Preparation and antioxidant property of extract and semipurified fractions of Caulerpa racemosa

A microwave-assisted extraction method has been developed for the extraction of phenolic compounds from the green alga, Caulerpa racemosa. An L₁₈(3)⁵ orthogonal experimental array was designed to optimize the extraction conditions. Total phenolic content was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method. Under the optimized conditions (microwave power, 200?W; ethanol concentration, 60%; extraction time, 40?min; extraction temperature, 50°C; solvent-to-material ratio, 40?mL?g^?1), the maximum total phenolic content reached 67.89?±?3.88?mg 100?g^?1 dried sample. The crude ethanolic extract was further purified by liquid–liquid partition to afford two fractions, of which the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction (EAF) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity in the hydroxyl and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assays and reducing power. EAF was further divided into four subfractions, designated as EAF1 to EAF4, by silica gel vacuum liquid chromatography. The antioxidant capacity of the subfractions was in the following order: EAF1>EAF2>EAF4>EAF3. The results of IR spectral and HPLC analysis, including the research on the correlation between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content, suggested that phenolic compounds of medium polarity were the major contributors to the antioxidative activity of C. racemosa. The present findings might contribute to a rational basis for the use of phenolic-rich fractions and subfractions as natural antioxidants in different food/pharmaceutical products.     

Effect of triarimol on sterol and fatty acid composition of three species of Chlorella

The concentration of triarimol giving ca 50% inhibition of growth was different for each of 3 species of Chlorella [C. emersonii, 1 mg/l. (1.5 × 10^?6 M), C. ellipsoidea 10 mg/l. (3 × 10^?5 M), C. sorokiniana, 2 mg/l. (6 × 10^?6 M)]. The total lipid of 3 species of Chlorella grown in a culture medium containing triarimol were analysed for chlorophyll, fatty acids and sterol composition. Growth rates were studied in the presence of different concentrations of triarimol. The growth rates of the 3 species were differentially inhibited by triarimol. The growth of Chlorella sorokiniana was 50% inhibited by 2 mg/l. triarimol but 20 mg/l. did not produce a cessation of growth. The greatest inhibition of growth rates and chlorophyll content was observed in Chlorella emersonii. The quantity of unsaturated fatty acids was increased by triarimol treatment in all 3 species of Chlorella. Triarimol strongly inhibited 14α-demethylation in Chlorella emersonii, and C. ellipsoidea and less in C. sorokiniana, resulting in accumulation of 14α-methyl sterols. Triarimol also inhibited the second alkylation of the side chain in C. ellipsoidea and C. emersonii. The introduction of the 22-double bond was inhibited in all 3 species of Chlorella studied. Although some differences were apparent, the effect of triarimol was quite similar to that of triparanol and AY-9944 in these 3 species of Chlorella.     

Optimization of dynamic-microwave assisted enzymatic hydrolysis extraction of total ginsenosides from stems and leaves of panax ginseng by response surface methodology

Abstract

Ginseng stems and leaves (GSAL) are abundant in ginsenosides compounds. For efficient utilization of GSAL and the enhancement of total ginsenosides (TG) compound yields in GSAL, TG from GSAL were extracted, using dynamic-microwave assisted extraction coupled with enzymatic hydrolysis (DMAE-EH) method. The extraction process has been simulated and its main influencing factors such as ethanol concentration, microwave temperature, microwave time and pump flow rate have been optimized by response surface methodology coupled with a Box-Behnken design(BBD). The experimental results indicated that optimal extraction conditions of TG from GSAL were as follows: ethanol concentration of 75%, microwave temperature of 60°C, microwave time of 20?min and pump flow rate of 38 r/min. After experimental verification, the experimental yields of TG was 60.62?±?0.85?mg?g^?1, which were well agreement with the predicted by the model. In general, the present results demonstrated that DMAE-EH method was successfully used to extract total ginsenosides in GSAL.     

