Immobilization of Lactobacillus bulgaricus with gellan gum and its application in continuous fermentation of D-lactic acid from corn straw / 生物工程学报

Biorefinery of chemicals from straw is an effective approach to alleviate the environmental pollution caused by straw burning. In this paper, we prepared gellan gum immobilized Lactobacillus bulgaricus T15 gel beads (LA-GAGR-T15 gel beads), characterized their properties, and established a continuous cell recycle fermentation process for D-lactate (D-LA) production using the LA-GAGR-T15 gel beads. The fracture stress of LA-GAGR-T15 gel beads was (91.68±0.11) kPa, which was 125.12% higher than that of the calcium alginate immobilized T15 gel beads (calcium alginate-T15 gel beads). This indicated that the strength of LA-GAGR-T15 gel beads was stronger, and the strain was less likely to leak out. The average D-LA production was (72.90±2.79) g/L after fermentation for ten recycles (720 h) using LA-GAGR-T15 gel beads as the starting strain and glucose as the substrate, which was 33.85% higher than that of calcium alginate-T15 gel beads and 37.70% higher than that of free T15. Subsequently, glucose was replaced by enzymatically hydrolyzed corn straw and fermented for ten recycles (240 h) using LA-GAGR-T15 gel beads. The yield of D-LA reached (1.74±0.79) g/(L·h), which was much higher than that of using free bacteria. The wear rate of gel beads was less than 5% after ten recycles, which indicated that LA-GAGR is a good carrier for cell immobilization and can be widely used in industrial fermentation. This study provides basic data for the industrial production of D-LA using cell-recycled fermentation, and provides a new way for the biorefinery of D-LA from corn straw.

Immobilization of mutated xylanase from Neocallimastix patriciarum in E coli and application for kraft pulp biobleaching / Imobilização de xilanase mutada de Neocallimastix patriciarum em E coli e aplicação para polpa kraft

As an important enzyme, xylanase is widely used in the food, pulp, and textile industry. Different applications of xylanase warrant specific conditions including temperature and pH. This study aimed to carry out sodium alginate beads as carrier to immobilize previous reported mutated xylanase from Neocallimastix patriciarum which expressed in E. coli, the activity of immobilization of mutated xylanase was elevated about 4% at pH 6 and 13% at 62 °C. Moreover, the immobilized mutated xylanase retained a greater proportion of its activity than the wide type in thermostability. These properties suggested that the immobilization of mutated xylanase has potential to apply in biobleaching industry.

Como importante enzima, a xilanase é amplamente utilizada na indústria alimentícia, de celulose e têxtil. Diferentes aplicações de xilanase garantem condições específicas, incluindo temperatura e pH. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar grânulos de alginato de sódio como carreador para imobilizar xilanase mutada relatada anteriormente de Neocallimastix patriciarum que expressa em E. coli, a atividade de imobilização da xilanase mutada foi elevada em cerca de 4% em pH 6 e 13% a 62 °C. Além disso, a xilanase mutada imobilizada reteve uma proporção maior de sua atividade do que o tipo amplo em termoestabilidade. Essas propriedades sugerem que a imobilização da xilanase mutada tem potencial para aplicação na indústria de biobranqueamento.

