Rubber gloves biodegradation by a consortium, mixed culture and pure culture isolated from soil samples

An increasing production of natural rubber (NR) products has led to major challenges in waste management. In this study, the degradation of rubber latex gloves in a mineral salt medium (MSM) using a bacterial consortium, a mixed culture of the selected bacteria and a pure culture were studied. The highest 18% weight loss of the rubber gloves were detected after incubated with the mixed culture. The increased viable cell counts over incubation time indicated that cells used rubber gloves as sole carbon source leading to the degradation of the polymer. The growth behavior of NR-degrading bacteria on the latex gloves surface was investigated using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The occurrence of the aldehyde groups in the degradation products was observed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. Rhodococcus pyridinivorans strain F5 gave the highest weight loss of rubber gloves among the isolated strain and posses latex clearing protein encoded by lcp gene. The mixed culture of the selected strains showed the potential in degrading rubber within 30 days and is considered to be used efficiently for rubber product degradation. This is the first report to demonstrate a strong ability to degrade rubber by Rhodococcus pyridinivorans.(AU)

Energy generation in a Microbial Fuel Cell using anaerobic sludge from a wastewater treatment plant

In microbial fuel cells (MFCs), the oxidation of organic compounds catalyzed by microorganisms (anode) generates electricity via electron transfer to an external circuit that acts as an electron acceptor (cathode). Microbial fuel cells differ in terms of the microorganisms employed and the nature of the oxidized organic compound. In this study, a consortium of anaerobic microorganisms helped to treat the secondary sludge obtained from a sewage treatment plant. The microorganisms were grown in a 250 mL bioreactor containing a carbon cloth. The reactor was fed with media containing acetate (as the carbon source) for 48 days. Concomitantly, the electrochemical data were measured with the aid of a digital multimeter and data acquisition system. At the beginning of the MFC operation, power density was low, probably due to slow microorganism growth and adhesion. The power density increased from the 15th day of operation, reaching a value of 13.5 W cm2 after ca. 24 days of operation, and remained stable until the end of the process. Compared with data in the literature, this power density value is promising; improvements in the MFC design and operation could increase this value even further. The system investigated herein employed excess sludge as a biocatalyst in an MFC. This opens up the possibility of using organic acids and/or carbohydrate-rich effluents to feed MFCs, and thereby provide simultaneous effluent treatment and energy generation.

Energy generation in a Microbial Fuel Cell using anaerobic sludge from a wastewater treatment plant

In microbial fuel cells (MFCs), the oxidation of organic compounds catalyzed by microorganisms (anode) generates electricity via electron transfer to an external circuit that acts as an electron acceptor (cathode). Microbial fuel cells differ in terms of the microorganisms employed and the nature of the oxidized organic compound. In this study, a consortium of anaerobic microorganisms helped to treat the secondary sludge obtained from a sewage treatment plant. The microorganisms were grown in a 250 mL bioreactor containing a carbon cloth. The reactor was fed with media containing acetate (as the carbon source) for 48 days. Concomitantly, the electrochemical data were measured with the aid of a digital multimeter and data acquisition system. At the beginning of the MFC operation, power density was low, probably due to slow microorganism growth and adhesion. The power density increased from the 15th day of operation, reaching a value of 13.5 W cm2 after ca. 24 days of operation, and remained stable until the end of the process. Compared with data in the literature, this power density value is promising; improvements in the MFC design and operation could increase this value even further. The system investigated herein employed excess sludge as a biocatalyst in an MFC. This opens up the possibility of using organic acids and/or carbohydrate-rich effluents to feed MFCs, and thereby provide simultaneous effluent treatment and energy generation.(AU)

White sugar as carbon source for shrimp nursery in a biofloc system / Açúcar refinado como fonte de carbono no berçário de camarões cultivados em sistema de bioflocos

