosurfactant can improve the efficiency of petroleum degradation, therefore it has potential applications in bioremediation.

• Highlights

• Rhodococcus erythropolis HX-2 is an effective petroleum degrading strain.

• HX-2 is a potential source of biosurfactant production.

• The biosurfactant NK reduces surface tension and exhibits high emulsification activity.

• The biosurfactant NK is effective over a wide range of temperatures, pH and salinity.

• The biosurfactant NK shows high solubilization efficiency for petroleum as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

     

Fast decolorization of cationic dyes by nano-scale zero valent iron immobilized in sycamore tree seed pod fibers: kinetics and modelling study

Abstract

In the present work, Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) tree seed pod fibers (STSPF) and nano-scale zero valent iron particles (nZVI) immobilized in Sycamore tree seed pod fibers (nZVI?STSPF) were produced. This biosorbent has been utilized as a viable effective biosorbent in the removing of methylene blue hydrate (MB), malachite green oxalate(MG), methyl violet 2B(MV) dyes from synthetic wastewater. The biosorbents were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Various parameters such as contact time, solution concentration, pH and amount of biosorbent were investigated in order to evaluate the potential of the nanomaterials immobilized on natural wastes as sorbing biomaterials for the cationic dyes. Study on sorption kinetic and the sorption isotherm was carried out and best fitting models for the rate kinetics and isotherms were suggested. Langmuir isotherm was observed to be compatible with the isotherm models. The STSPF in the raw form showed the best dye sorption capacity of 43.67?mg/g for MG, 25.32?mg/g for MV, and 126.60?mg/g for MB. The magnetic nZVI?STSPF showed the best dye sorption capacity 92.59?mg/g for MG, 92.59?mg/g for MV, and 140.80?mg/g for MB. The iron nanoparticles immobilized biosorbent exhibited a higher removal capacity for all dyes compared to the raw biosorbent.     

Indole-derived water-soluble N,O bi-dentate ligand-based mononuclear transition metal complexes: in silico and in vitro biological screening,molecular docking and macromolecule interaction studies

Abstract

A novel tryptophan-derived Schiff base ligand (potassium (E)-2-((4-chloro-3-nitrobenzylidene)amino)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoate) and a series of its transition metal complexes of the types [ML₂] and [ML(1,10-phen)₂]Cl where M?=?Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) were prepared. They were analyzed by various spectral and physicochemical studies. The XRD data were also used to determine the average lattice parameters and crystalline size of the compounds. All the synthesized compounds were tested against a series of five bacterial and fungal strains. The obtained results showed that the biological activity of free ligand was increased on complexation. PASS online software predicts the various biological activities of ligand such as enzyme inhibitor, antiviral, analgesic and antituberculosis. The in silico theoretical prediction of synthesized compounds is also deliberated by Swiss ADME predictor which gives the properties of molecular hydrophobicity (log P), topological polar surface area (TPSA) and oral bioavailability score. The binding energy of the docked molecule with macromolecules 1BNA and 3EQM is also determined by using Hex 8.0 software. The ligand has the least binding energy score which signifies that the potential of binding is greater in the receptor. Moreover, the interactions of complexes with DNA have been explored by electronic absorption titration, fluorescence emission titration, viscosity measurements and gel electrophoresis.

• Highlights

• Synthesis and characterization of novel indole-derived compounds.

• X-ray diffraction studies demonstrate average crystalline size of the compounds.

• Metal complexes act as good metallointercalators.

• Metal complexes show higher antimicrobial activity compared to ligand.

• Prediction of biological activities of the ligand by PASS online software.

• Drug-like nature and bioavailability of synthesized compounds predicted by Swiss ADME predictor

• Docking of the synthesized compounds with 1BNA and 3EQM using HEX 8.0 software.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma     

Extraction of watermelon seed proteins with enhanced functional properties using ultrasound

Abstract

Watermelon seed is the potential source of value-added proteins, oils, and carbohydrates. The present study evaluates the extraction, and functional properties of watermelon seed protein (WMSP) obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method from watermelon seed (WMS). The optimization of various operating parameters, such as pH (9), WMS powder to solvent ratio (1:50 w/v), temperature (30?±?2?°C), ultrasound power (90?W), frequency (25?kHz), and duty cycle (75%) has been carried out. The extraction yield obtained was 87% and the extraction time was lowered down to 9?min from 120?min of conventional batch extraction. It contains all essential amino acids in an adequate amount required for adults as per FAO/WHO guidelines while for 2–5?years old children, the content of valine and isoleucine are above the required range. Methionine and lysine contents are adequate for both children and adults. Functional properties of ultrasonic extracted proteins were found superior to conventionally extracted proteins.

