Modelling the production of nisin by Lactococcus lactis in fed-batch culture

Nisin production in batch culture and fed-batch cultures (sucrose feeding rates were 6, 7, 8, and 10 g l^–1 h^–1, respectively) by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis ATCC 11454 was investigated. Nisin production showed primary metabolite kinetics, and could be improved apparently by altering the feeding strategy. The nisin titer reached its maximum, 4,185 IU ml^–1, by constant addition of sucrose at a feeding rate of 7 g l^–1 h^–1; an increase in 58% over that of the batch culture (2,658 IU ml^–1). Nisin biosynthesis was affected strongly by the residual sucrose concentration during the feeding. Finally, a mathematical model was developed to simulate the cell growth, sucrose consumption, lactic acid production and nisin production. The model was able to describe the fermentation process in all cases.     

Draw-fill batch culture mode for production of xylanases by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cellulomonas flavigena</Emphasis> on sugar cane bagasse

Draw-fill culture was evaluated as a method for xylanase production by Cellulomonas flavigena on sugar cane bagasse. Specific xylanase activity and volumetric xylanase activities were measured by harvesting 50%, 55%, 60% and 70% of fermented broth at the end of each subculture. Maximum specific (64 IU mg(-1) protein) and volumetric (166 IU ml(-1)) xylanase activities were obtained by harvesting 50-55% of broth. Values were 3.4 and 3.8 times greater than those obtained in batch cultures carried out under the same conditions. Enzyme productivity of 4.2 IU ml(-1) h(-1) was significantly greater than that obtained in continuous cultures (2.4 IU ml(-1) h(-1)) (P<0.05).     

In vitro culture of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) preantral follicles

Growth of buffalo preantral follicles in culture was studied to investigate the effect of size of preantral follicles, individual or group culture, long-term culture of preantral follicles for (40 days), addition of human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS), growth factors (epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vaso active intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in culture media, and substitution of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) for FSH as gonadotrophin source in culture media. Preantral follicles were isolated mechanically from ovaries of matured, nonpregnant slaughtered buffaloes and cultured in droplets of culture media under mineral oil in a 35 mm petri dish in a CO2 incubator (38-39 degrees C, 5% CO2 in air, 90-95% relative humidity) for 15 days. Preantral follicle isolation and washing medium consisted of Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) supplemented with steer serum (10%), glutamine (2 mM), sodium pyruvate (0.23 mM), hypoxanthine (2 mM) and gentamycin (50 microg/ml), respectively. In Experiment 1, we placed isolated preantral follicles individually or in groups of 2-4 preantral follicles in 30 or 50 microl droplets, respectively, using two culture media: washing media and washing media + ITS (1%) + FSH (0.05 IU/ml), respectively. In Experiment 2, we grouped isolated preantral follicles were grouped into six different size classes: < or = 36, 37-54, 55-72, 73-90, 90-108 and > or = 109 microm. We cultured groups of 2-4 preantral follicles in washing media + ITS (1A) + FSH (0.05 IU/ml) in a CO2 incubator for 15 days. In Experiment 3, we allocated groups of 2-4 preantral follicles to 10 treatments: (1) only washing media, (2) washing media + FSH (0.05 IU/ml), (3) washing media + ITS (17%), (4) washing media + ITS (1%) + FSH (50 IU/ml), (5) washing media + ITS (1%) + EGF (50 ng/ml), (6) washing media + ITS (1%) + FSH (0.05 IU/ml) + EGF (50 ng/ml), (7) washing media + ITS (1%) + FGF (50 ng/ml), (8) washing media + ITS (1%) + FSH (0.05 IU/ml) + FGF (50 ng/ml), (9) washing media + ITS (1%) + VIP (50 ng/ml), and (10) washing media + ITS (1%) + FSH (0.05 IU/ml) + VIP (50 ng/ml). In Experiment 4, based on the results of Experiment 3, we incubated preantral follicles from those treatments showing significantly (P < 0.05) higher growth up to 40 days. In Experiment 5, we allocated groups of 2-4 preantral follicles to two treatments: (1) washing media + PMSG (50 IU/ml), and (2) washing media + ITS (1%) + PMSG (50 IU/ml) and cultured in a CO2 incubator for 15 days. The results indicated that the preantral follicles cultured in groups had a higher growth rate (P < 0.05) than those cultured as individuals. ITS, FSH, PMSG and growth factors significantly (P < 0.05) promoted the growth of the preantral follicles. Following 40 days of culture, follicular architecture was preserved in nearly 17% of the follicles though there was no antrum formation. The growth rate of preantral follicles was lower in buffalo than in cattle.     

