Constitutive expression of alkaline β-mannanase in recombinant Pichia pastoris

Alkaline β-mannanase has important applications for specific industrial processes like pulp bleaching and the detergent industry. The low yield of alkaline β-mannanase produced from native microbes such as alkaliphilic Bacillus limits its applications. Pichia pastoris is the most efficient heterologous system to produce alkaline mannanase. However, the previous use of the AOX system required large amount of methanol and sophisticated operation strategy, which are undesirable in large scale production. In this study, we established a safe and simple constitutive expression process for mannanase production in P. pastoris. The mannanase gene was successfully expressed under the control of GAP promoter. Sequential optimization of the constructed strains was also performed including the copy number optimization and co-expression of chaperone genes. A two-stage feeding strategy was then applied for the finally optimized strain. After 96 h fermentation, a production level of 2980 U/mL was finally reached, illustrating the potential of the GAP constitutive expression system for industrial scale preparation of alkaline β-mannanase.     

Biotransformation of Digitoxin in Cell Cultures of Capsicum frutescens in the Presence of β-cyclodextrin

Cell suspension cultures of Capsicum frutescens accumulated digoxin, purpureaglycoside A and other unknown derivatives when digitoxin, a cardiac glycoside, was used as a precursor. The feeding of digitoxin complexed with &#103 -cyclodextrin increased the accumulation of digoxin, purpureaglycoside A and other unknown derivatives. Control cultures (without digitoxin) did not produce any of these metabolites. The growth of cells was affected by both digitoxin as well as digitoxin- &#103 -cyclodextrin. The accumulation of purpureaglycoside A and digoxin reached a maximum of 1241 and 374 &#119 g 100 ml &#109 1 culture on the 6th and 2nd day, respectively, which was 3.9 and 4.5 fold higher than cultures treated with digitoxin alone (sampled on the 13th day). The other unknown derivatives formed in digitoxin- &#103 -cyclodextrin fed cultures were 15 times higher than digitoxin alone fed C. frutescens cultures. The addition of glucose to digitoxin- &#103 -cyclodextrin treated cultures increased the accumulation of purpureaglycoside A which reached a maximum of 3589 &#119 g 100 ml &#109 1 culture after 12 h incubation, which was a 2.9 fold increase over cultures treated with digitoxin- &#103 -cyclodextrin alone.     

Binding of Sulfamethazine to β-cyclodextrin and Methyl-β-cyclodextrin

β-cyclodextrin (βCD) and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) complexes with sulfamethazine (SMT) were prepared and characterized by different experimental techniques, and the effects of βCD and MβCD on drug solubility were assessed via phase-solubility analysis. The phase-solubility diagram for the drug showed an increase in water solubility, with the following affinity constants calculated: 40.4 ± 0.4 (pH 2.0) and 29.4 ± 0.4 (pH 8.0) M⁻¹ with βCD and 56 ± 1 (water), 39 ± 3 (pH 2.0) and 39 ± 5 (pH 8.0) M⁻¹ with MβCD. According to ¹H NMR and 2D NMR spectroscopy, the complexation mode involved the aromatic ring of SMT included in the MβCD cavity. The complexes obtained in solid state by freeze drying were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. The amorphous complexes obtained in this study may be useful in the preparation of pharmaceutical dosage forms of SMT.     

Oxidation of oat β-glucan in aqueous solutions during processing

The study investigated carbonyl group formation along the chain and the chain cleavage of cereal β-glucan during heat treatments, high pressure homogenisation, cold storage and ascorbic acid treatment of aqueous solutions of this soluble dietary fibre. The carbonyl group content and its distribution along the chain were simultaneously determined with the chain cleavage using a HPSEC/labelling method, originally developed for water-insoluble cellulose. Ascorbic acid treatment resulted in a relatively high degree of carbonyl content and extensive degradation of β-glucan, even in concentrations typically found in foods. The thermal oxidation of the β-glucan was considerable at 120 °C in a β-glucan solution with co-extracted compounds from oat ingredient, and in the highly purified solutions in presence of ferrous ions. Oxidation also probably contributed to the molecular properties during high pressure homogenisation, even thou the main degradation mechanism is the hydrolysis caused by mechanical energy. In addition to the cleavage of the β-glucan chain, the formation of compact, high molar mass species or molecule clusters were obtained in the study after ascorbic acid, heat (120 °C) and homogenisation treatments.     