The osteogenesis of Ginsenoside Rb1 incorporated silk/micro-nano hydroxyapatite/sodium alginate composite scaffolds for calvarial defect / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Ginsenoside Rb1, the effective constituent of ginseng, has been demonstrated to play favorable roles in improving the immunity system. However, there is little study on the osteogenesis and angiogenesis effect of Ginsenoside Rb1. Moreover, how to establish a delivery system of Ginsenoside Rb1 and its repairment ability in bone defect remains elusive. In this study, the role of Ginsenoside Rb1 in cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, osteogenic genes expression, ALP activity of rat BMSCs were evaluated firstly. Then, micro-nano HAp granules combined with silk were prepared to establish a delivery system of Ginsenoside Rb1, and the osteogenic and angiogenic effect of Ginsenoside Rb1 loaded on micro-nano HAp/silk in rat calvarial defect models were assessed by sequential fluorescence labeling, and histology analysis, respectively. It revealed that Ginsenoside Rb1 could maintain cell viability, significantly increased ALP activity, osteogenic and angiogenic genes expression. Meanwhile, micro-nano HAp granules combined with silk were fabricated smoothly and were a delivery carrier for Ginsenoside Rb1. Significantly, Ginsenoside Rb1 loaded on micro-nano HAp/silk could facilitate osteogenesis and angiogenesis. All the outcomes hint that Ginsenoside Rb1 could reinforce the osteogenesis differentiation and angiogenesis factor's expression of BMSCs. Moreover, micro-nano HAp combined with silk could act as a carrier for Ginsenoside Rb1 to repair bone defect.

Advances in the preparation of alginate oligosaccharides and its biological functions / 生物工程学报

Alginate is a group of polyuronic saccharides that are widely used in pharmaceutical and food industry due to its unique physicochemical properties and beneficial health effects. However, the low water solubility and high viscosity of alginate hampered its application. Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) is a decomposition product of alginate and has received increasing attention due to its low molecular weight, high water solubility, safety, and non-toxicity. The wide-ranging biological functions of AOS are closely related to its structural diversity. AOS with distinct structures and biological functions can be obtained by different methods of preparation. This review summarized the biological functions of AOS reported to date, including anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, prebiotic, and anti-diabetes. The preparation of AOS, as well as the relationship between the structure and biological functions of AOS were discussed, with the aim to provide a reference for further development and application of AOS.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of Vancomycin loaded Montmorillonite-Sodium Alginate topical gel for wound infection

Abstract Despite decades of research, wound healing remains a significant public health problem. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a topical sodium alginate gel containing vancomycin (Van) loaded MMT NPs for wound healing applications. Van was loaded in MMT at different conditions (pHs of 6, 7 and temperatures of 40, 50 °C) (Van/MMT NPs). The optimum formulation (with the smallest particle size and a high value of zeta potential; 270.8 ± 77.35 nm and -35.96 ± 2.73, respectively) showed a high drug-loading capacity (entrapment efficacy of 96%) and a sustained release pattern of Van (95%) over 480 min. The optimum Van/MMT NPs were embedded into the sodium alginate (SA) gel (Van/MMT NPs/SA gel). The Van/ MMT NPs/SA gel showed a sustained and slow release pattern of Van (95%) over 50 h. FTIR tests revealed the electrostatic interaction between MMT and Van. The broth macrodilution tube method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Van, Van/ MMT NPs, and Van/MMT NPs/SA gel against Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed the promising antibacterial activity of Van/MMT NPs/SA gel, thus, this gel can be a promising formulation for the management of infected wounds

Potential Alendronate Sodium drug carrier by preparation and characterization of sodium alginate cross-linked Montmorillonite

Abstract In drug therapy, it is important to provide therapeutic levels of drug to the site of action and maintain them during the treatment. This work describes the in vitro release of alendronate from sodium alginate cross-linked Montmorillonite (MMT) composite beads. Effect of crosslinking cation, concentration of montmorillonite and media on encapsulation efficiencies, and release profiles of alendronate were studied. Beads were characterized using equilibrium swelling ability study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicate that addition of montmorillonite increases the encapsulation efficiencies and slows down the release rates significantly.

QbD enabled Process Variable Study to Develop Sustained Release Chitosan-Alginate Embedded Delivery System for Improved Patient Compliance