Optimization of protein and cellulase secretion in Neocallimastix frontalis EB188

Variations in culture feeding protocols were used to optimize the secretion of protein and cellulase in Neocallimastix frontalis EB188. High numbers (2000/ml) of zoospores, culture feeding at 55 h using a 1:3 dilution and cotton cellulose [0.25% (w/v) final] as the carbon source increased secretion. Endoglucanase reached 1.6±0.06 IU/ml, exoglucanase reached 0.032±0.006 IU/ml and -glucosidase reached 0.874±0.090 IU/ml. Medium containing twice the concentration of non-carbon-source components failed to increase secretions. Gel electrophoresis demonstrated that eleven cellulases were present. Two cellulases were secreted only in stationary cultures. rotein and cellulase secretion in N. frontalis EB188 may be dependent on the dilution of fermentation products. Correspondence to: R. E. Calza     

Improvement of nisin production in pH feed-back controlled,fed-batch culture by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactococcus lactis</Emphasis>subsp<Emphasis Type="Italic">. lactis</Emphasis>

Nisin production by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactisin fed-batch culture was doubled by using a pH feed-back controlled method. Sucrose concentration was controlled at 10 g l^–1 giving 5010 IU nisin ml^–1 compared to 2660 IU nisin ml^–1 in batch culture.     

中性体系中超高压－Nisin协同作用下的细菌致死机理

摘要：【目的】为保证超高压中性食品的杀菌强度,可以??????????通过添加Nisin等细菌素协同杀菌以达到商业无菌要求。本文从分子水平和超微结构揭示二者协同作用下的细胞致死机理,为超高压杀菌在中性食品中的应用奠定理论基础。【方法】采用pH7.0的环境体系,100－500 MPa的超高压处理,Nisin浓度为200 IU/mL。通过荧光染色法和紫外吸收法检测细胞膜通透性,傅里叶转换红外光谱法检测细菌细胞壁、蛋白以及核酸的变化,透射电镜观察细菌在协同作用下的形态变化。【结果】结果发现：中性条件下,超高压与     

Production of extracellular enzymes by two Pleurotus species using banana pseudostem biomass

The degradation of lignocellulosic biomass of banana pseudoste was investigated during solid state fermentation (SSF) by P. ostreatus and P. sajor-caju. Both organisms proved to be efficient degraders of banana pseudostem biomass. P.ostreatus degraded hemicellulose (40% of dry weight, d.w.) better than cellulose (17.5% of d.w.) and lignin (10% of d.w.). P. sajor-caju also degraded hemicellulose (31% of d.w.) better than cellulose (12.4% of d.w.) and lignin (6% of d.w.). In both cases, a preferential removal of hemicellulose during the initial growth period and a delayed degradation of lignin were observed. The kinetics of cellulolytic, hemicellulolytic and lignolytic enzyme production in liquid culture were also examined. The activities of CMCase and β-glucosidase were highest at 16 days of growth and avicelase activity was at its maximum after 24 days (CMCase - 1.1 IU/ml, β-glucosidase - 0.09 IU/ml in the case of P. ostreatus; CMCase - 1.0 IU/ml, β-glucosidase - 0.087 - IU/ml in the case of P. sajor-caju.). Xylanase and laccase activity reached their maximum after day 16 and day 24 of incubation, respectively. (Xylanase - 1.1 IU/ml and laccase 3.0 IU/ml in the case of P. ostreatus; xylanase - 1.0 IU/ml and laccase - 3.6 IU/ml in the case of P. sajor-caju.). The efficient degrading capacity of test fungi demonstrated their potential use in the conversion of banana pseudostem biomass into mycelial protein-rich fermented animal feed.     