Antiviral compounds obtained from microalgae commonly used as carotenoid sources

Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), an environmentally friendly technique, has been used to obtain antiviral compounds from microalgae commonly used as carotenoid sources: Haematococcus pluvialis and Dunaliella salina. The antiviral properties of PLE extracts (hexane, ethanol and water) were evaluated against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) at different stages during viral infection. Pretreatment of Vero cells with 75?μg?mL^?1 of H. pluvialis ethanol extract inhibited virus infection by approximately 85%, whereas the same concentration of water and hexane extracts reduced the virus infectivity 75% and 50%, respectively. D. salina extracts were less effective than H. pluvialis extracts and presented a different behaviour since water and ethanol extracts produced a similar virus inhibition (65%). Moreover, H. pluvialis ethanol extract was also the most effective against HSV-1 intracellular replication. The antiviral activity of water PLE extracts was found to correlate with polysaccharides since the polysaccharide-rich fraction isolated from these extracts showed higher antiviral activity than the original water extracts. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) characterization of the H. pluvialis ethanol extract showed the antiviral activity of this extract could be partially related with the presence of short-chain fatty acids, although other compounds could be involved in this activity; meanwhile, in the case of D. salina ethanol extract other compounds seemed to be implied, such as: β-ionone, neophytadiene, phytol, palmitic acid and α-linolenic acid. The results demonstrate the use of PLE allows obtaining antiviral compounds from microalgae used as carotenoids sources, which gives the microalgae biomass an added value.     

Chemical composition and ethanol production potential of Thai seaweed species

This study evaluated the potential use of several Thai seaweed species for ethanol production. The high biomass of the green algae Ulva intestinalis and Rhizoclonium riparium and the red algae Gracilaria salicornia and Gracilaria tenuistipitata in an earthen pond culture led us to select these species for our study. The seaweed species were analyzed for chemical composition, resulting in ash contents of 37.62?±?0.15 % and fiber of 11.93?±?0.16 %, with the highest values in R. riparium. Low lipid values were found in all species, with the highest value (p?<?0.05) in G. salicornia (1.69?±?0.07 %) and the lowest in R. riparium (0.28?±?0.01 %) and G. tenuistipitata (0.26?±?0.01 %). The highest carbohydrate contents were found in G. tenuistipitata (54.89 %), and the lowest were in R. riparium (29.53 %). G. tenuistipitata (8.58?±?0.36 %) and U. intestinalis (8.24?±?0.28 %) had higher sulfate contents compared with G. salicornia (4.69?±?0.04 %) and R. riparium (1.97?±?0.20 %). The monosugar algal tissue components were analyzed by HPLC; rhamnose, xylose, fucose, arabinose, mannose, glucose, and galactose were used as reference sugars. Total sugar was found to be highest in G. tenuistipitata (98.21 %). Arabinose, glucose, and galactose were the main sugar components in all species. Glucose obtained from G. tenuistipitata (6.55 %) and R. riparium (6.52 %) was higher than in G. salicornia (0.27 %) and U. intestinalis (2.78 %). G. tenuistipitata fermentation gave a higher yield of ethanol (4.17?×?10^?3 g ethanol g^?1 sugars; 139.12 μg ethanol g^?1 glucose) than R. riparium (0.086?×?10^?3 g ethanol g^?1 sugars; 33.84 μg ethanol g^?1 glucose), U. intestinalis (0.074?×?10^?3 g ethanol g^?1 sugars; 9.98 μg ethanol g^?1 glucose), and G. salicornia (0.031?×?10^?3 g ethanol g^?1 sugars; 1.43 μg ethanol g^?1 glucose).     

Molecular identification of a novel inulinolytic fungus isolated from and grown on tubers of Helianthus tuberosus and statistical screening of medium components

Of 24 fungi belonging to more than five genera isolated from tubers of rotten Helianthus tuberosus, 11-inulinolytic active isolates were able to develop halo zones around their fungal colonies, indicating inulinase activity. Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Pencillium and Trichoderma were the most common inulinolytic genera, representing more than 90?% of the total positive inulinolytic fungi. Aspergillus tamarii and Pencillium citrinum quantitatively recorded better growth (5.5 and 4.7?mg?ml^?1) and inulinase production (21.53 and 20.15?U?ml^?1) in submerged culture. The enzyme preparation showed also invertase activity. Aspergillus tamarii, as the most potent producer of inulinase, was identified using the Inter Transcribed Spacer marker. The sequence comparisons showed that our molecularly identified strain (GU295949) is related more closely to A. tamarii strains of the gene bank. Statistical screening using the fractional factorial Plackett-Burman design with 12 run was applied for screening ten variables, the low levels of pH (4.8), inoculum size (10³ spore?g^?1), NH₄NO₃ (1.0?mg?g^?1) and MgSO₄ (0.12?mg?g^?1), were the most significant variables on A. tamarii inulinase production. The high inulinase/invertase ratio (1.841?C4.293) classified the enzyme preparation as inulinases, which can be used efficiently in production of fructose syrup from tubers of H. tuberosus.     