• highlights

• The UAE method is more efficient for watermelon seed protein extraction.

• Impact of extraction parameters on the extraction yield was studied.

• Protein isolate with enhanced functional properties was obtained.

• Essential amino acid content was determined.

     

Tracing the Early Emergence of Microbial Sulfur Metabolisms

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (nH₂S) and sulfur oxide (SO _n ; n?=?1, 2, 3) gases in early Earth’s globally anoxic atmosphere were subjected to gas-phase chemical transformations by UV light. A principal photolysis pathway at that time produced elemental sulfur aerosols with mass-independently fractionated (MIF) isotopic values carrying variable minor isotope (³³S, ³⁶S) compositions. These rained into the sulfate-deficient Archean (ca. 3.85–2.5 Ga) oceans to react with [Fe²⁺]_aq and form sedimentary sulfides. The MIF-bearing sulfides were incorporated into Archean sediments, including banded iron formations (BIF). Such aerosols may also have fueled microbial sulfur metabolisms, and thus are traceable by the MIF sulfur isotopes. Yet, data show that before ～3.5 Ga mass-dependent³⁴S/³²S values in Early Archean sediments tend to fall within a narrow (±0.1%) range even as they carry mass-independent values. By about 3.5 Ga, ³⁴S/³²S values show much greater changes (>1%) in range congruent with microbial metabolic processing. Here, we trace probable pathways of elemental sulfur aerosols into Archean sediments, and couple our study with analysis of the evolutionary relationships of enzymes involved in sulfur metabolism to explain the observed trends. Our model explains why elemental sulfur aerosols were apparently not utilized by the Eoarchean (pre-3.65 Ga) biosphere even though an immediate precursor to the required enzyme may have already been present.

• Highlights

• Evolution of microbial sulfur metabolisms is tracked by multiple sulfur isotopes

• Alkaline hydrothermal vents were an abode for early microbial life

• Sulfite detoxification prompted anaerobic respiration

• Reversal of respiratory electron transport chain (ETC) stimulated photothiotrophy

• Surplus e- acceptors permitted the emergence of elemental sulfur reduction

     

Enhanced clinical phenotyping by mechanistic bioprofiling in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: insights from the MEDIA-DHF study (The Metabolic Road to Diastolic Heart Failure)

Abstract

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous syndrome for which clear evidence of effective therapies is lacking. Understanding which factors determine this heterogeneity may be helped by better phenotyping. An unsupervised statistical approach applied to a large set of biomarkers may identify distinct HFpEF phenotypes.

Methods: Relevant proteomic biomarkers were analyzed in 392 HFpEF patients included in Metabolic Road to Diastolic HF (MEDIA-DHF). We performed an unsupervised cluster analysis to define distinct phenotypes. Cluster characteristics were explored with logistic regression. The association between clusters and 1-year cardiovascular (CV) death and/or CV hospitalization was studied using Cox regression.

Results: Based on 415 biomarkers, we identified 2 distinct clusters. Clinical variables associated with cluster 2 were diabetes, impaired renal function, loop diuretics and/or betablockers. In addition, 17 biomarkers were higher expressed in cluster 2 vs. 1. Patients in cluster 2 vs. those in 1 experienced higher rates of CV death/CV hospitalization (adj. HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.12–3.32, p?=?0.017). Complex-network analyses linked these biomarkers to immune system activation, signal transduction cascades, cell interactions and metabolism.

Conclusion: Unsupervised machine-learning algorithms applied to a wide range of biomarkers identified 2 HFpEF clusters with different CV phenotypes and outcomes. The identified pathways may provide a basis for future research.

