Economic comparison of multiple techniques for recovering leaf protein in biomass processing

Leaf protein concentrates (LPC) can be used as a valuable co-product to cellulosic biofuel production and can also mitigate the food versus fuel controversy. Two major approaches have been considered for LPC production: a well-characterized mechanical pressing method and a less studied method involving aqueous extraction with recovery using ultrafiltration. Experimental results with switchgrass extracts show low protein recovery after filtration, particularly if protein is recovered after cellulose hydrolysis. Economic modeling suggests that aqueous extraction costs less than mechanical pressing, but due to lower protein yields and lower quality, overall profit is higher for mechanical pressing versus aqueous extraction ($26/Mg feedstock vs. $14/Mg). If modest improvements can be made in extraction yields, filtration recovery, and protein quality, then the profitability of the aqueous extraction approach can be increased to $37/Mg feedstock. This study suggests that aqueous extraction is a viable alternative for LPC co-production in a biorefinery if key improvements can be made in the process.     

AQUEOUS POLYMER TWO-PHASE SYSTEMS AND THEIR USE IN FRAGMENTATION AND SEPARATION OF BIOLOGICAL MEMBRANES FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAPPING THE MEMBRANE STRUCTURE

When solutions of two different polymers are mixed, phase separation often occurs even at low concentrations of polymers. One polymer usually collects in one phase and the other polymer in the other phase. When water is used as solvent, two aqueous, immiscible, phases are obtained. The same holds for aqueous mixtures of a salt and a polymer. Such aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) are very useful for separation of high-molecular-weight biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids and also for cells, cell organelles, and membrane vesicles. The phase systems can be made highly selective and they are also mild toward biomolecules and cell particles. In this review we describe how ATPS can be used for fragmentation and separation analyses of biological membranes and how this can be used for mapping of the photosynthetic membrane, the thylakoid, of green leaves.     

Substitutions of surface amino acid residues of cutinase probed by aqueous two-phase partitioning

The surface properties of a protein are often crucial for recognition and interaction with other molecules. Important functional residues can be identified by mutational analysis. There is a need for rapid methods to study protein surfaces and surface changes due to mutations. Partitioning in aqueous two-phase systems has the potential to be used in this respect since protein partitioning depends on the surface properties of the protein. The influence of surface-exposed amino acid residues in protein partitioning has been studied with cutinase variants, which differed in one or several amino acid residues as a result of site-directed mutagenesis. The solvent accessibility of the mutated residues was determined with a computer program, Graphical Representation and Analysis of Surface Properties. The aqueous two-phase system was composed of dextran and a random copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. It was shown, for the first time, to what extent surface-exposed amino acid residues influence the partition coefficient in an aqueous two-phase system. The effect on partitioning could be described only taking into account solvent accessibility and type of residue substitution. The results demonstrate that the system can be used to detect conformational changes in mutant proteins since the expected effect on partitioning due to a mutation can be calculated. The aqueous two-phase system used here does indeed provide a rapid and convenient method to study protein surfaces and slight surface changes due to mutations.     

Preparation of magnetic resonance contrast agents activated by beta-galactosidase

The preparation of beta-EgadMe and alpha-EgadMe, magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents that can be used for in vivo detection of beta-galactosidase, is described. Diastereomerically pure beta-EgadMe can be synthesized by kinetically resolving the starting material as described in Step 1. The total time for the preparation of the racemic mixture of beta-EgadMe is about 8 d, and the total time for an diastereomerically resolved agent is about 9 d. The final metallated agent is stable at room temperature as a solid or in aqueous buffer (pH 5.5-10) indefinitely. Diastereomerically pure alpha-EgadMe can be prepared by beginning the synthesis with enantiomerically pure bromopropionic acid. The total time for the preparation of racemic alpha-EgadMe or diastereomerically pure alpha-EgadMe is about 8 d. The final metallated agent is stable at room temperature as a solid or in aqueous buffer (pH 5.5-10) indefinitely.     