Interspecific variation in thermoregulation among three sympatric bats inhabiting a hot, semi-arid environment

Bats in hot roosts experience some of the most thermally challenging environments of any endotherms, but little is known about how heat tolerance and evaporative cooling capacity vary among species. We investigated thermoregulation in three sympatric species (Nycteris thebaica, Taphozous mauritianus and Sauromys petrophilus) in a hot, semi-arid environment by measuring body temperature (T _b), metabolic rate and evaporative water loss (EWL) at air temperatures (T _a) of 10?C42?°C. S. petrophilus was highly heterothermic with no clear thermoneutral zone, and exhibited rapid increases in EWL at high T _a to a maximum of 23.7?±?7.4?mg?g^?1?h^?1 at T _a????42?°C, with a concomitant maximum T _b of 43.7?±?1.0?°C. T. mauritianus remained largely normothermic at T _as below thermoneutrality and increased EWL to 14.7?±?1.3?mg?g^?1?h^?1 at T _a????42?°C, with a maximum T _b of 42.9?±?1.6?°C. In N. thebaica, EWL began increasing at lower T _a than in either of the other species and reached a maximum of 18.6?±?2.1?mg?g^?1?h^?1 at T _a?=?39.4?°C, with comparatively high maximum T _b values of 45.0?±?0.9?°C. Under the conditions of our study, N. thebaica was considerably less heat tolerant than the other two species. Among seven species of bats for which data on T _b as well as roost temperatures in comparison to outside T _a are available, we found limited evidence for a correlation between overall heat tolerance and the extent to which roosts are buffered from high T _a.     

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase system extraction of polyphenolic compounds from Aronia melanocarpa pomace by response surface methodology

Aronia melanocarpa berries are abundant in polyphenolic compounds. After juice production, the pomace of pressed berries still contains a substantial amount of polyphenolic compounds. For efficient utilization of A. melanocarpa berries and the enhancement of polyphenolic compound yields in Aronia melanocarpa pomace (AMP), total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) from AMP were extracted, using ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase system (UAE-ATPS) extraction method. First, the influences of ammonium sulfate concentration, ethanol–water ratio, ultrasonic time, and ultrasonic power on TP and TF yields were investigated. On this basis, process variables such as ammonium sulfate concentration (0.30–0.35?g?mL^?1), ethanol–water ratio (0.6–0.8), ultrasonic time (40–60?min), and ultrasonic power (175–225?W) were further optimized by implementing Box–Benhnken design with response surface methodology. The experimental results showed that optimal extraction conditions of TP from AMP were as follows: ammonium sulfate concentration of 0.324?g?mL^?1, ethanol–water ratio of 0.69, ultrasonic time of 52?min, and ultrasonic power of 200?W. Meanwhile, ammonium sulfate concentration of 0.320?g?mL^?1, ethanol–water ratio of 0.71, ultrasonic time of 50?min, and ultrasonic power of 200?W were determined as optimum extraction conditions of TF in AMP. Experimental validation was performed, where TP and TF yields reached 68.15?±?1.04 and 11.67?±?0.63?mg?g^?1, respectively. Close agreement was found between experimental and predicted values. Overall, the present results demonstrated that ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase system extraction method was successfully used to extract total phenolics and flavonoids in A. melanocarpa pomace.     