The aim was to evaluate the use of white sugar as carbon source for shrimp nursery reared in in a biofloc system. We used Eight tanks of 800 L stoked with 3000 shrimp m-3. Half of the tanks received white sugar as a carbon source and other tanks molasses (control). Water quality parameters remained within the recommended limits for marine shrimp. However, the total ammonia was higher in the treatment with white sugar compared to control. The alkalinity and phosphate were higher in control. The performance (final weight, survival, feed conversion and productivity) were not different between treatments. Nevertheless, the cost of white sugar in kilogram of shrimp produced was 62% lower compared to treatment with molasses. The study showed that white sugar can be used in shrimp nursery fertilization and aids to reduce production costs.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o uso de açúcar refinado como fonte de carbono no berçário de camarões marinhos em sistema de bioflocos. Foram utilizados oito tanques de 800 L povoados com 3.000 camarões m-3, sendo que metade dos tanques recebeu açúcar refinado como fonte de carbono e o restante, melaço de cana-de-açúcar (controle). Os valores dos parâmetros de qualidade de água mantiveram-se dentro dos limites aceitáveis para o camarão marinho. Contudo, o teor de amônia total foi superior no tratamento com açúcar refinado em relação ao registrado no controle. A alcalinidade e fosfato foram superiores no controle. Os índices produtivos avaliados (peso final, sobrevivência, conversão alimentar e produtividade) não foram diferentes entre os tratamentos. Entretanto, o custo do açúcar refinado para produção de um quilograma do camarão foi 62% inferior ao do melaço (tratamento controle). O estudo mostra que o açúcar refinado pode ser usado na fertilização do berçário de camarão e auxiliar na redução dos custos de produção.(AU)

White sugar as carbon source for shrimp nursery in a biofloc system / Açúcar refinado como fonte de carbono no berçário de camarões cultivados em sistema de bioflocos

The aim was to evaluate the use of white sugar as carbon source for shrimp nursery reared in in a biofloc system. We used Eight tanks of 800 L stoked with 3000 shrimp m-3. Half of the tanks received white sugar as a carbon source and other tanks molasses (control). Water quality parameters remained within the recommended limits for marine shrimp. However, the total ammonia was higher in the treatment with white sugar compared to control. The alkalinity and phosphate were higher in control. The performance (final weight, survival, feed conversion and productivity) were not different between treatments. Nevertheless, the cost of white sugar in kilogram of shrimp produced was 62% lower compared to treatment with molasses. The study showed that white sugar can be used in shrimp nursery fertilization and aids to reduce production costs.

Objetivou-se avaliar o uso de açúcar refinado como fonte de carbono no berçário de camarões marinhos em sistema de bioflocos. Foram utilizados oito tanques de 800 L povoados com 3.000 camarões m-3, sendo que metade dos tanques recebeu açúcar refinado como fonte de carbono e o restante, melaço de cana-de-açúcar (controle). Os valores dos parâmetros de qualidade de água mantiveram-se dentro dos limites aceitáveis para o camarão marinho. Contudo, o teor de amônia total foi superior no tratamento com açúcar refinado em relação ao registrado no controle. A alcalinidade e fosfato foram superiores no controle. Os índices produtivos avaliados (peso final, sobrevivência, conversão alimentar e produtividade) não foram diferentes entre os tratamentos. Entretanto, o custo do açúcar refinado para produção de um quilograma do camarão foi 62% inferior ao do melaço (tratamento controle). O estudo mostra que o açúcar refinado pode ser usado na fertilização do berçário de camarão e auxiliar na redução dos custos de produção.