Response of mouse ovaries in vivo and in organ culture to pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin and human chorionic gonadotrophin

The effect of various doses of pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) on the yield of oocytes undergoing preovulatory maturation in organ culture was studied in mice. The mice received ip injections of .5, 1, 3, or 5 IU PMSG and 48 hours later, 0, 1, 2, or 4 IU HCC or their ovaries were cultured with 0, .2, .4, or .8 IU HCG/ml. 3-5 IU PMSG by 1-2 IU HCG induced maximum preovulatory response both in vivo and in culture. The proportion of large antral follicles with oocytes at Metaphase 2 was lower in culture than in the intact animal. However, the number of preantral and small Graafian follicles increased to a higher level in vivo and thus the overall total number of oocytes that progressed beyond the germinal vesicle stage was higher in organ culture.     

超声波诱变选育乳链菌肽(Nisin)高产菌株

目的：从乳酸乳球菌中选育Nisin高产菌株。方法：利用超声波对乳酸乳球菌进行诱变,并用琼脂扩散法检测其效价。结果：获得一突变菌株S-1,该菌株的生物效价为343.53IU/mL,比原始菌株提高31.52%。结论：突变株S-1遗传性能稳定,为进一步菌种选育奠定基础。     

Effects of nisin addition on the ethanol fermentation of casein whey permeate

Nisin added at up to 1000 IU ml^-1 did not affect ethanol production or cell growth during fermentation of sulphuric acid casein whey permeate by Kluyveromyces marxianus Y-113. Nisin reduced the bacterial population markedly when added at 100 IU ml^-1 to whey permeate contaminated by addition of incubated cultures derived from milk or whey. The ethanol production rate and yield in the contaminated cultures treated with nisin did not differ from the control values.     

Timing of sequential changes in cumulus cells and first polar body extrusion during in vitro maturation of buffalo oocytes

Studies were conducted to investigate the degree of the cumulus cell expansion and expulsion of the first polar body in relation to time of incubation in three different culture media during in vitro maturation of buffalo oocytes and to suggest a suitable practical method for assessment of in vitro maturation rate of buffalo oocytes. Buffalo oocytes were aspirated from ovaries collected from a local slaughterhouse. Only oocytes with more than two layers of cumulus cells and homogenous ooplasm were cultured into 50 microl droplets of three different culture systems: (1) TCM-199 + steer serum (10%): (2) TCM-199 + steer serum (10%) + PMSG (40 IU/ml); and (3) TCM-199 + steer serum (10%) + PMSG (40 IU/ml) + estradiol 17beta (1 microg/ml) in a 35 mm Petri dish. The droplets were covered with warm (39 degrees C) mineral oil and incubated in a CO2 incubator (39 degrees C, 5% CO2 in air, 90-95% relative humidity) for 16-18, 20, 22, and 24 h. The maturation rate was assessed by evaluation of degree of cumulus cells expansion and identifying first polar body extrusion into the perivitelline space under stereo zoom microscope. Matured oocytes were inseminated in vitro with 9-10 million sperm/ml of Brackett and Oliphant (BO) medium. Cleaved embryos were cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with steer serum (10%) for 8 days. Cumulus expansion and extrusion of first polar body commenced at 16 and 17 h, respectively, of buffalo oocyte culture. These events mainly exhibited during 22-24 h of culture. Oocytes with Degrees 1 and 2 cumulus cells expansion and extruded first polar body in degree 0 oocytes may be considered as matured and can be used in IVF studies.     

Isolation of a Hyperxylanolytic Cellulomonas Flavigena Mutant Growing on Continuous Culture on Sugar Cane Bagasse

Mutant M9-82 from Cellulomonas flavigena PN-120 was obtained by combined treatment of NTG and EMS. Xylanase activity of this mutant strain growing on batch culture, was 33.5 IU/ml, 2.7 times higher than its parent strain. When mutant M9-82 was grown on continuous culture at a dilution rate of 0.05 h^-1, xylanolytic activity increased to 45 IU/ml.     

