Biodegradation of Tapis blended crude oil in marine sediment by a consortium of symbiotic bacteria

Biodegradation rate and the high molecular weight hydrocarbons are among the important concerns for bioremediation of crude oil. Inoculation of a non-oil-degrading bacterium as supplementary bacteria increased oil biodegradation from 57.1% to 63.0% after 10 days of incubation. Both the oil-degrading bacteria and the non-oil-degrading bacteria were isolated from Malaysian marine environment. Based on the 16S rDNA sequences, the oil-degrading bacteria was identified as Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes (99% similarity) while the non-oil-degrading bacterium was Erythrobacter citreus (99% similarity). E. citreus does not grow on crude oil enriched medium under present experimental condition but it withstands 5000 mg kg^?1 Tapis blended crude oil in sediment. Under optimal condition, the oil-degrading bacterium; P. pseudoalcaligenes, alone utilized 583.3 ± 3.8 mg kg^?1 (57.1%) at the rate of 3.97 × 10^?10 mg kg^?1 cell^?1 day^?1 Tapis blended crude oil from 1000 mg kg^?1 oil-contaminated sediment. Inoculation of E. citreus as the supplementary bacteria to P. pseudoalcaligenes enhanced biodegradation. The bacterial consortium degraded 675.8 ± 18.5 mg kg^?1 (63.0%) Tapis blended crude oil from the 1000 mg kg^?1 oil-contaminated sediment. Biodegradation rate of the bacterial consortium increased significantly to 4.59 × 10^?10 mg kg^?1 cell^?1 day^?1 (p = 0.02). Improvement of the oil degradation by the bacterial consortium was due to the synergetic reaction among the bacterial inoculants. There are two implications: (1) E. citreus may have a role in removing self-growth-inhibiting compounds of P. pseudoalcaligens. (2) P. pseudoalcaligenes degraded Tapis blended crude oil while E. citreus competes for the partially degraded hydrocarbons by P. pseudoalcaligenes. P. pseudoalcaligenes forced to breakdown more hydrocarbons to sustain its metabolic requirement. The bacterial consortium degraded 78.7% of (C₁₂–C₃₄) total aliphatic hydrocarbons (TAHs) and 74.1% of the 16 USEPA prioritized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.     

OEM—A new medium for rapid isolation of onion-pathogenic and onion-associated bacteria

Onions (Allium cepa L.) are plagued by a number of bacterial pathogens including Pantoea ananatis, P. agglomerans, Burkholderia cepacia, Enterobacter cloacae, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. axonopodis and several Pseudomonas spp. We developed a semi-selective medium, termed onion extract medium (OEM), to selectively and rapidly isolate bacteria pathogenic to and associated with onions and onion-related samples including bulbs, seeds, sets, transplant seedlings, soil and water. Most strains of interest grow sufficiently on OEM in 24 h at 28 °C for tentative identification based on colony morphology, facilitating further characterization by microbiological and/or molecular means.     

Biodegradation and phenol tolerance by recycled cells of Candida tropicalis NCIM 3556

Resting cells of Candida tropicalis NCIM 3556 rapidly degraded almost completely 2 g L^?1 phenol in 16 h. In this study, we explored the possibility of further increasing the efficiency of the culture by repeatedly reusing the cell for biodegradation. The effect of continuous recycling of whole cells of C. tropicalis, for biodegradation of phenol indicated that though with each recycle of the cell there was steady decline in phenol biodegradation the conversion was appreciable for five recycle (～70%) and reached half-life of 50% after eleven recycles. Inhibition due to substrate, recycling of cells and adaptation of residual cell were estimated and an equation derived; which indicated that the cell resilience to phenol increased with each cycle and at the end of eleven recycle adaptation was 68%. However, when the adapted cells were sub cultured and showed marginal increase <10% in biodegradation.     

Biological removal of pharmaceutical and personal care products by a mixed microbial culture: Sorption,desorption and biodegradation