Characterization of β-lapachone and methylated β-cyclodextrin solid-state systems

The purpose of this research was to explore the utility of β cyclodextrin (βCD) and β cyclodextrin derivatives (hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin [HPβCD], sulfobutylether-β-CD [SB\CD], and a randomly methylated-β-CD [RMβCD]) to form inclusion complexes with the antitumoral drug, β-lapachone (βLAP), in order to overcome the problem of its poor water solubility. RMβCD presented the highest efficiency for βLAP solubilization and was selected to develop solid-state binary systems. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and optical and scanning electron microscopy results suggest the formation of inclusion complexes by both freeze-drying and kneading techniques with a dramatic improvement in drug dissolution efficiency at 20-minute dissolution efficiency (DE_20-minute 67.15% and 88.22%, respectively) against the drug (DE_20-minute 27.11%) or the βCD/drug physical mixture (DE_20-minute 27.22%). However, the kneading method gives a highly crystalline material that together with the adequate drug dissolution profile make it the best procedure in obtaining inclusion complexes of RMβCD/βLAP convenient for different applications of βLAP. Published: July 27, 2007     

Enhancement of enzymatic hydrolysis rate of olive oil in water by dimethyl β-cyclodextrin

Summary The hydrolysis rate of olive oil byCandida cylindracea lipase in an aqueous solution without surfactants can be increased up to 6-fold by the addition of up to 60 mg/ml of dimethyl -cyclodextrin (DMCD).     

Evaluation of the accessible inclusion sites in copolymer materials containing β-cyclodextrin

The accessible inclusion sites of insoluble copolymers containing β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were studied in aqueous solutions by measuring the absorbance changes (decolourization) of phenolphthalein (phth) at pH 10.5. The various copolymers were reacted at different β-CD:crosslinker mole ratios with five individual types of crosslinker agents (epichlorohydrin (EP), sebacoyl chloride (SCL), terephthaloyl chloride (TCL), glutaraldehyde (GLU), and poly(acrylic) acid (PAA), respectively). The decolourization provided estimates of the 1:1 binding constants (K₁) for the β-CD monomer/phth complex. Comparable values of K₁ were measured for copolymer/phth complexes with highly accessible β-CD inclusion sites as compared with the 1:1 β-CD/phth complex. The surface accessibility of the β-CD inclusion binding sites for the polymers ranged from ∼10 to 72%. The observed variability of the inclusion sites was attributed to: (i) steric effects in the annular hydroxyl region of β-CD, (ii) the degree of crosslinking of the copolymer and (iii) the accessibility of the micropore sites within the copolymers. The Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) and site occupancy (θ) of phth adsorbed to the copolymer materials was estimated independently using the Sips isotherm model. The ΔG° values ranged between −27.6 and −30.9 kJ mol⁻¹ for the copolymers and are in close agreement with the value for the 1:1 β-CD/phth complexes (ΔG° = −27 kJ mol⁻¹) in aqueous solution.     

A novel preparation of methyl-β-cyclodextrin from dimethyl carbonate and β-cyclodextrin

A novel green synthesis process about methyl-β-cyclodextrin has been investigated through the reaction between β-cyclodextrin and dimethyl carbonate by anhydrous potassium carbonate as catalyst in DMF. The influence of experimental factors including the molar ratio of dimethyl carbonate to β-cyclodextrin, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the average degree of substitution of methyl-β-cyclodextrin was studied. The results show that the average degree of substitution of methyl-β-cyclodextrin can be dependent on the reaction temperature and the molar ratio of raw material primarily. The structures of methyl-β-cyclodextrin were characterized by TLC, IR, MS, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR.     

Aided-efflux and high production of β-amyrin realized by β-cyclodextrin in situ synthesized on surface of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

As a plant-derived pentacyclic triterpenoid, β-amyrin has been heterogeneously synthesized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, β-amyrin is intracellularly produced in a lower gram scale using recombinant S. cerevisiae, which limits the industrial applications. Although many strategies have been proven to be effective to improve the production of β-amyrin, the intracellularly accumulation is still a challenge in reaching higher titer and simplifying the extraction process. To solve this problem, the amphiphilic β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) has been previously employed to aid the efflux of β-amyrin out of the cells. Nevertheless, the supplemented β-CD in the medium is not consistent with β-amyrin synthesis and has the disadvantage of rather high cost. Therefore, an aided-efflux system based on in situ synthesis of β-CD was developed in this study to enhance the biosynthesis of β-amyrin and its efflux. The in situ synthesis of β-CD was started from starch by the surface displayed cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) on yeast cells. As a result, the synthesized β-CD could capture 16% of the intracellular β-amyrin and improve the total production by 77%. Furthermore, more strategies including inducing system remodeling, precursor supply enhancement, two-phase fermentation and lipid synthesis regulation were employed. Finally, the production of β-amyrin was increased to 73 mg/L in shake flask, 31 folds higher than the original strain, containing 31 mg/L of extracellular β-amyrin. Overall, this work provides novel strategies for the aided-efflux of natural products with high hydrophobicity in engineered S. cerevisiae.     