GPo1 alkB gene expression for improvement of the degradation of diesel oil by a bacterial consortium

To facilitate the biodegradation of diesel oil, an oil biodegradation bacterial consortium was constructed. The alkane hydroxylase (alkB) gene of Pseudomonas putida GPo1 was constructed in a pCom8 expression vector, and the pCom8-GPo1 alkB plasmid was transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α. The AlkB protein was expressed by diesel oil induction and detected through SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The culture of the recombinant (pCom8-GPo1 alkB/E. coli DH5α) with the oil biodegradation bacterial consortium increased the degradation ratio of diesel oil at 24 h from 31% to 50%, and the facilitation rates were increased as the proportion of pCom8-GPo1 alkB. coli DH5α to the consortium increased. The results suggested that the expression of the GPo1 gene in E. coli DH5α could enhance the function of diesel oil degradation by the bacterial consortium.(AU)

Biodegradation of crude oil by individual bacterial strains and a mixed bacterial consortium

Three bacterial isolates identified as Alcanivorax borkumensis SK2, Rhodococcus erythropolis HS4 and Pseudomonas stutzeri SDM, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, were isolated from crude oil enrichments of natural seawater. Single strains and four bacterial consortia designed by mixing the single bacterial cultures respectively in the following ratios: (Alcanivorax: Pseudomonas, 1:1), (Alcanivorax: Rhodococcus, 1:1), (Pseudomonas: Rhodococcus, 1:1), and (Alcanivorax: Pseudomonas: Rhodococcus, 1:1:1), were analyzed in order to evaluate their oil degrading capability. All experiments were carried out in microcosms systems containing seawater (with and without addition of inorganic nutrients) and crude oil (unique carbon source). Measures of total and live bacterial abundance, Card-FISH and quali-, quantitative analysis of hydrocarbons (GC-FID) were carried out in order to elucidate the co-operative action of mixed microbial populations in the process of biodegradation of crude oil. All data obtained confirmed the fundamental role of bacteria belonging to Alcanivorax genus in the degradation of linear hydrocarbons in oil polluted environments.(AU)

Best conditions for biodegradation of diesel oil by chemometric tools

Diesel oil biodegradation by different bacteria-yeast-rhamnolipids consortia was tested. Chromatographic analysis of post-biodegradation residue was completed with chemometric tools (ANOVA, and a novel ranking procedure based on the sum of ranking differences). These tools were used in the selection of the most effective systems. The best results of aliphatic fractions of diesel oil biodegradation were observed for a yeast consortia with Aeromonas hydrophila KR4. For these systems the positive effect of rhamnolipids on hydrocarbon biodegradation was observed. However, rhamnolipids addition did not always have a positive influence on the biodegradation process (e.g. in case of yeast consortia with Stenotrophomonas maltophila KR7). Moreover, particular differences in the degradation pattern were observed for lower and higher alkanes than in the case with C22. Normally, the best conditions for "lower" alkanes are Aeromonas hydrophila KR4 + emulsifier independently from yeasts and e.g. Pseudomonas stutzeri KR7 for C24 alkane.(AU)

Production and nutritive value of piatã grass and hybrid sorghum at different cutting ages / Produtividade e valor nutritivo de capim-piatã e sorgo de corte e pastejo em diferentes idades de corte

The influence of cutting age on production and nutritive value of piatã grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã) and hybrid sorghum (Sorghum spp. cv. BRS 801) under an integrated croplivestock system was evaluated. The trial was carried out at the Embrapa Beef Cattle (20°27'S; 54°37' W) in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, between April and October 2009. Experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with four replicates. Treatments were distributed across a split-plot design, which included three production systems (single piatã grass; single hybrid sorghum; mixed cultivation of sorghum and piatã grass). Half-plots consisted of three forage ages at harvest (with 70, 90 and 110 days after seeding). Variables included agronomical characteristics, productivity and nutrition value. Regardless of the evaluated systems, cutting age affected agronomical characteristics and in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM). Production was highest (4,048 kg ha <->1) within the integrated system. Regardless of cutting age, monoculture sorghum had the highest crude protein level. Results showed that integrated sorghum and piatã grasses were an asset for forage productivity. Forages had higher values in crude protein and in in vitro digestibility of organic matter on the 70th day after seeding(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da idade de corte sobre a produtividade e valor nutritivo de capim-piatã e sorgo de corte e pastejo, em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária. O experimento foi realizado na Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, no período de abril a outubro de 2009. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com três sistemas de cultivo na parcela (capim-piatã em monocultivo; sorgo de corte e pastejo em monocultivo; consórcio de sorgo de corte e pastejo + capimpiatã), e três idades de corte na subparcela (70, 90 e 110 dias após a semeadura). As variáveis avaliadas foram: características agronômicas, produtividade e valor nutritivo. Observou-se efeito da idade de corte, independente dos sistemas avaliados nas variáveis de características agronômicas e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica (DIVMO). A produtividade foi de 4.048 kg ha-1 no sistema de integração. Independentemente da idade de corte, o sorgo em monocultivo apresentou os maiores teores de proteína bruta (PB). A integração de sorgo e capim-piatã foi vantajosa para produtividade de forragem. Aos 70 dias após a semeadura, as forrageiras apresentaram maior teor de PB e DIVMO.(AU)