Pilot-scale supercritical carbon dioxide extractions for the recovery of triacylglycerols from microalgae: a practical tool for algal biofuels research

We describe the preliminary extractions from a pilot-scale supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) extractor for the isolation of algal lipids suitable for small-scale conversion to liquid hydrocarbon fuels. Flowable oils were recovered from SC-CO₂ extractions of lyophilized Nannochloropsis granulata. The extracted oils were determined to be composed primarily of triacylglycerols (TAG) by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Gravimetric lipid yield was increased significantly from 15.56 to 28.45 mg g^?1 ash-free dry weight (AFDW) with an increase in temperature from 50°C to 70°C, at 35 MPa over 270 min. Varying pressure had no significant effect on lipid yield. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the SC-SO₂ extracts indicated that the TAG profile remained constant regardless of extraction pressure, and analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) revealed a uniform profile throughout all extraction conditions. Our optimized gravimetric lipid yields from N. granulata (28.45 mg g^?1 AFDW) were approximately half of the yields obtained by Soxhlet extraction with hexane (57.53 mg g^?1 AFDW); however, the FAME yields were similar regardless of extraction technique (18.23 mg FAME g^?1 and 17.35 mg FAME g^?1 AFDW from SC-CO₂ extraction and hexane extraction, respectively). Further extractions with Botryococcus braunii indicated that fatty acid extraction by SC-CO₂ was as efficient as hexane extraction. These results highlight the suitability of SC-CO₂ for large-scale oil extraction of microalgae for biofuel or biojet analyses due to its selectivity for TAG extraction.     

Bioremediation potential of Chondrus crispus (Basin Head) and Palmaria palmata: effect of temperature and high nitrate on nutrient removal

To evaluate the nutrient removal capabilities of two red macroalgae, apical blades were cultured in the lab for 4?weeks at either 6, 10, or 17°C and nitrate at either 30 or 300?μM, typical of the seasonal range of conditions at a land-based Atlantic halibut farm. Stocking density was 2.0?g?L^?1, irradiance 125?μmol?photons?m^?2?s^?1, photoperiod 16:8 (L:D), and nitrogen to phosphorus ratio 10:1. For both species, the highest growth rate was at 300?μM NO ₃ ^? with Palmaria palmata growing fastest at 6°C, 5.8%?day^?1, and Chondrus crispus growing best at 17°C, 5.5%?day^?1. Nitrogen and carbon removal by P. palmata was inversely related to temperature, the highest rate at 6°C and 300?μM NO ₃ ^? of 0.47?mg N and 6.3?mg C per gram dry weight per day. In contrast, C. crispus removal of N was independent of temperature, with mean removal of 0.49?mgN?gDW^?1?day^?1 at 300?μM NO ₃ ^? . The highest carbon removal by C. crispus was 4.4?mgC?gDW^?1?day^?1 at 10°C and 300?μM nitrate, though not significantly different from either 6 or 17°C and 300?μM nitrate. Tissue carbon:nitrogen ratios were >20 in both species at 30?μM nitrate, and all temperatures indicating nitrogen limitation in these treatments. Phycoerythrin content of P. palmata was independent of temperature, with means of 23.6?mg?gFW^?1 at 300?μM nitrate. In C. crispus, phycoerythrin was different only between 6°C and 17°C at 300?μM nitrate, with the highest phycoerythrin content of 12.6?mg?gFW^?1 at 17°C. Morphological changes were observed in P. palmata at high NO ₃ ^? concentration as curling of the fronds, whilst C. crispus exhibited the formation of bladelets as an effect of high temperature.     

ACC deaminase containing diazotrophic endophytic bacteria ameliorate salt stress in Catharanthus roseus through reduced ethylene levels and induction of antioxidative defense systems

Among a total of 27 cultivable salt tolerant endophytic bacteria isolated from Catharanthus roseus grown in highly salt affected coastal region of cuddalore district, Tamilnadu, India four isolates were found to be positive for nitrogenase activity. The isolates were evaluated for their stress tolerance efficiency and screened for different PGP traits. Based on the above studied parameters, and ability to produce 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase (4.24???mol ??-ketobutyrate mg^_1 protein h^_1) the salt tolerant diazotrophic isolate AUM54 was selected for further investigation and identified as Achromobacter xylosoxidans by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The ability of this isolate to ameliorate salt stress in C. roseus was evaluated under gnotobiotic and pot culture conditions. At 150?mM NaCl level A. xylosoxidans AUM54 treated plants recorded ethylene level of 394.1 p mol ethylene g^?1 FW h^?1 compared to the ethylene level of 516.0 p mol ethylene g^?1 FW h^?1 recorded in the un inoculated control. A. xylosoxidans AUM54 inoculated plants recorded the maximum germination percentage of 98.3, vigor index of 2231.4, plant height of 120.4?cm, root dry weight of 53.24?g Plant^_1 and ajmalicine content of 1.60?mg?g^?1, compared to the germination percentage of 91.6%, vigour index of 1511.5, plant height of 105.8, root weight of 47.2?g Plant^?1, and ajmalicine content of 1.23?mg?g^?1 in uninoculated plants grown without NaCl treatment. This isolate also decreased plant ethylene levels by 11?C23% and increased the antioxidative enzyme content of inoculated C. roseus plants to the tune of 19?C32% for ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity, 20?C30% for superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and 4?C16% for catalase (CAT) under normal and salt affected conditions.     