Quantitative profile of cardiolipin and group treponemal IgD antibodies in syphilis estimated by single radial immunodiffusion technique (SRID)

150 serum samples (reactive in VDRL, Reiter-ELISA, FTA-Abs tests), from male patients 25-45 years old, in various stages of syphilis whether treated or untreated, were tested for IgD by SRID. On 154 sera from healthy males 25-45 years old, the reference normal values for IgD levels were established, as: 0-131.2 IU/ml with a mean of 29.92 +/- 29.61 IU/ml. Cardiolipin and group treponemal fraction values for IgD class were obtained by assessing the difference between the immunodiffusion diameter values produced by sera before and after complete absorption with VDRL antigen or delipidated T. reiteri suspension. The individual, mean +/- SD values (expressed in IU/ml) and the percentage of cardiolipin and treponemal IgD of the total IgD class were calculated for each stage. The mean value of the total IgD class, excepting secondary syphilis (sigma 2) 52.53 +/- 26.66 IU/ml), did not overstep the normal levels but all minimal individual values from syphilitic patients (7.09-14.89 IU/ml) surpassed significantly the normal minimal values which were less than or equal to 3.54 IU/ml. The total lack of cardiolipin (IgD and the presence of group treponemal IgD in all sera of the syphilis stages studied were manifest. The group treponemal IgD mean values ranged between 7-9 IU/ml, with a maximum of 19.32 +/- 10.58 IU/ml in sigma 2 followed by latent syphilis (sigma lat) with a mean value of 9.37 +/- 4.9 IU/ml. A significant percentage of treponemal IgD vs total IgD was recorded: primary syphilis (sigma 1) 32.01%, primary-secondary syphilis (sigma 1-2) 28.76%, sigma 2 36.77%, sigma lat and treated persistent seroreactive syphilis (sigma t+) 29.61%. The high proportion of treponemal IgD in latent and treated persistent reactive syphilis suggests a steady activation of B lymphocytes by treponemal antigens and presumably is an expression of an active infectious process. The absence of cardiolipin IgD and the presence of only the treponemal IgD, in all sera from all stages, might confer to their detection an extremely specific diagnostic value in syphilis.     

High level expression of a recombinant xylanase by Pichia pastoris NC38 in a 5 L fermenter and its efficiency in biobleaching of bagasse pulp

A genetically modified XynA gene from Thermomyces lanuginosus was expressed in Pichia pastoris under the control of GAP promoter. P. pastoris expressed greater levels of xylanase (160 IU ml(-1)) on BMGY medium without zeocin after 56 h. The xylanase production by recombinant P. pastoris was scaled up in a 5L fermenter containing 1% glycerol and the highest xylanase production of 139 IU ml(-1) was observed after 72 h. Further studies carried out in fermenter under controlled pH (5.5) yielded a maximum xylanase production of 177 IU ml(-1) after 72 h. The biobleaching efficacy of crude xylanase was also evaluated on bagasse pulp and a brightness of 47.4% was observed with 50 IU of crude xylanase used per gram of pulp, which was 2.1 points higher in brightness than the untreated samples. Reducing sugars (24.8 mg g(-1)) and UV absorbing lignin-derived compounds values were considerably higher with xylanase treated samples.     

A novel thermostable xylanase from Thermomonospora sp.: influence of additives on thermostability

An alkalothermophilic Thermomonospora sp. producing high levels of xylanase was isolated from self-heating compost. The culture produced 125 IU/ml of xylanase when grown in shake flasks at pH 9 and 50 degrees C for 96 h. The culture filtrate also contained cellulase (23 IU/ml), mannanase (1 IU/ml) and beta-xylosidase (0.1 IU/ml) activities. The xylanase was active at a broad range of pH (5-9) and temperature (40-90 degrees C). The optimum pH and temperature were 7 and 70 degrees C, respectively. The enzyme was stable in the pH range 5-8 and was thermostable with half-lives of 8 and 4 h at 60 degrees C and 70 degrees C, respectively, but only 9 min at 80 degrees C. The effects of a variety of compounds to enhance the stability of xylanase at 80 degrees C was studied. Addition of sorbitol, mannitol and glycerol increased the thermostability of xylanase in proportion to the number of hydroxyl groups per polyol molecule. Glycine also offered protection against thermoinactivation. Xylan, trehalose, gelatin and trehalose-gelatin mixture had marginal effect on the thermostability of xylanase at 80 degrees C.     