Production and nutritive value of piatã grass and hybrid sorghum at different cutting ages / Produtividade e valor nutritivo de capim-piatã e sorgo de corte e pastejo em diferentes idades de corte

The influence of cutting age on production and nutritive value of piatã grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã) and hybrid sorghum (Sorghum spp. cv. BRS 801) under an integrated croplivestock system was evaluated. The trial was carried out at the Embrapa Beef Cattle (20°27'S; 54°37' W) in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, between April and October 2009. Experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with four replicates. Treatments were distributed across a split-plot design, which included three production systems (single piatã grass; single hybrid sorghum; mixed cultivation of sorghum and piatã grass). Half-plots consisted of three forage ages at harvest (with 70, 90 and 110 days after seeding). Variables included agronomical characteristics, productivity and nutrition value. Regardless of the evaluated systems, cutting age affected agronomical characteristics and in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM). Production was highest (4,048 kg ha

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da idade de corte sobre a produtividade e valor nutritivo de capim-piatã e sorgo de corte e pastejo, em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária. O experimento foi realizado na Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, no período de abril a outubro de 2009. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com três sistemas de cultivo na parcela (capim-piatã em monocultivo; sorgo de corte e pastejo em monocultivo; consórcio de sorgo de corte e pastejo + capimpiatã), e três idades de corte na subparcela (70, 90 e 110 dias após a semeadura). As variáveis avaliadas foram: características agronômicas, produtividade e valor nutritivo. Observou-se efeito da idade de corte, independente dos sistemas avaliados nas variáveis de características agronômicas e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica (DIVMO). A produtividade foi de 4.048 kg ha-1 no sistema de integração. Independentemente da idade de corte, o sorgo em monocultivo apresentou os maiores teores de proteína bruta (PB). A integração de sorgo e capim-piatã foi vantajosa para produtividade de forragem. Aos 70 dias após a semeadura, as forrageiras apresentaram maior teor de PB e DIVMO.

Isolamento de bactérias produtoras de enzimas de interesse em processos biotecnológicos

Os micro-organismos representam uma importante fonte de produtos naturais bioativos diversos. Esses organismos produzem enzimas que exercem papel importante em processos industriais com alto valor econômico agregado ou ambientalmente desejado. Apresentam uma série de vantagens em seu uso e produção. No presente trabalho foram utilizados consórcios degradadores de resíduos da biomassa lignocelulolítica, visando o isolamento e identificação de micro-organismos de interesse biotecnológico. De acordo com os resultados obtidos é possível verificar que apesar dos consórcios produzirem celulase, nenhum isolado produziu esse tipo de enzima. Foram isoladas bactérias produtoras de amilase, protease, lipase e solubilizam fosfato. Utilizando o sequenciamento do 16s rRNA foi identificado isolados pertencentes aos gêneros Burkholderia, Pandoraea, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Asticcacaulis