Xylan-hydrolyzing thermotolerant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida tropicalis</Emphasis> HNMA-1 for bioethanol production from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate

Sugarcane bagasse is one of the low-cost substrates used for bioethanol production. In order to solubilize sugars in hemicelluloses like xylan, a new thermotolerant isolate of Candida tropicalis HNMA-1 with xylan-hydrolyzing ability was identified and characterized. The strain showed relative tolerance to high temperature. Our results demonstrated 0.211 IU ml^?1 xylanase activity at 40 °C compared to 0.236 IU ml^?1 at 30 °C. The effect of high temperature on the growth and fermentation of xylose and sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate were also investigated. In both xylose or hydrolysate medium, increased growth was recorded at 40 °C. Meanwhile, the efficiency of ethanol fermentation was adversely affected by temperature since yields of 0.088 g g^?1 and 0.076 g g^?1 in the xylose medium, in addition to 0.090 g g^?1 and 0.078 g g^?1 in the hydrolysate medium were noticed at 30 °C and 40 °C, respectively. Inhibitory compounds in the hydrolysate medium demonstrated negative effects on fermentation and productivity, with maximum ethanol concentration attained after 48 h in the hydrolysate, as opposed to 24 h in the xylose medium. Our data show that the newly thermotolerant isolate, C. tropicalis HNMA-1, is able to efficiently ferment xylose and hydrolysate, and also has the capacity for application in ethanol production from hemicellulosic sources.     

Production of bioactive phenolic acids and furanocoumarins in in vitro cultures of Ruta graveolens L. and Ruta graveolens ssp. divaricata (Tenore) Gams. under different light conditions

Extracts from the biomass of Ruta graveolens and Ruta graveolens ssp. divaricata cultured in vitro under different light conditions (far-red, red and blue light, UV-A irradiation, in darkness and white light) were tested for the amounts of free phenolic acids and cinnamic acid (twelve compounds) as well as furanocoumarins and umbelliferone (seven compounds) using HPLC methods. Total amounts of the investigated groups of compounds in the cultures of both plants increased from 2.6 to 6.7 times, depending on light quality, and the maximum values reached were 106.50 and 1,276.74?mg?100?g^?1 DW (in R. graveolens), and 106.97 and 262.54?mg?100?g^?1 DW (in the subspecies), respectively. Both white light and blue light were equally beneficial for the total production of phenolic acids in cultures of both plants, whereas the total production of furanocoumarins was clearly better stimulated by blue light in R. graveolens and by darkness in the subspecies (i.e. the amounts were respectively 1.44 and 1.7 times higher than in the biomass cultivated under white light). The amounts of individual compounds in both plant cultures increased from about 2.2 to 26.3 times depending on light quality. The following bioactive compounds were obtained in quantities which are of interest from a practical perspective: in R. graveolens culture??protocatechuic acid (45?mg?100?g^?1 DW), isopimpinellin (about 500?mg?100?g^?1 DW) and bergapten (about 270?mg?100?g^?1 DW), and in the subspecies culture: p-coumaric acid (70?mg?100?g^?1 DW) and isopimpinellin (about 210?mg?100?g^?1 DW).     