Theory of electrostatic effects in soft biological interfaces using atomic force microscopy.

We calculated the electrostatic force between a planar interface, such as a planar-supported lipid bilayer membrane, and the tip of a stylus on which another lipid bilayer or some other biomacromolecular system might be deposited. We considered styli with rounded tips as well as conical tips. To take into account the effect of dynamical hydrogen-bonded structures in the aqueous phase, we used a theory of nonlocal electrostatics. We used the Derjaguin approximation and identified the systems for which its use is valid. We pointed out where our approach differs from previous calculations and to what extent the latter are inadequate. We found that 1) the nonlocal interactions have significant effects over distances of 10-15 A from the polar zone and that, at the surface of this zone, the effect on the calculated force can be some orders of magnitude; 2) the lipid dipoles and charges are located a distance L from the hydrophobic layer in the aqueous medium and this can have consequences that may not be appreciated if it is ignored; 3) dipoles, located in the aqueous region, can give rise to forces even though the polar layer is unchanged, and if this is ignored the interpretation of force data can be erroneous if an attempt is made to rationalize an observed force with a knowledge of an uncharged surface; 4) the shape of the stylus tip can be very important, and a failure to take this into account can result in incorrect conclusions, a point made by other workers; and 5) when L is nonzero, the presence of charges and dipoles can yield a force that can be nonmonotonic as a function of ionic concentration.     

The Selective Demonstration of red Blood Pigments (Hemoglobin and Erythro-Cruorin) in Microscopic Balsam Preparations

Using smears of Amphibian testis, after fixation with a 5% aqueous solution of sulfosalicylic acid, it was found that the cytoplasm of erythrocytes can be stained selectively by means of a 0.1% aqueous solution of acid fuchsin. Subsequent experiments with whole mounts of Tubifex rivulorum proved that this very selective and simple stain for hemoglobin can also be used for the selective demonstration of erythrocruorin in invertebrates.     

Azure Stains

Two uses of methylene azure are suggested. This dye gives a very good nuclear stain after most fixations when preceded by weak NaOH; but eosin Y cannot be used as a counter-stain. Methylene azure also proves very useful in the Mallory eosinemethylene-blue technic, in which it can be substituted to advantage for polychrome methylene blue. The following three schedules are recommended:

2.5% aqueous phloxined˙ 15 minutes

0.1% aqueous azured˙ 1-30 minutes

2.5% aqueous phloxined˙ 15 minutes

Mixture in equal parts of 0.1% azure and 0.1% methylene blued˙ 30 minutes

2.5% aqueous phloxined˙ 1 minute

1.0% aqueous azured˙ 1-2 minutes

Of these the first two give rather better results; but when time is lacking the third is quite satisfactory.     

Physical properties of detergent-based aqueous two-phase systems

The physical behavior of the binary phase systems of the non-ionic polyoxyethylene detergent Agrimul NRE 1205 and water was investigated. This technical detergent can be used for the large-scale recovery of biomolecules in detergent based aqueous two-phase systems. The phase diagram was determined. It shows significant and unexpected differences to highly purified detergents. Very similar to neat detergents the phase diagram can be influenced by auxiliary chemicals thus shifting the entire phase diagram in general to lower temperatures. This was demonstrated by lowering the cloud-point by various additions. The concentration factor, as an important parameter of a first capture step in purification was investigated and modeled. Auxiliary chemicals, temperature change and change in detergent concentration also influence the viscosity and density of the phases. These experimental data are shown. They can help to explain the separation behavior of proteins. In large-scale separations aqueous two-phase systems are separated using disc-stack centrifuges. It is demonstrated that this is not a feasible method for detergent-based aqueous two-phase extraction and the physical reason is presented.     

A simple method for quantitating ligands covalently bound to agarose beads

Agarose derivatives, as used for affinity chromatography, can be dissolved by warming in aqueous media at suitable pH values. Dilute solutions so formed are stable and transparent in regions of the ultraviolet and visible range, depending on the method of solubilization. Covalently bound ligands which possess chromophoric groups, or functional groups which can be converted to chromophores, can be quantitated by direct spectral analysis provided a solubilizing medium is chosen which results in minimal interference by absorbing decomposition products of the matrix.     