The performance of a mixed-culture on the removal of caffeine (CFN), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), ranitidine (RNT), carbamazepine (CZP) and ibuprofen (IBP) in a suspended growth reactor has been studied. The sorption and biodegradation of these compounds were examined when they were individually or simultaneously tested. The sorption of individual compounds was significantly low except from RNT (K_d = 0.42 L/g). In contrast, the sorption of SMX and CFN increased in detriment of RNT when all the pharmaceutical compounds were simultaneously present. The biodegradation removal also exhibited significant differences. Thus, the simultaneous treatment showed higher biodegradation rates (K_b up to 97.55 × 10⁻⁶ L/mg h) than the individual treatment (K_b up to 8.13 × 10⁻⁶ L/mg h) of the pharmaceuticals. In general, the simultaneous treatment leads to increased sorption distribution coefficients and biodegradation rates. Results seem to reveal that the enhanced biomass efficiency on the simultaneous elimination process was due to the synergistic effects of pharmaceutical compounds onto mixed-culture. During the simultaneous removal, CFN, SMX and CZP were removed consistently (5.3 ± 4.4%, 73.2 ± 21.3% and 4.2 ± 2.3%, respectively), whereas RNT and IBP showed an unsteady removal over time. Finally, a kinetic model capable of describing the influence of biomass growth and nutrients utilization on the sorption and biodegradation of the pollutants was successfully demonstrated.     

Use of lignocellulosic wastes of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) in the cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum

Background

The wastes of pecan nut (Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch) production are increasing worldwide and have high concentrations of tannins and phenols.

Sulfonamide inhibition profile of the γ-carbonic anhydrase identified in the genome of the pathogenic bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei the etiological agent responsible of melioidosis

A new γ-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.1.1.1) was cloned and characterized kinetically in the genome of the bacterial pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei, the etiological agent of melioidosis, an endemic disease of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. The catalytic activity of this new enzyme, BpsCAγ, is significant with a k_cat of 5.3 × 10⁵ s^?1 and k_cat/K_m of 2.5 × 10⁷ M^?1 × s^?1 for the physiologic CO₂ hydration reaction. The inhibition constant value for this enzyme for 39 sulfonamide inhibitors was obtained. Acetazolamide, benzolamide and metanilamide were the most effective (K_Is of 149–653 nM) inhibitors of BpsCAγ activity, whereas other sulfonamides/sulfamates such as ethoxzolamide, topiramate, sulpiride, indisulam, sulthiame and saccharin were active in the micromolar range (K_Is of 1.27–9.56 μM). As Burkholderia pseudomallei is resistant to many classical antibiotics, identifying compounds that interfere with crucial enzymes in the B. pseudomallei life cycle may lead to antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action.     

Formulation of Pseudomonas chlororaphis strains for improved shelf life

Formulations of Pseudomonas strains with long-term shelf life are needed for commercial use in biological disease control and growth promotion in crops. In the present work Pseudomonas chlororaphis (Pc) 63-28 formulated with coconut fiber [moisture content (MC) of 80%], talc (MC 8%) or peat (MC 40%), with or without the addition of carboxymethylcellulose or xanthan gum, and formulations of Pc 63-28 and P. chlororaphis TX-1 in coconut fiber with water contents (v:v) of 75%, 45%, and 25%, were evaluated in terms of shelf life and cell viability. The shelf life of Pc 63-28 was longer when formulated in coconut fibre with a MC was 80% than in the other formulations and longer at 3 ± 1 °C compared to 22 ± 1 °C. Densities of viable Pc 63-28 cells in coconut fiber stored at 3 ± 1 °C did not decline significantly during 224 days when the MC was 80% and within 120 days at 75% MC. Densities of Pc TX-1 in coconut fiber of 75% MC did not decline within 60 days at 3 ± 1 °C. P. chlororaphis 63-28 survived longer in deionized water and buffer than in canola oil. Cells of Pc 63-28 cells formulated in coconut fibre of 80% MC after storage for 140 days at 3 ± 1 °C in coconut fiber improved hydroponic growth of hydroponic lettuce and better than cells freshly recovered from culture. We conclude that coconut fiber is a carrier of superior performance in maintaining shelf life of Pseudomonas strains. The observed shelf life would be sufficient for practical use of Pseudomonas strains as tools for disease control and growth promotion in crops.     

Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus supply on growth and flowering phenology of the snowbed forb Gnaphalium supinum L.

The warming-induced increase in nutrient mineralization and the further increase in atmospheric nitrogen depositions raise the topic of whether and how alpine plants will react to enhanced nutrient availability. Despite several studies have shown the effects of fertilization on primary production of alpine plants, only few studies have considered the influences of nutrients on reproduction. Here, we investigated the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) amendments on cover, number of ramets, flowering effort and phenological timing of Gnaphalium supinum, an arctic-alpine widespread snowbed species. We set up an experimental design with four fertilization treatments (low N, P without additional N, low N + P, and high N + P) and an unfertilized control for three years (2003–2005), within a late snowbed located in the Italian Alps (Gavia Pass, 2700 m a.s.l.). The cover of Gnaphalium supinum was recorded at the peak of the aboveground biomass development in the three years, while the temporal dynamic of ramet density and reproductive phenophases were monitored during the 2005 growing season. The clonal growth of G. supinum resulted to be co-limited by N and P, while the flowering effort was stimulated by P. Flowering date was advanced by P supply, while N alone did not show any significant effect on phenology. In a warming scenario, with a predicted increase in N and P availability by nutrient mineralization and atmospheric deposition, this species should probably experience some benefits for its growth and reproduction if not limited by other factors such as the length of the growing season or interspecific competition.     