Microorganisms represent an important source of many bioactive natural products. These organisms produce enzymes that are important in industrial processes with high value aggregate economic or environmentally desired. The use of enzymes of microbial origin has been widely explored due to a series of industrial and environmental advantagens.In this present work, a degrading consortium of lignocellulose biomass residues was used aiming the isolation and identification of the bacteria that produce enzymes with biotechnological interest. According to the observed results it can be said that although the consortia produces cellulose, isolated bacteria do not then produced no such enzyme. Bacteria isolated produced amylase, protease, lipase and phosphatase. With the sequencing of the 16S rRNA it was possible to determine that the isolates belong to the genus Burkholderia, Pandoraea, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Asticcacaulis

Using bifidobacterium and propionibacterium strains in probiotic consortia to normalize the gastrointestinal tract / O uso de cepas de bifidobacterium e propionibacterium em consórcios probióticos para normalizar o trato gastrointestinal

The gastrointestinal microflora regulates the body's functions and plays an important role in its health. Dysbiosis leads to a number of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, inflammation, atherosclerosis, etc. However, these diseases can be prevented by using probiotics ­ living microorganisms that benefit the microflora and, therefore, improve the host organism's health. The most common probiotics include lactic acid bacteria of the Bifidobacterium and Propionibacterium genera. We studied the probiotic properties of the following strains: Bifidobacterium adolescentis АС-1909, Bifidobacterium longum infantis АС-1912, Propionibacterium jensenii В-6085, Propionibacterium freudenreichii В-11921, Propionibacterium thoenii В-6082, and Propionibacterium acidipropionici В-5723. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the 'agar blocks' method against the following test cultures: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella enterica ATCC 14028, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa B6643, Proteus vulgaris ATCC 63, and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644. Moderate antimicrobial activity against all the test cultures was registered in Bifidobacterium adolescentis АС-1909, Propionibacterium jensenii В-6085, and Propionibacterium thoenii В-6082. Antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH inhibition method in all the lactic acid strains. Our study indicated that some Propionibacterium and Bifidobacterium strains or, theoretically, their consortia could be used as probiotic cultures in dietary supplements or functional foods to prevent a number of chronic diseases.

A microbiota gastrointestinal regula as funções do corpo e desempenha um papel importante na sua saúde. A disbiose leva a uma série de doenças crônicas, como diabetes, obesidade, inflamação, aterosclerose, etc. No entanto, essas doenças podem ser prevenidas pelo uso de probióticos − microrganismos vivos que beneficiam a microflora e, portanto, melhoram a saúde do organismo hospedeiro. Os probióticos mais comuns incluem bactérias do ácido láctico dos gêneros Bifidobacterium e Propionibacterium. Nós estudamos as propriedades probióticas das seguintes cepas: Bifidobacterium adolescentis АС-1909, Bifidobacterium longum infantis АС-1912, Propionibacterium jensenii В-6085, Propionibacterium freudenreichii В-11921, Propionibacterium thoenii В-6082 В-6082 acid e Propionibacterium thoenii В-6082 В-6082 acidibion. A atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada pelo método de 'blocos de ágar' contra as seguintes culturas de teste: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella enterica ATCC 14028, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa B6643, Proteus vulgaris ATCC 63 e Listeria monocytogenes moderada atividade ATCC 7644. Uma atividade antimicrobiana moderada contra todas as culturas de teste foi registrado em Bifidobacterium adolescentis АС-1909, Propionibacterium jensenii В-6085 e Propionibacterium thoenii В-6082. A atividade antioxidante foi determinada pelo método de inibição do DPPH em todas as cepas de ácido lático. Nosso estudo indicou que algumas cepas de Propionibacterium e Bifidobacterium − ou, teoricamente, seus consórcios − poderiam ser usadas ​​como culturas probióticas em suplementos dietéticos ou alimentos funcionais para prevenir uma série de doenças crônicas.