Abstract The current investigation entail systematic Quality by Design (QbD)-enabled approach for the development of Sustained released embedded drug delivery systems of L-Arginine employing ionic gelation technique to attain improved patient compliance. Hence, in this QbD enabled systematic approach; quality target product profile (QTTP) was defined and critical quality attributes (CQAs) were identified. Further the risk assessment studies were undertaken through Ishikawa fish bone diagram to locate the critical material attributes (CMAs) and/or critical process parameters (CPPs) for the formulation of beads that may affect CQAs of drug product. A face centered central composite design (CCD) for two factors at three levels each with α =1 was employed for the optimization process to checkout the impact of concentration of sodium alginate and concentration of chitosan as CMAs which wereprior identified from risk assessment study and further evaluated for CQAs viz. bead size, swelling index and percent drug entrapment. The optimum formulation was embarked upon by using mathematical model being developed yielding desired CQAs. Thereby chitosan coated calcium-alginate delivery system was successfully developed by strategically employing QbD approach.In a nutshell, the presentinvestigation reports the successful development of optimized chitosan coated alginate beads employing QbD approach which can serve as a platform for other drugs too.

Increases in alginate production and transcription levels of alginate lyase (alyA1) by control of the oxygen transfer rate in Azotobacter vinelandii cultures under diazotrophic conditions

BACKGROUND: Alginates are polysaccharides used in a wide range of industrial applications, with their functional properties depending on their molecular weight. In this study, alginate production and the expression of genes involved in polymerization and depolymerization in batch cultures of Azotobacter vinelandii were evaluated under controlled and noncontrolled oxygen transfer rate (OTR) conditions. RESULTS: Using an oxygen transfer rate (OTR) control system, a constant OTR (20.3 ± 1.3 mmol L 1 h 1 ) was maintained during cell growth and stationary phases. In cultures subjected to a controlled OTR, alginate concentrations were higher (5.5 ± 0.2 g L 1 ) than in cultures under noncontrolled OTR. The molecular weight of alginate decreased from 475 to 325 kDa at the beginning of the growth phase and remained constant until the end of the cultivation period. The expression level of alyA1, which encodes an alginate lyase, was more affected by OTR control than those of other genes involved in alginate biosynthesis. The decrease in alginate molecular weight can be explained by a higher relative expression level of alyA1 under the controlled OTR condition. CONCLUSIONS: This report describes the first time that alginate production and alginate lyase (alyA1) expression levels have been evaluated in A. vinelandii cultures subjected to a controlled OTR. The results show that automatic control of OTR may be a suitable strategy for improving alginate production while maintaining a constant molecular weight.

Comparación de la precisión de dos localizadores electrónicos apicales en piezas dentarias con perforaciones simuladas / Comparison of the precision of two electronic apical locators in teeth with simulated perforations

Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio fue comparar la precisión de los localizadores electrónicos apicales Propex Pixi y Raypex 6 en la determinación de la longitud de trabajo de piezas dentarias con perforaciones simuladas a diferentes niveles del conducto radicular. Materiales y Métodos: Se utilizaron 36 premolares inferiores unirradiculares con un conducto, divididos aleatoriamente en tres grupos de 12 piezas dentarias cada uno. En el primer grupo, se realizaron dos perforaciones simuladas que fueron a nivel medio y a nivel apical; en el segundo grupo, se realizó una perforación simulada a nivel cervical, y en el tercer grupo, se realizó una perforación simulada a nivel apical. Se emplearon dos localizadores electrónicos apicales Propex Pixi y Raypex 6. La longitud real del conducto fue medida con un calibrador Vernier digital. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva y estadística inferencial con la prueba de Friedman a un nivel de confianza del 95%. Resultados: Al comparar la precisión de las longitudes obtenidas por los localizadores electrónicos apicales Propex Pixi y Raypex 6 en premolares inferiores con perforaciones simuladas a nivel medio y apical, premolares inferiores con perforación simulada a nivel cervical y premolares inferiores con perforación simulada a nivel apical, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la longitud real del conducto, p < 0,001, p = 0,008 y p = 0,006, respectivamente. Conclusiones: El localizador electrónico apical Propex Pixi (Dentsply Maillefer, Alemania) presentó mayor precisión en la determinación de la longitud real del conducto en piezas dentarias con perforaciones simuladas a diferentes niveles del conducto radicular. (AU)

Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare the precision of the Propex Pixi and Raypex 6 electronic apical locators in determining the working length of teeth with simulated perforations at different levels of the root canal. Materials and Methods: 36 uniradicular lower premolars were used with a canal randomly divided into three groups of 12 teeth each. In the first group two simulated perforations were made at the middle and apical level. In the second group a simulated cervical perforation was made, and in the third group a simulated perforation was performed at the apical level. Two electronic apical locators Propex Pixi and Raypex 6 were used, and the real length of the canal was measured with a digital Vernier caliper. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied with the Friedman test at a confidence level of 95%. Results: When comparing the precision of the lengths obtained by the Propex Pixi and Raypex 6 apical electronic locators, statistically significant differences were found in the real length of the canal (p= 0.006) between simulated perforation of lower premolars at the cervical (p<0.001) and the apical level (p=0.008), Conclusion: The Propex Pixi apical electronic locator (Dentsply Maillefer - Germany) presented greater precision in the determination of the real canal length in teeth with simulated perforations at different levels of the root canal. (AU)

Encapsulation of probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG with black bean extract in alginate-pectin microcapsules

Aims@#Probiotics are claimed to confer many health effects upon consumption. However, the survivability of probiotic under the harsh conditions in the gastrointestinal tract has been a challenge. This study aimed to improve the survivability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG under gastrointestinal condition through co-extrusion microencapsulation and the addition of black bean extract. @*Methodology and results@#Optimization was carried out on wall material formulation, types of pectin (low and high methoxyl pectin) and alginate: pectin ratio (2:1 and 3:1), and black bean extract concentration (0 to 1% w/v) to produce capsules with desired properties. The effect of L. rhamnosus GG microencapsulation with and without black bean extract on its survivability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions was also investigated. The optimal formulation that gives the highest microencapsulation efficiency (86.17%) was low methoxyl pectin, alginate: pectin ratio at 3:1, and 0.5% (w/v) of black bean extract. The inclusion of black bean extract into L. rhamnosus GG microencapsulation showed no significant effect (p >0.05) on the capsule diameter, with a mean diameter of 715.44 µm and a high microencapsulation efficiency of 97.4%. The viability of encapsulated L. rhamnosus GG increased with black bean extract after 6 h of sequential digestion with the final viable cell count of 12.47 log10 CFU/mL, which meet the minimum requirement of 10

Safety of Alginate-based Gastric Mucosal Protective Adhesive and Feasibility Study of Its Use as Submucosal Injection / 中国医疗器械杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the safety of alginate based gastric mucosal protective adhesive and its feasibility as a submucosal injection.@*METHODS@#The feasibility of using alginate-based gastric mucosal protective gel as submucosal injection was evaluated by @*RESULTS@#After injection of different concentrations of alginate base mucosal protective adhesive solution, the uplift height was significantly higher than that of normal saline (@*CONCLUSIONS@#Gastric mucosa protector is a promising new medical device product with feasibility and good biocompatibility as submucosal uplift injection agent.

Extended-pour and conventional alginates: effect of storage time on dimensional accuracy and maintenance of details

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the dimensional stability and maintenance of details of conventional and high stability alginates up to 5-day storage. Methods: Two types of alginates were selected (n=10) for this study, conventional (Hydrogum) and high stability alginates (Hydrogum 5), which were produced with the aid of a cylindrical metal block and a ring-shaped metal mold (Specifications 18, 19, and 25, ANSI/ADA). Ten images were obtained from the molds for the dimensional stability test, which were taken immediately after their production and at each different storage periods (15 min, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h, and 120 h) by a digital camera. The specimens were kept hermetically sealed in plastic bags (23°C) and then used to obtain 140 (n=70) dental stone models, used in the detail reproduction test, in which the angular accuracy of three grooves (20 µm, 50 µm, and 75 µm) was observed at each period. The details reproduction accuracy was classified using a predetermined score classification. Measurements of dimensional changes were made in the Corel DRAW X6 program. The data were submitted to the Student's t-test (α?#8197;= 0.05). Results: A statistically significant difference concerning the size of the matrix was observed after 24h for both alginates, and a statistically significant negative linear dimensional change (contraction) was verified after 24 h of storage (1.52% for the high stability alginate, and 1.32% for the conventional alginate). The high stability alginate kept the full details for 72 hours, while the conventional alginate, for 24 h. Both alginates reproduced the 75 µm groove at all storage periods. Conclusion: Impressions made with both alginates presented satisfactory clinical results when the alginates were immediately poured.