• Clinical significance

• More insight is obtained in the mechanisms related to poor outcome in HFpEF patients since it was demonstrated that biomarkers associated with the high-risk cluster were related to the immune system, signal transduction cascades, cell interactions and metabolism

• Biomarkers (and pathways) identified in this study may help select high-risk HFpEF patients which could be helpful for the inclusion/exclusion of patients in future trials.

• Our findings may be the basis of investigating therapies specifically targeting these pathways and the potential use of corresponding markers potentially identifying patients with distinct mechanistic bioprofiles most likely to respond to the selected mechanistically targeted therapies.

     

Environmental payback periods of reusable alternatives to single-use plastic kitchenware products

Purpose

Many consumers are transitioning away from single-use plastic products and turning to reusable alternatives. Oftentimes, this change is being made with the assumption that these alternatives have fewer environmental impacts; however, reusable products are frequently made from more environmentally intensive materials and have use phase impacts. This study used LCA to examine the GWP, water consumption, and primary nonrenewable energy use associated with reusable alternatives for single-use plastic kitchenware products and determined environmental payback periods.

Methods

The environmental impacts for each reusable alternative are calculated on the functional units of 1 use, 1 year (5 uses/week), and 5 years (5 uses/week). Payback periods are calculated for each reusable alternative and defined as the number of times a consumer must reuse an alternative in order for the environmental impact per use to be equivalent to the environmental impact for the single-use product. The research explored the sensitivity of the results to different consumer washing and reuse behaviors, as well as local conditions such as overall transportation distances and the carbon intensity of different electricity grids. Product types studied included straws (4 reusable, 2 single-use), sandwich storage (2 reusable, 3 single-use), coffee cups (3 reusable, 2 single-use), and forks (1 single-use, 3 reusable).

Results and discussion

Environmental impacts associated with the reusable alternatives were highly dependent on the use phase due to dishwashing, making payback period sensitive to washing frequency and method, and for GWP, carbon intensity of the energy grid (used for water heating). For single-use products, the material/manufacturing phase was the largest contributor to overall impacts. It was found that nine of the twelve reusable alternatives were able to breakeven in all three environmental indicators. The coffee cup product type was the only product type to have one reusable alternative, the ceramic mug, and have the shortest payback period for all three impact categories. Both the bamboo straw and beeswax wrap were unable to breakeven in any scenario due to high use phase impacts from manual washing.

Conclusions

The research found that reusable alternatives can payback the environmental impacts of GWP, water consumption, and energy use associated with their more resource intensive materials, but it is dependent on number of uses, consumer behavior, and for GWP, carbon intensity of the energy grid. A key takeaway is that consumer behavior and use patterns influence the ultimate environmental impact of reusable kitchenware products.

Recommendations

Some recommendations for consumers looking to reduce the overall impact of kitchenware products include the following:

1. 1)

   Not always assuming reusable is the best option.

2. 2)

   Extending product lifetime.

3. 3)

   Researching which reusable option has the lowest impact.

4. 4)

   Following best practice washing behaviors.

5. 5)

   Not washing products after every use.

6. 6)

   Advocating for integration of renewables into the local energy grid.

7. 7)

   Reducing consumption of these product types (reusable or single-use).

     

Applicability of the European Environmental Footprint (EF) methodology in Southern Mediterranean countries—learnings and recommendations for enabling EF-compliant studies in regions outside of Europe

Purpose

The European Commission is thinking about policy options for the European Environmental Footprint (EF) method and aims for a broad support. The SwitchMed initiative is a programme with the overall objective to facilitate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production in the Southern Mediterranean region. One of the objectives of this initiative, carried out in Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia, is to facilitate access of companies from this region to the outcomes of the EF Rules pilot phase.

Methods

The project was composed of three consecutive phases: (I) awareness raising; (II) local pilots; and (III) dissemination events. The awareness raising and technical workshop activities were meant to expose national stakeholders to the potential impact of the EF system for the national economies. Next, nine environmental footprint studies for selected product categories (so-called PEF pilot studies) were performed to create local capacity and expertise. These were leather and intermediate paper product for Egypt; two studies on wine and one on intermediate paper product in Lebanon; olive oil for Morocco; and pasta, olive oil, and dairy for Tunisia. The learnings from the pilot studies were shared in national dissemination events and used to formulate recommendations for enabling EF-compliant studies in regions outside of Europe.

