General and kinetic properties of endoglucanase from Aspergillus niger.

Endoglucanase of Aspergillus niger AS-101 was partially purified by ammonium sulphate fractionation and molecular sieving on Sephadex G-200. The enzyme was found to be unstable on storage, however, it received some protection on the addition of BSA, glycerol or sodium azide. Glycerol also protected the enzyme from inactivation due to freezing and thawing. Studies on the effect of thiol group reagents revealed the involvement of -SH group(s) at the active site of enzyme. The enzyme was a metallo-protein or it required certain metal ions for activation. A variety of modulators such as macroionic compounds and metal ions showed varying effects on the purified endoglucanase.

Evaluation of alkali treatment for biodegradation of corn cobs by Aspergillus niger.

Effect of NaOH pretreatment on the biodegradation of corn cobs for the production of cellulase and protein was studied using Aspergillus niger. Delignification of cobs with NaOH remarkably increased the production of cellulase and protein. Treatment of cobs with 2% NaOH was found to be the best with respect to their susceptibility to biodegradation for maximum production of cellulose 1,4-beta-cellobiosidase, cellulase, beta-glucosidase soluble protein and crude protein; this also led to the highest protein recovery, maximum cellulose utilization and also for the maximum degradation of substrate.

Efficacy of Composite Extract from Leaves and Fruits of Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Diabetic Therapy against Oxidative Stress in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Oxidative stress plays a vital role in diabetic complications. To suppress the oxidative stress mediated damage in diabetic pathophysiology, a special focus has been given on composite extract (CE) and making small dose of naturally occurring antidiabetic plants leaf and fruits. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial role of CE against alloxan- (ALX-) induced diabetes of Wistar strain rats. A dose-dependent study for CE (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight) was carried out to find the effective dose of the composite compound in ALX-induced diabetic rats. ALX exposure elevated the blood glucose, plasma advanced oxidation product (AOPP), sialic acid demonstrating disturbed antioxidant status.CE at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight restored/minimised these alterations towards normal values. In conclusion, small dose of CE possesses the capability of ameliorating the oxidative stress in ALX-induced diabetes and thus could be a promising approach in lessening diabetic complications.

Markers of Oxidative Stress during Diabetes Mellitus.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rising all over the world. Uncontrolled state of hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion/action leads to a variety of complications including peripheral vascular diseases, nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, morbidity, and/or mortality. Large body of evidence suggests major role of reactive oxygen species/oxidative stress in development and progression of diabetic complications. In the present paper, we have discussed the recent researches on the biomarkers of oxidative stress during type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Single cell protein production by Aspergillus niger and its evaluation.

An efficient cellulolytic mold, Aspergillus niger AS-101 was used to produce single cell protein from alkalitreated corn cobs. Microbial biomass obtained after 6 days of fermentation was evaluated for its various quality components. Single cell protein product contained 30.4% crude protein and had an essential amino acid profile featuring a high lysine content and appreciable amounts of methionine and tryptophane. Product contained 12.9% fat which was comprised of all essential fatty acids. Product has 77% of in vitro dry matter digestibility, hence can be used to supplement the feed components of ruminents and other monogastric animals.

Saccharification of cellulosic substrates byAspergillus niger cellulase.

Chemical pre-treatment enhanced saccharification of agricultural lignocellulosic residues usingAspergillus niger cellulase by between 16 and 38%. Maximum saccharification (76%) of alkali-treated bagasse was with 0.5% substrate over 48 h using 0.3 U enzyme/ml.