Microbial processes and bacterial populations associated to anaerobic treatment of sulfate-rich wastewater

A pilot-scale (1.2 m³) anaerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor (ASBBR) containing mineral coal for biomass attachment was fed with sulfate-rich wastewater at increasing sulfate concentrations. Ethanol was used as the main organic source. Tested COD/sulfate ratios were of 1.8 and 1.5 for sulfate loading rates of 0.65–1.90 kgSO₄²⁻/cycle (48 h-cycle) or of 1.0 in the trial with 3.0 gSO₄²⁻ l⁻¹. Sulfate removal efficiencies observed in all trials were as high as 99%. Molecular inventories indicated a shift on the microbial composition and a decrease on species diversity with the increase of sulfate concentration. Beta-proteobacteria species affiliated with Aminomonas spp. and Thermanaerovibrio spp. predominated at 1.0 gSO₄²⁻ l⁻¹. At higher sulfate concentrations the predominant bacterial group was Delta-proteobacteria mainly Desulfovibrio spp. and Desulfomicrobium spp. at 2.0 gSO₄²⁻ l⁻¹, whereas Desulfurella spp. and Coprothermobacter spp. predominated at 3.0 gSO₄²⁻ l⁻¹. These organisms have been commonly associated with sulfate reduction producing acetate, sulfide and sulfur. Methanogenic archaea (Methanosaeta spp.) was found at 1.0 and 2.0 gSO₄²⁻ l⁻¹. Additionally, a simplified mathematical model was used to infer on metabolic pathways of the biomass involved in sulfate reduction.     

Bioremediation of naphthalene in water by Sphingomonas paucimobilis using new biodegradable surfactants based on poly (ɛ-caprolactone)

New amphiphilic block surfactants ABA based on a central segment of polycaprolactone with different molecular composition were evaluated in the bioremediation of naphthalene in water by Sphingomonas paucimobilis and compared with sodium dodecyl sulphate as reference surfactant (SDS). Also the biodegradation of the new surfactants by bacteria, S. paucimobilis and a mixture of bacteria (Pseudomonas aureginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus megaterium) was studied by indirect impedance technique and carbon dioxide determination. All the bacteria biodegraded in solution and micellar phase the central segment of PCL with mineralization rates in the range of 0.024–0.036 mg of CO₂ per day.S. paucimobilis biodegraded naphthalene in the presence of the new surfactants and GC analysis demonstrated that conversion to products started immediately after inoculum. In all the experiments, except for SDS, at 140 h of incubation time, the remaining naphthalene concentration was about 10% of the initial concentration. In contrast, the production of CO₂ was delayed 4–7 days and values around 75% of naphthalene mineralization degree were achieved in three weeks. The addition of PCL-surfactants, in solution and in micellar phase, not interfered in the naphthalene mineralization. These results have shown promising potential of these biodegradable PCL-surfactants in surfactant-enhanced remediation (SER) technology for removing residual organics from contaminated groundwater and soils.     

Soil microbial biomass influence on growth and biocontrol efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum

Hyphal growth and biocontrol efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum may depend on its interactions with biotic components of the soil environment. Effects of soil microbial biomass on growth and biocontrol efficacy of the green fluorescent protein transformant T. harzianum ThzID1-M3 were investigated using different levels of soil microbial biomass (153, 328, or 517 μg biomass carbon/g of dry soil). Hyphal growth of T. harzianum was significantly inhibited in soil containing 328 or 517 μg biomass carbon/g of dry soil compared with soil containing 153 μg biomass carbon/g. However, when ThzID1-M3 was added to soil as an alginate pellet formulation, recoverable populations of ThzID1-M3 varied, with the highest populations in soil containing 517 μg biomass carbon/g. When sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were added to soils (10 sclerotia per 150 g soil) with ThzID1-M3 (20 pellets per 150 g soil), colonization of sclerotia by ThzID1-M3 was significantly lower in the soil containing the highest level of biomass. Addition of alginate pellets of ThzID1-M3 to soils (10 pellets per 50 g) resulted in increased indigenous microbial populations (total fungi, bacteria, fluorescent Pseudomonas spp., and actinomycetes). Our results suggest that higher levels of microbial soil biomass result in increased interactions between introduced T. harzianum and soil microorganisms, and further that microbial competition in soil favors a shift from hyphal growth to sporulation in T. harzianum, potentially reducing its biocontrol efficacy.     