Results and discussion

There was high attendance to the awareness events in each country. The pilot studies showed many similarities with the European screening studies, but also important differences in the identification of most relevant impact categories, life cycle stages, and processes (‘hotspots analyses’), e.g. related to the local scarcity of water. Based on their pilot study, the local experts made concrete suggestions for shifting towards more sustainable consumption and production. One of the biggest successes of this project is that a couple of these recommendations have already been taken into account by the companies.

Conclusions and recommendations

In Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia, a few local experts with a significant level of LCA expertise could be identified and through this project we managed to create local PEF capacity too. In Morocco, more assistance was needed to finish the pilot study. This project made clear that the current ‘PEF and OEF methods’ have serious drawbacks for regions other than Europe. The rules of the EF method need to be reconsidered in order to enable EF-compliant studies in regions outside of Europe. In short, we recommend:

1. 1.

   Developing databases with local inventory data for regions outside of Europe;

2. 2.

   Enlarging access to EF-compliant data by extension of the free access and by facilitation of the availability of conversion tools;

3. 3.

   Taking the local availability of data into account when setting data quality requirements;

4. 4.

   Adapting the rules for data collection and quality to allow for more precise adaptations;

5. 5.

   Including in the PEFCR development, supporting studies for products manufactured outside the EU and/or in a geography with unusual conditions; and

6. 6.

   Updating existing rules specific for certain product categories regularly.

     

New potent biphalin analogues containing p-fluoro-L-phenylalanine at the 4,4' positions and non-hydrazine linkers

We report the synthesis and the biological evaluation of two new analogues of the potent dimeric opioid peptide biphalin. The performed modification is based on the replacement of two key structural elements of the native biphalin, namely: the hydrazine bridge which joins the two palindromic moieties and the phenylalanine residues at the 4,4′ positions of the backbone. The new analogues 9 and 10 contain 1,2-phenylenediamine and piperazine, respectively, in place of the hydrazidic linker and p-fluoro-l-phenylalanine residues at 4 and 4′ positions. Binding values are: K_\texti^m = 0.51 \textnM K_{\text{i}}^{\mu } = 0.51\,{\text{nM}} and K_\texti^d = 12.8 \textnM K_{\text{i}}^{\delta } = 12.8\,{\text{nM}} for compound 9, K_\texti^m = 0.09 \textnM K_{\text{i}}^{\mu } = 0.09\,{\text{nM}} and K_\texti^d = 0.11 \textnM K_{\text{i}}^{\delta } = 0.11\,{\text{nM}} for analogue 10.     

Preparation of curcumin-carrying nanoemulsions using mono- and diacylglycerides enzymatically structured with bioactive fatty acids

Abstract

Nanoemulsions (NE) are employed as carrier systems of lipophilic active compounds that have low bioavailability and need to be protected from the environment; such as curcumin. In this study, enzymatically prepared monoacylglycerides (MAG) and diacylglycerides (DAG) structured with three bioactive lipids: conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), and ω-3 fatty acids (ω-3?FA). The highest amounts of MAG and DAG containing ω-3 (68.8%) were obtained at 75?°C, 3:1 substrate molar ratios (SMR), 15% of Novozyme 435 and 400?rpm for 90?min. MAG and DAG containing CLA (96.84%) were successfully produced at 40?°C, 1:1 w/w, 15% of lipase RMLM and 400?rpm, for 60?min. Finally, MCFA (95.16%) were prepared at 50?°C with a substrates ratio of 1:1 w/w, 5% of Novozyme 435, and 300?rpm for 30?min. Seven nanoemulsions were formulated using: MAG-ω-3, DAG-ω-3, MAG-CLA, and DAG-CLA individually, as well as reaction mixtures containing MAG and DAG, and MCFA. All exhibited desirable characteristics of average particle size (d?<?200?nm), polydispersity index (PDI; <0.2) and zeta potential (≈?30?mV) and in most cases, the NE maintained their physical properties for up to 5 weeks. It was also determined that when using the reaction mixture containing a high percentage of MAG and DAG of each lipid, the resulting NE exhibited better performance.