Joint culturing of Streptococcus lactis, strain MGU with Proteus vulgaris and Bacillus mesentericus

Nisin synthesis by Streptococcus lactis, strain MGU, grown as a combined culture together with Proteus vulgaris and Bacillus mesentericus under stationary conditions or with stirring does not depend on the quantity of inoculated associated cells. Nisin synthesis in the combined culture drops down by 10-20% at the initial pH 7.5 of the growth medium which is unfavourable for S. lactis producing nisin. The level of nisin biosynthesis does not rise when the pH of the medium is adjusted (either naturally or artificially) to 6.6-6.8 in the presence of glucose and yeast autolysate. S. lactis inhibits the growth of B. mesentericus when grown together with it whereas P. vulgaris inhibits the growth of S. lactis in their combined culture.     

Enhanced interferon production and lymphokine-activated cytotoxicity of human placental cells

The immunologic competence of human placental mononuclear cells was compared to that of adult and cord blood mononuclear cells. Mononuclear cells were isolated from fresh placentas by digestion with collagenase and DNase, followed by Ficoll-Hypaque and discontinuous Percoll separation. Placental cells incubated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) synthesized significantly more interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) at 2 days (29 +/- 5.5 IU/ml) and 5 days (46 +/- 8.5 IU/ml) than PHA-activated cord cells (3.6 +/- 0.6 IU/ml at 2 days and 2.7 +/- 0.7 IU/ml at 5 days) but less than PHA-activated adult cells (81 +/- 20 IU/ml at 2 days and 270 +/- 161 IU/ml at 5 days). Placental and adult cells, but not cord cells, also synthesized significant quantities of IFN-gamma following incubation with interleukin-2 (IL-2). There was synergism between IL-2 and PHA activation for IFN-gamma production for some cord samples. After a 5- to 7-day incubation with IL-2, the lymphocyte-activated killer (LAK cell) cytotoxicity of placental cells (measured in a 3-hr chromium-release assay at an E:T ratio of 40:1) was enhanced 13-fold against K562 target cells (6 +/- 2% to 77 +/- 4%) compared to a 4-fold increase in cord cells (16 +/- 4% to 68 +/- 3%) and a 2-fold increase in normal adult cells (35 +/- 4% to 65 +/- 3%. Against the natural killer (NK)-resistant Raji target, placental cells increased their LAK cytotoxic activity (3 +/- 1% to 59 +/- 7%) compared to a 7-fold increase with cord cells (6 +/- 1% to 43 +/- 3%) and a 3-fold increase with adult cells (11 +/- 2% to 38 +/- 4%). A notable degree of cytotoxic activity in the absence of IL-2 against Molt targets was noted in 11 of 14 (79%) placental cell samples at 5 days. Only 10 of 24 (42%) adult and 17 of 37 (40%) cord samples showed spontaneous cytotoxic activity equal to or greater than 10%. Some placental samples actually showed an increase in cytotoxic activity when incubated without IL-2. The ability of placental cells to produce significant levels of IFN-gamma, to develop considerable LAK activity, and to maintain or develop cytotoxic activity in the absence of IL-2 suggests a vigorous, active immune system of the placenta compared to the relatively dormant immune system of the neonate. These observations suggest that placental cells may have a primary role in fetal defense.     