RESUMO Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a estabilidade dimensional e manutenção de detalhes de alginatos convencionais e de alta estabilidade por até 5 dias de armazenamento. Métodos: Para esse estudo, foram selecionados dois tipos de alginatos: convencional (Hydrogum) (n = 10) e de alta estabilidade (Hydrogum 5) (n = 10), sendo produzidos com o auxílio de um bloco metálico cilíndrico e um molde metálico em forma de anel (especificações 18, 19 e 25, ANSI/ADA). Para o teste de estabilidade dimensional, dez imagens foram obtidas imediatamente e para cada tempo de armazenamento (15 min, 24, 48, 72, 96 e 120 horas), realizadas por câmera digital. As amostras foram mantidas hermeticamente fechadas em sacos plásticos (23°C). Para o teste de reprodução de detalhes, as amostras foram utilizadas para obter 140 (n = 70 por grupo) modelos de gesso, sendo observada a precisão angular de três sulcos (20 µm, 50 µm e 75 µm) para cada período. A precisão da reprodução de detalhes foi classificada usando uma classificação de pontuação predeterminada. As medições das mudanças dimensionais foram feitas no programa Corel DRAW X6. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste t de Student (α = 0,05). Resultados: Foi observada diferença estatística em relação à matriz após 24h para ambos os alginatos. Uma mudança dimensional linear negativa estatisticamente significativa (contração) foi verificada após 24 h de armazenamento (1,52% para alginato de alta estabilidade; 1,32% para alginato convencional). O alginato de alta estabilidade manteve os detalhes completos por até 72 horas, enquanto o alginato convencional, por 24 horas. Os alginatos reproduziram o sulco de 75 µm para todos os períodos. Conclusão: As impressões feitas com ambos os alginatos devem ser imediatamente vazadas para se ter resultados clínicos satisfatórios.

Stability and Sensory Evaluation of an Innovative Antiaging Formulation Based on Marine Ingredients

Abstract The high consumption of antiaging cosmetics represents an outstanding opportunity for the development of new processes and attractive products in the cosmetic industry. Stability studies and sensory analyses are critical steps in the development process and production chain. Here we present a potential antiaging cosmetic product with innovative sensory characteristics. Caviar extract antioxidant properties were firstly evaluated by the DPPH method since it is an important mechanism against skin aging. Ca-alginate beads containing 2% of caviar extract and 0.2% of black pigment were prepared to obtain spheres similar to caviar. The beads were incorporated in a gel phase (hydroxyethylcellulose 2.5%) containing 3% of dimethylaminoethanol. Stability was evaluated in different storage conditions (sunlight exposure, 5 ± 2 °C, 37 ± 2 °C and r.t.) through the parameters: appearance, color and odor, pH (6-7), density (0.98-1.14 g.mL-1), centrifugation and average size. After approval by the Committee for Ethics in Research (n° 3.503.061), 30 volunteers tested the new formulation and answered a questionnaire. At 2%, caviar extract was able to scavenge 10.9% ± 0.58 of DPPH radical. Formulations showed good stability after 90 days, even considering the average size (7.47 ± 0.41 - 8.4 ± 0.65 mm2). 90% of the sensory test participants reported that they would buy the new product. Therefore, the new product developed demonstrates a promising potential as an attractive cosmetic product.