Extraction of total phenolic content from Azadirachta indica or (neem) leaves: Kinetics study

The objective of this work is to put forth the optimization and kinetics of total phenolic compounds extraction from Azadirachta indica leaves in a stirred batch extraction. Various experiential extraction parameters have been studied for maximum extraction of the total phenolic compounds. The maximum yield of total phenolic compounds was found to be 10.80?mg?g^?1 of dried neem powder under the optimized conditions. The extraction kinetics behavior followed first-order kinetics with diffusion coefficient ranged from 1.8?×?10^?12 to 3.2?×?10^?12?m² s^?1 for all sets. Activation energy (E_a) value for the extraction of the total phenolic compounds was found to be 22.87?kJ?mol^?1. The kinetic expression model developed by Spiro and Siddique showed a good agreement with the experimental outcomes. The obtained results can be used to scale up the operations for industrial purposes.     

Important foliar traits depend on species-grouping: analysis of a remnant temperate forest at the Keerqin Sandy Lands, China

Foliar traits are often interpreted to reflect strategies for coping with water and nutrient supply limitations. In this study, we measured several important leaf traits for 147 species sampled from a remnant, temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest in Keerqin Sandy Lands, Northeast China to test whether these traits are ‘invariant’ or dependent on water supply limitations. Our data show that average specific leaf area (SLA), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations, leaf C/N, C/P and N/P were 273 cm²?g^?1, 18.1 mg?g^?1, 1.60 mg?g^?1, 28.2, 343 and 12.4, respectively. However, most of these traits were significantly different (P?<?0.05) for different species groupings based on growth forms, phylogenetic history, photosynthetic pathways, or habitats. SLA was positively correlated with leaf P concentration across the broad spectrum of 118 species and most species functional groupings. However, SLA was not correlated with N concentration across all species or within each species functional group. SLA and N and P concentrations in dry habitats were lower than those in wet habitats, whereas leaf C/N, C/P, and N/P had the opposite trend both across all species and within major species functional groupings (herb, monocots and C3 species). Our data indicate that SLA vs. leaf N and SLA vs. P relationships may be regulated differentially for different species functional groupings and that water limitation may have a greater influence than nutrient limitation for plant growth.     

Biomass and terpenoids produced by mutant strains of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arthrospira</Emphasis> under low temperature and light conditions

The filamentous Cyanobacterium Arthrospira is commercially produced and is a functional, high-value, health food. We identified 5 low temperature and low light intensity tolerant strains of Arthrospira sp. (GMPA1, GMPA7, GMPB1, GMPC1, and GMPC3) using ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis and low temperature screening. The 5 Arthrospira strains grew rapidly below 14?°C, 43.75 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1 and performed breed conservation at 2.5?°C, 8.75 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1. We used morphological identification and molecular genetic analysis to identify GMPA1, GMPA7, GMPB1 and GMPC1 as Arthrospira platensis, while GMPC3 was identified as Arthrospira maxima. Growth at different culture temperatures was determined at regular intervals using dry biomass. At 16?°C and 43.75 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1, the maximum dry biomass production and the mean dry biomass productivity of GMPA1, GMPB1, and GMPC1 were 2057?±?80 mg l^?1, 68.7?±?2.5 mg l^?1 day^?1, 1839?±?44 mg l^?1, 60.6?±?1.8 mg l^?1 day^?1, and 2113?±?64 mg l^?1, 77.7?±?2.5 mg l^?1 day^?1 respectively. GMPB1 was chosen for additional low temperature tolerance studies and growth temperature preference. In winter, GMPB1 grew well at mean temperatures <10?°C, achieving 3258 mg dry biomass from a starting 68 mg. In summer, GMPB1 grew rapidly at mean temperatures more than 28?°C, achieving 1140 mg l^?1 dry biomass from a starting 240 mg. Phytonutrient analysis of GMPB1 showed high levels of C-phycocyanin and carotenoids. Arthrospira metabolism relates to terpenoids, and the methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate pathway is the only terpenoid biosynthetic pathway in Cyanobacteria. The 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) gene from GMPB1 was cloned and phylogenetic analysis showed that GMPB1 is closest to the Cyanobacterium Oscillatoria nigro-viridis PCC711. Low temperature tolerant Arthrospira strains could broaden the areas suitable for cultivation, extend the seasonal cultivation time, and lower production costs.     