Microalgal-luffa sponge immobilized disc: a new efficient biosorbent for the removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solution

AIMS: The aim was to develop a new, efficient and cost-effective biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution. METHODS AND RESULTS: A new biosorbent was developed by immobilizing a unicellular green microalga Chlorella sorokiniana within luffa sponge discs and used for the removal of metal ions from aqueous solution. Microalgal-luffa sponge immobilized discs (MLIDs) removed Ni(II) very rapidly, with 97% of equilibrium loading being reached in 5 min. MLIDs were tested for their potential to remove Ni(II) from aqueous solution in fixed-bed column bioreactor. The regenerated MLIDs retained 92.9% of the initial binding capacity for Ni(II) up to five cycles of reuse. CONCLUSIONS: In this study for the first time, C. sorokiniana biomass immobilized within luffa sponge disc was successfully used as a metal biosorbent for the removal of Ni(II). It appears that MLIDs can be used as an effective biosorbent for efficient removal of Ni(II) or other metals from aqueous solution. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: MLIDs biosorption system was shown to have good biosorption properties with respect to Ni(II). Efficient metal removal ability of MLIDs, low cost and simplicity of the technique used for the preparation of MILDs could provide an attractive strategy for developing high-affinity biosorption system for heavy metal removal.     

Molecular interaction between organophosphorus acid anhydrolase and diisopropylfluorophosphate

Organophosphorus acid anhydrolases (OPAA; E.C.3.1.8.2) are a class of enzymes that hydrolyze a variety of toxic acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting organophosphorus (OP) compounds, including pesticides and fluorine-containing chemical nerve agents. In this paper, subphase conditions have been optimized to obtain stable OPAA Langmuir films, and the diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) hydrolysis reaction catalyzed by OPAA in aqueous solution and at the air-water interface was studied. OPAA-DFP interactions were investigated utilizing different spectroscopic techniques, that is, circular dichroism and fluorescence in aqueous solution and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopies at the air-water interface. The characterization of OPAA and its secondary structure in aqueous solution and as a monolayer at the air-water interface in the absence and in the presence of DFP dissolved in aqueous solution or in the aqueous subphase demonstrated significantly distinctive features. The research described herein demonstrated that OPAA can be used in an enzyme-based biosensor for DFP detection.     

Improving biocatalytic activity of enzyme-loaded nanofibers by dispersing entangled nanofiber structure

A simple and efficient way of dispersing hydrophobic nanofibers in aqueous solution was devised, and its utility in production and application of enzyme-loaded nanofibers was demonstrated. Polystyrene-based nanofibers were produced via an electro-spinning process. A small amount of maleic anhydride group in the polystyrene fiber was used for covalent attachment of lipase onto the fiber surface. The pristine polystyrene nanofibers are hydrophobic and aggregate in water, forming a tightly collapsed clump. These nanofibers can be dispersed in a surfactant-free aqueous solution via a simple alcohol pretreatment. The tightly aggregated electro-spun polystyrene nanofibers can be dispersed into a loosely entangled structure in aqueous alcohol solution. Once treated with aqueous alcohol solution, the polystyrene nanofibers remain dispersed even in DI water as long as the nanofibers are not dried during the washing step. The dispersion of polystyrene nanofibers increases the enzyme loading up to approximately 8 times and augments the steady-state conversion of a continuous flow reactor filled with enzyme-loaded nanofibers.     

5''-Methylthioadenosine in urine from normal subjects and cancer patients

A new type of device can prepare liposomes continuously, in large quantities and with excellent aqueous space capture efficiency. At initial lipid concentration of 300 mumol/ml these liposomes capture approx. 75% of cytosine arabinoside used as an aqueous space marker. Liposome size can be reduced by increasing the number of times the preparations are recycled through the microemulsifier. Liposomes less than 0.1 micron in diameter, as shown by electron microscopy, can be made easily. Liposomes prepared at 300 mumol/ml, composed of phosphatidylglycerol/phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol in a 0.1:0.4:0.5 molar ratio leaked less than 1% of entrapped cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) at 4 degrees C, and less than 10% Ara-C at 37 degrees C plus serum, over a 48 h period. These liposomes could be useful for a number of applications including diagnostics, therapeutics and model membrane studies.     