• Practical applications

• Nanoemulsions are a new and novel carrier for the transportation of bioactive compounds that can be affected during digestion. Then, the use of the enzyme-catalysed synthesis of structured lipids as emulsifiers is an alternative for increasing the bioavailability of compounds such as curcumin.

     

Single-cell Proteomics: Progress and Prospects

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Highlights

• •Label-free and isobaric labeling approaches for in-depth profiling of single cells.
• •Miniaturization and simplification of sample processing reduce surface losses.
• •Nanoflow separations enhance ionization efficiency and reduced chemical noise.
• •Ultrasensitive mass spectrometry and gas-phase separation add selectivity.

     

Data,Reagents, Assays and Merits of Proteomics for SARS-CoV-2 Research and Testing

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Highlights

• •In-depth proteomes of 4 SARS-CoV-2 cell line models (Vero E6, Calu-3, Caco-2, A549).
• •Proteomic evidence for thousands of Chlorocebus sabaeus proteins.
• •Proteomic response of Vero E6 cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• •Synthetic peptides, spectral libraries, and targeted assays for SARS-CoV-2 proteins.

     

Acquiring and Analyzing Data Independent Acquisition Proteomics Experiments without Spectrum Libraries

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Highlights

• •Rapid DIA-only library building with gas-phase fractionation.
• •Recommended DIA acquisition strategies with staggered windows and forbidden zones.
• •Optimized DIA instrument settings for several Thermo Orbitrap instruments.
• •Data analysis tutorial using open source DIA software.

     

Characterization of Prenylated C-terminal Peptides Using a Thiopropyl-based Capture Technique and LC-MS/MS

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Highlights

• •Brain membrane protein extraction.
• •Protein prenylation.
• •Prenyl peptide capture and characterization by LC-MS/MS.
• •HCD and EThcD peptide fragmentation.

     

Sample Preparation by Easy Extraction and Digestion (SPEED) - A Universal,Rapid, and Detergent-free Protocol for Proteomics Based on Acid Extraction

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Highlights

• •Universal and detergent-free proteomic sample preparation.
• •Based on three simple mandatory steps (acidification, neutralization, digestion).
• •Enhances proteome coverage especially for challenging samples.
• •Improves quantitative reproducibility compared with ISD-Urea, FASP and SP3.

     

Concentration Determination of >200 Proteins in Dried Blood Spots for Biomarker Discovery and Validation

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Highlights

• •Repeatable quantification of 200 proteins in dried blood spots.
• •Determined lower limit of quantification, repeatability, parallelism and stability.
• •Protein stability in DBS stored at ambient temperatures for up to 2 months.
• •Concentration ranges for 200 proteins in 20 healthy individuals.

     

Proteomic Analysis Reveals a Role for RSK in p120-catenin Phosphorylation and Melanoma Cell-Cell Adhesion

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Highlights

• •BioID reveals the proximity partners of RSK family members.
• •All RSK isoforms associate with and phosphorylate p120ctn on Ser320.
• •RSK negatively regulates adherens junctions and reduces cell-cell adhesion.
• •p120ctn phosphorylation plays a role in the reorganization of proximity partners.

     

An in-depth Comparison of the Pediatric and Adult Urinary N-glycomes

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Highlights

• •N-glycan patterns are distinct in pediatric and adult urine.
• •Sex differences of N-glycans are much larger in adults.
• •Pediatric urine has almost no sex differences in N-glycan levels.
• •In adults, the majority of N-glycans were more abundant in males.

     

Global Proteome and Phosphoproteome Characterization of Sepsis-induced Kidney Injury

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Highlights

• •Cecal Ligation Puncture (CLP) mouse model to study sepsis-induced kidney disease.
• •Quantitative global proteome and phosphoproteome profiling of mouse kidneys.
• •Highly significant candidate markers for onset and progression of AKI to CKD.
• •Mechanistic insights into sepsis-associated kidney injuries.