Antibacterial activities of nisin Z encapsulated in liposomes or produced in situ by mixed culture during cheddar cheese ripening

This study investigated both the activity of nisin Z, either encapsulated in liposomes or produced in situ by a mixed starter, against Listeria innocua, Lactococcus spp., and Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei and the distribution of nisin Z in a Cheddar cheese matrix. Nisin Z molecules were visualized using gold-labeled anti-nisin Z monoclonal antibodies and transmission electron microscopy (immune-TEM). Experimental Cheddar cheeses were made using a nisinogenic mixed starter culture, containing Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis UL 719 as the nisin producer and two nisin-tolerant lactococcal strains and L. casei subsp. casei as secondary flora, and ripened at 7 degrees C for 6 months. In some trials, L. innocua was added to cheese milk at 10(5) to 10(6) CFU/ml. In 6-month-old cheeses, 90% of the initial activity of encapsulated nisin (280 +/- 14 IU/g) was recovered, in contrast to only 12% for initial nisin activity produced in situ by the nisinogenic starter (300 +/- 15 IU/g). During ripening, immune-TEM observations showed that encapsulated nisin was located mainly at the fat/casein interface and/or embedded in whey pockets while nisin produced by biovar diacetylactis UL 719 was uniformly distributed in the fresh cheese matrix but concentrated in the fat area as the cheeses aged. Cell membrane in lactococci appeared to be the main nisin target, while in L. casei subsp. casei and L. innocua, nisin was more commonly observed in the cytoplasm. Cell wall disruption and digestion and lysis vesicle formation were common observations among strains exposed to nisin. Immune-TEM observations suggest several modes of action for nisin Z, which may be genus and/or species specific and may include intracellular target-specific activity. It was concluded that nisin-containing liposomes can provide a powerful tool to improve nisin stability and availability in the cheese matrix.     

Comparison of testosterone and insulin-like peptide 3 secretions in response to human chorionic gonadotropin in cultured interstitial cells from scrotal and retained testes in dogs

Levels of testosterone and insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) secretions in response to different doses of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in cultured interstitial cells were compared between retained and scrotal testes in dogs. Retained (n=10) and scrotal (n=9) testes were obtained from small-breed dogs. The testicular tissues were dispersed in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium with Ham's nutrient mixture containing 2000 PU/ml dispase II and 10% fetal bovine serum. The cells were plated with differing concentrations (0-10 IU/ml) of hCG for 18 h in multiwell-plates. Testosterone and INSL3 in the same spent medium were measured by enzyme-immunoassays (EIA). A new EIA with a reliable detection range of 0.025-5 ng/ml was developed in order to measure canine INSL3 in culture medium. Dose-dependent stimulation of testosterone by hCG was observed in the cells of both retained and scrotal testes. The incremental rate of testosterone secretion was significantly lower at 0.1, 1 and 10 IU/ml hCG in the cells of retained testes than in scrotal testes, however. INSL3 secretion was significantly stimulated at 10 IU/ml hCG relative to unstimulated controls comprising cells of scrotal testes; no such stimulation was observed in the cells of retained testes. At 10 IU/ml hCG, the incremental rate of INSL3 was significantly lower in the cells of retained testes than scrotal testes. These results suggest that LH-induced secretory testosterone and INSL3 responses are lower in the interstitial cells of retained testes than of scrotal testes. Furthermore, the high concentrations of LH may acutely stimulate INSL3 release in scrotal testes of dogs, but not in retained testes.     

Direct effects of heparin on basal and stimulated aldosterone production in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells

Direct effects of heparin (0.1-10 IU/ml) on basal and stimulated aldosterone production have been studied using intact rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. Heparin at any dose did not affect basal aldosterone production when added to the incubation medium. Heparin at a 0.01 IU/ml dose had no effect on aldosterone production maximally stimulated by angiotensin II (AII, 4.8 X 10(-8) M), ACTH (4.3 X 10(-9) M) or potassium (8.0 mM). However, heparin at 0.1 and 0.3 IU/ml doses selectively blocked aldosterone production maximally stimulated by AII but not by ACTH or potassium, while the compound at 1 and 10 IU/ml doses inhibited aldosterone production maximally stimulated by these three stimuli. In addition, the inhibitory effect of 0.3 IU/ml heparin occurred as early as 30 min after incubation with heparin. These data suggest that heparin at 0.1 and 0.3 IU/ml doses acts directly on adrenal zona glomerulosa to selectively block the stimulatory action of AII, while the compound at 1 and 10 IU/ml doses inhibits all the stimulatory actions of AII, ACTH and potassium.