Nutritional study of Kapparazii powderTM as a food ingredient

Kappaphycus alvarezii is one of the most important commercial sources of carrageenan. Red seaweeds are found in tropical areas, and K. alvarezii is famous for its high growth rate among other tropical red seaweeds. This study was conducted to produce Kapparazii powder^TM, a product comprised of high amount of carrageenan with valuable nutrients from K. alvarezii found in Sabah, Malaysia. Spray drying and an environmentally friendly process without using chemicals were employed to produce Kapparazii powder^TM. Physicochemical properties of Kapparazii powder^TM such as proximate composition (moisture, protein, lipid, ash, and crude fiber), mineral content, heavy metals, vitamins, amino acid, color, viscosity, gel strength, swelling capacity, and water and oil holding capacity were evaluated. Kapparazii powder^TM contained moisture (4.69?±?0.03 %), protein (5.11?±?0.02 %), lipid (1.00?±?0.02 %), ash (14.52?±?0.01 %), and crude fiber (0.93?±?0.02 %). Color analysis of Kapparazii powder^TM showed that lightness (L ^*)?=?89.51?±?0.02, redness (a ^*)?=??1.27?±?0.03, and yellowness (b^*)?=?5.49?±?0.02. The value of viscosity, gel strength, swelling capacity, and water and oil holding capacity of the Kapparazii powder^TM were 0.06?±?0.00 Pa.s, 82.77?±?3.66 gf, 100?±?0.00 mL.g^?1, 4.67?±?0.58 g.g^?1, and 5.11?±?0.36 g.g^?1, respectively. Moreover, Kapparazii powder^TM did not inhibit proliferation of L929 cells after 24 h of exposure at the highest concentration (2 mg.mL^?1). In conclusion, the Kapparazii powder^TM as a source of high nutrient hydrocolloid suggested on the point of healthy ingredient for food industry application.     

Influence of light and temperature on photosynthesis and respiration by Pithophora oedogonia (Mont.) Wittr. (chlorophyceae)

Rates of net photosynthesis and respiration were determined for Pithophora oedogonia (Mont.) Wittr. acclimatized to 56 combinations of light (7–1200 μE m^?2 s^?1) and temperature (5–35°C). Conditions for maximum net photosynthesis were estimated to be 26°C and 970 μE m^?2 s^?1. The rate of net photosyntheses varied considerably with temperature, with the maximum measured value (9.67 mg O₂ h^?1 g dry wt.^?1) occurring at 25°C. Respiration rate increased with temperature and the light received just prior to measurement. The maximum respiration rate (7.05 mg O₂ g^?1 h^?1) occurred at 30°C and 1200 μE m^?2 s^?1. Exposure of Pithophora to light levels of 600 or 1200 μE m^?2 s^?1 prior to determination of the respiration rate resulted in significantly elevated levels of oxygen consumption at temperatures ≥ 15°C. The relationship between light, temperature and photosynthesis and respiration were summarized as three-dimensional response surfaces.     

Effects of cryopreservation of Phaseolus vulgaris L. seeds on early stages of germination

In this work, we studied the effects of cryopreservation on various parameters of early stages of germination of Phaseolus vulgaris seeds (0, 7 and 14?days). Percentages of germination, fresh mass of different plant parts, levels of chlorophyll pigments (a, b, total), malondialdehyde, other aldehydes, phenolics (cell wall-linked, free, and total) and protein were determined. No phenotypic changes were observed visually in seedlings recovered from cryopreserved seeds. However, several significant effects of seed liquid nitrogen exposure were recorded at the biochemical level. There was a significant negative effect of cryopreservation on shoot protein content, which decreased from 3.11?mg?g^?1 fresh weight for non-cryopreserved controls to 0.44?mg?g^?1 fresh shoot weight for cryopreserved seeds. On the other hand, cryopreservation significantly increased levels of other aldehydes than malondialdehyde in shoots at day 7, from 56.47?μmol?g^?1 for non-cryopreserved controls to 253.19?μmol?g^?1 fresh shoot weight for cryopreserved samples. Liquid nitrogen exposure significantly reduced phenolics contents (free, cell-wall linked, total) in roots at day 7 after onset of germination. In general, roots were more affected by cryostorage compared with other plant parts, while leaves were the least affected. The effects of seed cryopreservation seem to decline progressively along with seedling growth.