H NMR study of rehydration/dehydration and water mobility in β-cyclodextrin

The processes of dehydration and rehydration of β-cyclodextrin were studied by analysis of the ¹H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) line shape. Dehydration was carried in an open ampoule as a function of temperature and above 400 K total dehydration of β-cyclodextrin was observed. This result was confirmed by the thermogravimetry (TG) measurements. Rehydration was studied as a function of time at room temperature. After 40 days, β-cyclodextrin was found to absorb eight water molecules. The analysis of temperature changes in the shape of the ¹H NMR line of β-cyclodextrin kept in a closed ampoule and its dielectric measurements provided information on the mobility of water molecules. The water molecules were found to perform complex molecular motions, that is, reorientational jumps below 200 K and additionally, translational motion (diffusion) above 200 K.     

Preparation of novel β-cyclodextrin functionalized monolith and its application in chiral separation

A novel β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) functionalized organic polymer monolith was prepared by covalently bonding ethylenediamine-β-CD (EDA-β-CD) to poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly(GMA-co-EGDMA)) monolith via ring opening reaction of epoxy groups. SEM characterization was performed to confirm the homogeneity of the monolithic polymer. The resulting monolith was then characterized by DSC and XPS elemental analysis to study the thermal stability of the monolith, and to prove the successful immobilization of β-CD on the polymer substrate. The β-CD ligand density of 0.68 mmol g^?1 was obtained for the modified monolith, indicating the high reactivity and efficiency of the EDA-β-CD modifier. The ethylenediamine-β-CD functionalized monoliths were used for the chiral separation of ibuprofen racemic mixture and showed promising results.     

Molecular complexes of ivy triterpene glycosides with β-cyclodextrin

Molecular complexes of triterpene glycosides such as α-hederin (hederagenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside) and hederasaponin C (hederagenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) with β-cyclodextrin were synthesized. The complex formation was studied by FTIR spectroscopy. Toxic properties of the molecular complexes were examined.     

Functionalization of a protein surface with per-O-methylated β-cyclodextrin

Per-O-methylated β-cyclodextrin (CD) bearing an iodoacetamide group at the 6-position was synthesized to functionalize protein surfaces. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was quantitatively modified with the CD derivative by the S(N) 2 reaction of iodoacetamide with a cysteine residue (Cys34) on the BSA surface. The resultant CD-functionalized BSA (BSA-CD) spontaneously dimerized upon addition of an anionic tetraarylporphyrin (TPPS) through the supramolecular 1:2 complexation between TPPS and CD on the protein surface. The BSA-CD/TPPS complex further complexed with ferric protoporphyrin IX (hemin) in the hydrophobic pockets of albumin to form a hemin/BSA-CD/TPPS ternary complex in which static fluorescence quenching occurred owing to intramolecular electron transfer from the photoexcited TPPS to hemin.     

Steroid hydroxylation with free and immobilized cells of Penicillium raistrickii in the presence of β-cyclodextrin

Free and Ca-alginate-immobilized cells of Penicillium raistrickii i 477 were used for 15-hydroxylation of 13-ethyl-gon-4-en-3,17-dione. The product formation in the presence of -cyclodetrin, in comparison with reactions carried out in the presence of methanol. Application of -cyclodextrin led to increasing solubility of the steroid substrate. The fungus was able to utilize -cyclodextrin as a carbon source. Correspondence to: H.-P. Schmauder     

Preparation and Physicochemical Characterization of Amoxicillin β-cyclodextrin Complexes

Amoxicillin (AMOX), a penicillin A, belongs to the β-lactam family It is usually the drug of choice within the class because it is better absorbed, following oral administration, than other β-lactam antibiotics. Its β-lactamase degradation might be prevented by using a molecular [AMOX:β-CD] complex. The aim of this work was to prepare complexes using two methods and then characterize interactions between AMOX and the native β-CD. The extent of complexation in solution has been evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and 2D rotating-frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (2D ROESY). Mass changes (TG), calorimetric effects (DSC), and mass spectrometry (MS) were determined on the same sample under identical conditions using the Skimmer coupling system. Skimmer and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to characterize the solid state of the binary system. Complexation of AMOX with β-CD was proven by FT-IR, NMR, DSC, and HPLC. The 2D ROESY spectra did not show any dipolar proton interaction of the AMOX with cyclodextrin. The 1:1 stoichiometry of the complex was obtained by HPLC. The stability constant for AMOX with β-CD was determined to be 1,878 M⁻¹. In the [AMOX:β-CD] complex, the phenyl group is included inside the β-CD, and the ionized carboxyl group on the penam ring forms hydrogen bonds with the secondary hydroxyl groups of another β-CD to keep the complex stable. Preparation methods allowed exactly the same complex.     