Bioactive pigment production by Pseudomonas spp. MCC 3145: Statistical media optimization,biochemical characterization,fungicidal and DNA intercalation-based cytostatic activity

Multifunctional redox-active pyocyanin (PYC) produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa has diverse biotechnological applications, but no efforts have been made to improve its yield. The yield obtained in initial study using Pseudomonas spp. MCC 3145 was 24.21 mg L⁻¹ PYC in pigment production medium D; hence, optimization of the media components using statistical tools for more production of PYC was undertaken. Of the 11 medium constituents screened for PYC production using Plackett–Burman design (PBD), glycerol, peptone, and CuSO₄ were recognized as the most significant variables. The optimal concentration of the variables for maximum PYC production was evaluated using a five-level three-factor central composite design (CCD). Optimal concentration of the three variables, glycerol, peptone and CuSO₄ showed 313.94 ± 10.09 mg L⁻¹ the PYC production, with an 18-fold increase. Fine structural details of PYC were verified by chromatographic and various spectroscopic analyses. In vitro bioactivity studies demonstrated significant antifungal activity of PYC against fungal phytopathogens and substantial cytostatic activity against four major cancer cell lines. Furthermore, PYC displayed nonspecific DNA intercalation, which may be the reason for proliferation arrest in cancer cells. Thus, the study rigorously improved PYC production through medium optimization and further demonstrated its agricultural and therapeutic applications.     

Biotrickling air filtration of 2-chlorophenol at high loading rates

The degradation of 2-chlorophenol vapours in air was performed in a trickling biofilter packed with ceramic material seeded with the bacterium Pseudomonas pickettii, strain LD1. The system performance was evaluated under varying operating conditions (inlet 2-chlorophenol air concentrations from 0.10 to 3.50 g m^?3, and superficial air velocities of 30.0, 60.0, and 120.0 m h^?1). For all air velocity the maximum degradation rate was obtained for loading rates of 40 g m^?2 h^?1. Higher loading conditions resulted in strong inhibition of microbial activity, particularly severe at high air velocity. Process analysis, performed using data on pollutant concentration profiles along the filter packing obtained under different conditions of inlet concentration and air velocity, proves that best performance (i.e. maximum degradation efficiency and capacity) can be obtained for a narrow range of operating conditions, which can be ensured by proper design of biofilter size (i.e. diameter and height). Kinetic analysis of experimental data confirms that 2-CP inhibits microbial activity in the biofilter bed. Experimental data are satisfactorily fitted by the Haldane kinetic equation up to a critical value of loading rate, beyond which the experimental degradation rate is overestimated by the kinetic model. The inhibition appears to be affected by the loading rate, and the estimated inhibition constant linearly increases with increasing empty bed residence time.     

Differential interactions between the nematocyst-bearing mixotrophic dinoflagellate Paragymnodinium shiwhaense and common heterotrophic protists and copepods: Killer or prey

