Engineering of DNA polymerase I from Thermus thermophilus using compartmentalized self-replication.

Although compartmentalized self-replication (CSR) and compartmentalized partnered replication (CPR) are powerful tools for directed evolution of proteins and gene circuits, limitations remain in the emulsion PCR process with the wild-type Taq DNA polymerase used so far, including long run times, low amounts of product, and false negative results due to inhibitors. In this study, we developed a high-efficiency mutant of DNA polymerase I from Thermus thermophilus HB27 (Tth pol) suited for CSR and CPR. We modified the wild-type Tth pol by (i) deletion of the N-terminal 5' to 3' exonuclease domain, (ii) fusion with the DNA-binding protein Sso7d, (iii) introduction of four known effective point mutations from other DNA polymerase mutants, and (iv) codon optimization to reduce the GC content. Consequently, we obtained a mutant that provides higher product yields than the conventional Taq pol without decreased fidelity. Next, we performed four rounds of CSR selection with a randomly mutated library of this modified Tth pol and obtained mutants that provide higher product yields in fewer cycles of emulsion PCR than the parent Tth pol as well as the conventional Taq pol.

Quality determination of nickel-loaded silica prepared from poaceous biomass.

Klason lignin or preacid hydrolysate of a poaceous biomass such as rice husk, rice straw ( Oryza sativa ), and wheat straw ( Triticum aestivum ) became a good source of highly pure silica by simple calcinations in the testing process for application of high-boiling solvent (HBS) pulping of agricultural byproduct. Especially, Klason lignin or preacid hydrolysis residue of rice husks offered highly purified silica, which was converted to an excellent Ni/SiO(2) catalyst for methanation of carbon dioxide. The Ni/SiO(2) catalyst showed superior properties after the following sequential treatments; preacid hydrolysis of rice husks, HBS pulping of the resultant residue, cellulase hydrolysis of the HBS pulp, calcinations of the resultant powder, impregnation of the silica sample with an aqueous solution of nickel nitrate, and final calcinations.