Study on preparation of β-cyclodextrin encapsulation tea extract

Microencapsulation of ethanol extract of tea was performed in this study. In order to microencapsulate, β-cyclodextrin was used as wall material. Ethanol extract of tea was used as the core material. Microcapsules in the solid form were obtained by drying the emulsions. RSM showed that optimal processing parameters were as followings: core material/wall material 1/4, β-cyclodextrin content 16%, stirring time 30 min and stirring temperature 200 °C. Pharmacological activities of β-cyclodextrin encapsulation tea extract were determined. It was found that β-cyclodextrin encapsulation tea extract could enhance BMD, BMC and bone Ca, Zn and Cu contents. In addition, β-cyclodextrin encapsulation tea extract could still reduce blood Ca contents. These results indicated that β-cyclodextrin encapsulation tea extract was useful for improving bone quality in aged animals.     

1H NMR study of rehydration/dehydration and water mobility in β-cyclodextrin

The processes of dehydration and rehydration of β-cyclodextrin were studied by analysis of the (1)H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) line shape. Dehydration was carried in an open ampoule as a function of temperature and above 400 K total dehydration of β-cyclodextrin was observed. This result was confirmed by the thermogravimetry (TG) measurements. Rehydration was studied as a function of time at room temperature. After 40 days, β-cyclodextrin was found to absorb eight water molecules. The analysis of temperature changes in the shape of the (1)H NMR line of β-cyclodextrin kept in a closed ampoule and its dielectric measurements provided information on the mobility of water molecules. The water molecules were found to perform complex molecular motions, that is, reorientational jumps below 200K and additionally, translational motion (diffusion) above 200K.     

Batch and continuous transformation of progesterone by Rhizopus nigricans pellets in the presence of β-cyclodextrin

A pelleted morphological form of Rhizopus nigricans, which might be regarded as a naturally immobilized biomass, enabled development of a continuous process of progesterone 11α-hydroxylation in a laboratory-scale stirred tank bioreactor. β-Cyclodextrin was used to enhance steroid solubility in aqueous transformation media and consequently to increase the rate of steroid hydroxylation. Batch and continuous processes were performed with pellets of different average diameters, ranging from less than 1 mm to 7.5 mm. Mathematical model simulations of both operational modes confirmed the previously defined Michaelis–Menten kinetics for the biotransformation. A decrease in overall hydroxylation rate was noticed when pellets larger than 5 mm were used, which correlated with the lower area of outer surface of agglomerates where, presumably, most of the enzyme induction had taken place.     

The influence of β-cyclodextrin on acid-base and tautomeric equilibrium of fluorescein dyes in aqueous solution

The protolytic equilibrium of fluorescein in aqueous solutions was studied in the presence of cycloheptaamylose (β-cyclodextrin, or β-CD). The constants of stepwise ionization of the dye (), K_a0, K_a1, and K_a2 were determined using vis-spectroscopy at ionic strength 0.05 M (NaCl + buffer) and 25 °C. In the presence of 0.0086 M β-CD, the indices of ionization constants are as follows: pK_a0 = 1.21 ± 0.12, pK_a1 = 5.08 ± 0.03, pK_a2 = 6.35 ± 0.02. The changes in these pK_as, as compared with the values determined without cyclodextrin, are unequal. Namely, the pK_a0 value decreases by 1.0, while the pK_a1 value increases by 0.7. Thus, the introduction of β-CD allows to govern the ratios K_a0/K_a1 and K_a1/K_a2, which are equal to, respectively, 141 and 151 in water, and 7.4 × 10³ and 18.6 with cyclodextrin added. Rationalization of the observed phenomenon is possible taking into account the detailed scheme of protolytic equilibrium. Conclusions concerning tautomerism of dye molecules were deduced from absorption spectra; the fractions of tautomers, tautomerization constants, and microscopic ionization constants were evaluated. These data allow concluding that the main reason for the aforementioned pK_a alterations is the binding of H₂R by the cyclodextrin cavity accompanied by turning these neutral species into the colorless lactone. The host-guest interaction of neutral species of fluorescein isothiocyanate, 2,7-dichlorofluorescein, and 3′,4′,5′,6′-tetrachlorofluorescein also results in the cyclodextrin-assisted shift of tautomeric equilibrium. Such nature of interactions is proved by the addition of competing agents, camphor-4-carboxylic acid and sodium n-nonylsulfonate, which results in the removing of neutral dye species from the cycloheptaamylose cavity.