Physical properties of detergent-based aqueous two–phase systems

The physical behavior of the binary phase systems of the non-ionic polyoxyethylene detergent Agrimul NRE 1205 and water was investigated. This technical detergent can be used for the large-scale recovery of biomolecules in detergent based aqueous two-phase systems. The phase diagram was determined. It shows significant and unexpected differences to highly purified detergents. Very similar to neat detergents the phase diagram can be influenced by auxiliary chemicals thus shifting the entire phase diagram in general to lower temperatures. This was demonstrated by lowering the cloud-point by various additions. The concentration factor, as an important parameter of a first capture step in purification was investigated and modeled. Auxiliary chemicals, temperature change and change in detergent concentration also influence the viscosity and density of the phases. These experimental data are shown. They can help to explain the separation behavior of proteins. In large-scale separations aqueous two-phase systems are separated using disc-stack centrifuges. It is demonstrated that this is not a feasible method for detergent-based aqueous two-phase extraction and the physical reason is presented. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Electrosprayed Molybdenum Trioxide Aqueous Solution and Its Application in Organic Photovoltaic Cells

A molybdenum trioxide thin film with smooth surface and uniform thickness was successfully achieved by an electrospray deposition method using an aqueous solution with a drastically low concentration of 0.05 wt%. Previous papers demonstrated that an additive solvent technique is useful for depositing the thin film by the electrospray deposition, and the high vapor pressure and a low surface tension of an additive solvent were found to be important factors. As a result, the smooth molybdenum trioxide thin film was obtained when the acetonitrile was used as the additive solvent. Furthermore, the vapor pressure of acetone is much higher than that of aqueous solution, and this indicates that the acetone is easily evaporated after spraying from the glass capillary. By optimizing a concentration of acetone in the molybdenum aqueous solution, a minimum root mean square roughness of the MoO₃ thin film became 3.7 nm. In addition, an organic photovoltaic cell was also demonstrated using the molybdenum trioxide as a hole transport layer. Highest photoconversion efficiency was 1.72%, a value comparable to that using conventional thermal evaporation process even though the aqueous solution was used for the solution process. The photovonversion efficiency was not an optimized value, and the higher value can be achieved by optimizing the coating condition of the active layer.     

Quantitation of the hydroxyl radical by reaction with dimethyl sulfoxide

This investigation was conducted to validate the use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a quantitative molecular probe for the generation of hydroxyl radicals (HO.) in aqueous systems. Reaction of HO. with DMSO produces methane sulfinic acid as a primary product, which can be detected by a simple colorimetric assay. To evaluate this method for estimating total HO. production, we studied three model systems, including the Fenton reaction, gamma irradiation of water, and ultraviolet photolysis of hydrogen peroxide, for which the theoretical maximum yield of HO. could be calculated and compared to measured DMSO oxidation. The results confirm that 0.05 to 1 M DMSO may be used to capture nearly all of the expected HO. radicals formed. Thus, methane sulfinic acid production from DMSO holds promise as an easily measured marker for HO. formation in aqueous systems pretreated with DMSO.     