To investigate interactions between the nematocyst-bearing mixotrophic dinoflagellate Paragymnodinium shiwhaense and different heterotrophic protist and copepod species, feeding by common heterotrophic dinoflagellates (Oxyrrhis marina and Gyrodinium dominans), naked ciliates (Strobilidium sp. approximately 35 μm in cell length and Strombidinopsis sp. approximately 100 μm in cell length), and calanoid copepods Acartia spp. (A. hongi and A. omorii) on P. shiwhaense was explored. In addition, the feeding activities of P. shiwhaense on these heterotrophic protists were investigated. Furthermore, the growth and ingestion rates of O. marina, G. dominans, Strobilidium sp., Strombidinopsis sp., and Acartia spp. as a function of P. shiwhaense concentration were measured. O. marina, G. dominans, and Strombidinopsis sp. were able to feed on P. shiwhaense, but Strobilidium sp. was not. However, the growth rates of O. marina, G. dominans, Strobilidium sp., and Strombidinopsis sp. feeding on P. shiwhaense were very low or negative at almost all concentrations of P. shiwhaense. P. shiwhaense frequently fed on O. marina and Strobilidium sp., but did not feed on Strombidinopsis sp. and G. dominans. G. dominans cells swelled and became dead when incubated with filtrate from the experimental bottles (G. dominans + P. shiwhaense) that had been incubated for one day. The ingestion rates of O. marina, G. dominans, and Strobilidium sp. on P. shiwhaense were almost zero at all P. shiwhaense concentrations, while those of Strombidinopsis sp. increased with prey concentration. The maximum ingestion rate of Strombidinopsis sp. on P. shiwhaense was 5.3 ng C predator⁻¹d⁻¹ (41 cells predator⁻¹d⁻¹), which was much lower than ingestion rates reported in the literature for other mixotrophic dinoflagellate prey species. With increasing prey concentrations, the ingestion rates of Acartia spp. on P. shiwhaense increased up to 930 ng C ml⁻¹ (7180 cells ml⁻¹) at the highest prey concentration. The highest ingestion rate of Acartia spp. on P. shiwhaense was 4240 ng C predator⁻¹d⁻¹ (32,610 cells predator⁻¹d⁻¹), which is comparable to ingestion rates from previous studies on other dinoflagellate prey species calculated at similar prey concentrations. Thus, P. shiwhaense might play diverse ecological roles in marine planktonic communities by having an advantage over competing phytoplankton in anti-predation against potential protistan grazers.     

Pseudomonas caspiana sp. nov., a citrus pathogen in the Pseudomonas syringae phylogenetic group

In a screening by multilocus sequence analysis of Pseudomonas strains isolated from diverse origins, 4 phylogenetically closely related strains (FBF58, FBF102^T, FBF103, and FBF122) formed a well-defined cluster in the Pseudomonas syringae phylogenetic group. The strains were isolated from citrus orchards in northern Iran with disease symptoms in the leaves and stems and its pathogenicity against citrus plants was demonstrated. The whole genome of the type strain of the proposed new species (FBF102^T = CECT 9164^T = CCUG 69273^T) was sequenced and characterized. Comparative genomics with the 14 known Pseudomonas species type strains of the P. syringae phylogenetic group demonstrated that this strain belonged to a new genomic species, different from the species described thus far. Genome analysis detected genes predicted to be involved in pathogenesis, such as an atypical type 3 secretion system and two type 6 secretion systems, together with effectors and virulence factors. A polyphasic taxonomic characterization demonstrated that the 4 plant pathogenic strains represented a new species, for which the name Pseudomonas caspiana sp. nov. is proposed.     

Development of Halomonas TD01 as a host for open production of chemicals

Genetic engineering of Halomonas spp. was seldom reported due to the difficulty of genetic manipulation and lack of molecular biology tools. Halomonas TD01 can grow in a continuous and unsterile process without other microbial contaminations. It can be therefore exploited for economic production of chemicals. Here, Halomonas TD01 was metabolically engineered using the gene knockout procedure based on markerless gene replacement stimulated by double-strand breaks in the chromosome. When gene encoding 2-methylcitrate synthase in Halomonas TD01 was deleted, the conversion efficiency of propionic acid to 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) monomer fraction in random PHBV copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3HV was increased from around 10% to almost 100%, as a result, cells were grown to accumulate 70% PHBV in dry weight (CDW) consisting of 12 mol% 3HV from 0.5 g/L propionic acid in glucose mineral medium. Furthermore, successful deletions on three PHA depolymerases eliminate the possible influence of PHA depolymerases on PHA degradation in the complicated industrial fermentation process even though significant enhanced PHA content was not observed. In two 500 L pilot-scale fermentor studies lasting 70 h, the above engineered Halomonas TD01 grew to 112 g/L CDW containing 70 wt% P3HB, and to 80 g/L CDW with 70 wt% P(3HB-co-8 mol% 3HV) in the presence of propionic acid. The cells grown in shake flasks even accumulated close to 92% PHB in CDW with a significant increase of glucose to PHB conversion efficiency from around 30% to 42% after 48 h cultivation when pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase was overexpressed. Halomonas TD01 was also engineered for producing a PHA regulatory protein PhaR which is a robust biosurfactant.     