General method allowing the use of 100% aqueous loading conditions in reversed-phase liquid chromatography

Reversed-phase HPLC purification of peptides, using n-alkyl modified spherical silica, has become a widely used technique within the pharmaceutical industry. One drawback of these materials is the necessity of having at least 5% organic modifier in the mobile phase, in order to avoid de-wetting of the porous stationary phase. For some preparative reversed-phase separations, it is an advantage if the feed solution can be loaded onto the column under 100% aqueous conditions. This study describes the use of post-column pressure control to avoid de-wetting of regular reversed-phase stationary phases when operated under 100% aqueous conditions. The applicability of post-column pressure control as a means of maintaining the column fully wetted is demonstrated with various buffers and with packing materials having different alkyl-chain lengths. Two peptides, insulin and oxytocin, in overloaded quantities, were loaded under 100% aqueous conditions onto a regular C8 column, and then eluted by a acetonitrile gradient following standard procedures. The retention volume and the peak shape showed that the separation was satisfactory, and proved that post-column pressure control can be used to overcome wettability problems, which are otherwise often observed for reversed-phase packing materials with high ligand density.     

A RECOMBINANT Escherichia coli BIOSENSOR FOR DETECTING POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN GAS AND AQUEOUS PHASES

Recombinant microbial biosensors are known to be simple, cheap, and very efficient monitoring tools for detecting various environmental pollutants in the field. However, although various recombinant microbial biosensors have been developed for aqueous-phase samples, very few are applicable to the gas phase. Here, we report a recombinant Escherichia coli biosensor that can be used to monitor polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in both gas and aqueous phases by color development. Among the PAHs, naphthalene and salicylate are often used as model compounds, since they are less toxic than other options and they are widely used in various applications. Here, recombinant E. coli cells carrying nahR (encoding the NahR regulatory protein for naphthalene degradation)::lac Z fusion genes were constructed and suspended (for aqueous measurements) or co-immobilized (for gaseous measurements) with chlorophenol red-ß-D-galactopyranoside (CPRG). Biosensing was then performed by ß-galactosidase, which hydrolyzed CPRG as a substrate, developing detectable red color with the naked eye. The system showed selective responses to salicylate and naphthalene. Importantly, its response to naphthalene was much more sensitive (about 10⁵-fold) in the gas phase compared to the aqueous phase. Thus, this system could potentially be used for the instrument-free, color-change-based monitoring of gaseous pollutants.     

The thermodynamics of water-protein interactions

Information about the effects of water on protein structure and function can be obtained from studies on freeze dried protein powders of varying water content. Sorption isotherms of water on proteins can be used to obtain thermodynamic quantities for water-protein interactions. Since such isotherms show hysteresis, there is doubt in regard to their interpretation.General expressions for the thermodynamic quantities of sorption are derived. If isotherms represent data at equilibrium, it is possible to calculate these thermodynamic quantities.There are two types of hysteresis, non-equilibrium hysteresis and equilibrium hysteresis. Absorption and desorption isotherms can show equilibrium hysteresis if different protein conformations, which are only slowly interconvertible, can be present. In this case valid thermodynamic quantities can be obtained. Experimental tests for equilibrium hysteresis are presented. More experiments are needed before definite conclusions can be drawn in regard to isotherms in the literature.If the protein conformation in a protein powder is similar to the protein conformation in aqueous solution, equilibrium data obtained from sorption isotherms can be used to approximate thermodynamic quantities for the interaction of water with proteins in aqueous solution. Examination of what experimental evidence is available indicates that the protein in powders prepared by desorption of water should have a conformation similar to that in solution. Further study of such samples will help to clarify the thermodynamics of water-protein interactions in aqueous solution.     

Characterization of liposomes prepared using a microemulsifier

A new type of device can prepare liposomes continuously, in large quantities and with excellent aqueous space capture efficiency. At initial lipid concentration of 300 μmol/ml these liposomes capture approx. 75% of cytosine arabinoside used as an aqueous space marker. Liposome size can be reduced by increasing the number of times the preparations are recycled through the microemulsifier. Liposomes less than 0.1 μm in diameter, as shown by electron microscopy, can be made easily. Liposomes prepared at 300 μmol/ml, composed of phosphatidylglycerol/phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol in a 0.1:0.4:0.5 molar ratio leaked less than 1% of entrapped cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) at 4°C, and less than 10% Ara-C at 37°C plus serum, over a 48 h period. These liposomes could be useful for a number of applications including diagnostics, therapeutics and model membrane studies.