Comparative assessment of in situ bioremediation potential of cadmium resistant acidophilic Pseudomonas putida 62BN and alkalophilic Pseudomonas monteilli 97AN strains on soybean

A study was undertaken to examine the effects of the acidophilic strain 62BN (pH 5.5) and alkalophilic strain 97AN (pH 9.0) on remediation of cadmium and their subsequent effects on soybean (Glycine max var. PS-1347) in acidic and alkaline soils, respectively. The effect of cadmium on soybean plants was studied in acidic (pH 6.3 ± 0.2) and alkaline (8.5 ± 0.2) soil amended with 124 μM CdCl₂ concentration, respectively, and the cadmium toxicity was evident from stunted growth, poor rooting, and cadmium accumulation in each case. Furthermore, 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing identified 62BN as a Pseudomonas putida strain and 97AN as a Pseudomonas monteilli strain. In situ studies showed that on seed bacterization, both the P. putida 62BN strain and P. monteilli 97AN strain were able to enhance plant growth in terms of agronomical parameters, in the presence of cadmium in acidic and alkaline soils, respectively. Apart from this, strain 62BN and 97AN reduced cadmium concentration in plant and soil significantly (p < 0.05) in their respective soil types. Further comparative analysis revealed that P. putida 62BN was more effective than P. monteilli 97AN strain in remediation of cadmium. The bacterial strains offer promise as inoculants to improve the growth of plants in the presence of toxic Cd concentrations in the environment with their optimum pH.     

Comparing the effects of Dextran 70 and Hydroxyethyl starch in an intestinal storage solution

IntroductionOur lab has developed a novel strategy for intestinal preservation involving the intraluminal delivery of a nutrient-rich preservation solution. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two impermeant agents for use in our solution: Dextran 70 (D70; Mw = 70 kDa) and Hydroxyethyl starch (HES; Mw = 2200 kDa).MethodsRat intestines were procured, including an intravascular flush with University of Wisconsin solution followed by a ‘backtable’ intraluminal flush with: UW solution (group 1, UW), or an amino acid-based nutrient-rich preservation solution (AA solution) containing either 5% D70 (group 2, AA-D70) or HES (group 3, AA-HES). Tissue samples (n = 6) were taken at 2, 4, 8, and 12 h cold storage; histology, energetic, end-product, and oxidative parameters were assessed. In separate groups (n = 4), D70 and HES were fluorescently labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) in order to directly observe mucosal penetration of the starch and dextran.ResultsOver the 12 h storage time-course, direct visualization of the fluorescently labeled D70 showed penetration of the mucosal layer as early as 2 h and progressively continued to do so throughout the 12 h period. In contrast, HES did not cross the mucosal barrier and remained captive within the lumen. As time of storage progressed, grade of injury increased in all groups, however, at 4 and 12 h the AA-HES treated tissues exhibited significantly less injury compared to UW and AA-D70, P < 0.05. AA-HES group showed on moderate villus clefting (median grade 2; P < 0.05) while the AA-D70 group exhibited complete villus denudation (grade 4) and the UW group had extensive injury into the regenerative cryptal regions (grade 6). Metabolic parameters revealed a preferential maintenance of ATP and Energy Charge; increases in lactate, alanine and ammonium supported the involvement of aerobic and anaerobic pathways for energy production.ConclusionThe results of this study challenge the idea that oncotic support is not a fundamental requirement of static organ storage. Furthermore, our data suggests that HES is an effective oncotic agent for use in our intraluminal nutrient-rich preservation solution, while Dextran 70 is not.     

Utilization of grass plants for cultivation of Pleurotus citrinopileatus

The stalks of several grass plants, such as Panicum repens (PRS), Pennisetum purpureum (PPS) and Zea mays (ZMS), were used for producing Pleurotus citrinopileatus. Mycelial growth rate, biological efficiency and mushroom weight obtained from the cultivation of P. citrinopileatus under different combination substrates were investigated. The most suitable substrate for mycelial growth was 30 ZMS + 60 S, followed by 60 ZMS + 30 S and 30 PPS + 60 S. There were at least six flushes for all the substrates containing P. repens stalk, P. purpureum stalk and Z. mays stalk, respectively, and their biological efficiencies were all higher than that of the control (40.75%) during the 3 months of cultivation period. The most suitable substrate for high biological efficiency was 45 ZMS + 45 S (65.40%), followed by 45 PRS + 45 S (57.58%), 60 ZMS + 30 S (57.23%), 60 PRS + 30 S (56.85%) and 30 PPS + 60 S (53.58%). The highest mushroom weight in different flushes for all the substrates was almost on the second flush, except 30 PRS + 60 S and 60 PPS + 30 S. Based on the biological efficiency of the substrates tested, Z. mays stalk appeared to be the best alternative material for growing P. citrinopileatus.