Sodium alginate-guar gum and carbopol based methotrexate loaded mucoadhesive microparticles for colon delivery: An in vitro evaluation

Methotrexate (MTX) is famous for its therapeutic potential against different cancers including colorectal cancer. Goal of the present investigation was to formulate MTX loaded mucoadhesive microparticles for colon targeting. The optimized formulation (MTX-MS2) was composed of mucoadhesive polymers (sodium alginate, guar gum and carbopol 940) in an appropriate ratio. MTXMS2 was developed by ionic-gelation method. The suitable particle size and zeta potential were found to be 21.10 ± 0.18 µm and 3.01 ± 0.16 mV for MTX-MS2 respectively. The % yield (98.60 ± 2.12), % entrapment efficiency (97.98 ± 1.22) and % drug loading (1.04 ± 0.03) were estimated for MTXMS2. The swelling index (0.99 ± 0.04 θ) and mucoadhesion (97.29 ± 4.61%) were significantly (***P ˂ 0.01) achieved with MTX-MS2 as compared to other formulations. The optimum drug release (96.07 ± 4.52%) was significantly achieved with MTX-MS2 at simulated gastric fluid (pH 7.4) for 36 h in a sustained manner. This profile may be attributed towards excellent mucoadhesivness of the polymers used in the formulation. Therefore, the current investigation suggests that mucoadhesive carrier system could be promising approach for colon delivery. Thus, the proposed work would be helpful for the treatment of colorectal canc

Tratamiento de lesiones apicoperirradiculares con un biomaterial de tercera generación (Licon-D) / Treatment of apicoperiradicular lesions with a third-generation biomaterial (Licon-D)

Biomaterial de tercera generación con una tasa de degradabilidad en la zona perirradicular y del foramen apical, con una velocidad similar a la que emplea el organismo para formar tejido calcificado y sellar biológicamente el extremo apical del diente. Mediante el recurso tecnológico de la microencapsulación se produce la liberación lenta y controlada de Ca2+ retenido en la superficie y en el interior de las microesferas de alginato de calcio, sin que se modifique de manera significativa las propiedades reológicas básicas del biomaterial de obturación de conductos, tales como la compresibilidad, plasticidad, extensibilidad, fluidez, viscosidad cinemática, viscosidad de compresión y endurecimiento por trabajo (AU)

Third-generation biomaterial with a degradability rate in the periradicular area and the apical foramen, with a speed similar to that used by the body to form calcified tissue and biologically seal the apical end of the tooth. Through the technological resource of microencapsulation, the slow and controlled release of Ca2+ retained on the surface and inside the calcium alginate microspheres is produced, without significantly modifying the basic rheological properties of the duct sealing biomaterial, such as compressibility, plasticity, extensibility, flowability, kinematic viscosity, compression viscosity, and work hardening (AU)

Dimensional stability of alginate molds scanned at different storage times / Estabilidade dimensional de moldes de alginato digitalizados em diferentes tempos de armazenamento

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision and accuracy of molds made with four commercial brands of alginate scanned at different times using digital model analysis. Eighty molds of a standard Typodont were made using 4 types of alginate (CCC: Cavex Color Change; IA: Identic Alginate; HY5: Hydrogum 5 and JP: Jeltrate Plus). The molds were scanned at four times: immediately (T1), 24h (T2), 72h (T3) and 120h (T4) after molding. Measurements were taken in three dimensions: anteroposterior, transverse and vertical. Significant differences in dimensional changes were noted between the materials over time (p <0.05). Anteroposterior dimensional variation was noted between times, especially for IA and JP. For transverse and vertical variables, a difference was found between the groups, especially at 24 h, 72 h and 120 h. CCC presented significant dimensional shrinkage only at T120 (transverse). IA and JP presented larger dimensional distortions in the vertical measurements. The molding materials used were not dimensionally stable when evaluated after 120 hours of molding. However, such evidence suggests that alginates with longer storage time, such as Cavex Color Change, are more accurate than conventional alginates.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a precisao e acurácia por meio de análise de modelos digitais de moldes digitalizados obtidos com quatro marcas comerciais de alginato em diferentes tempos. Oitenta moldes de um Typodont padrao foram obtidos utilizando 4 tipos de alginato (CCC: Cavex Color Change; IA: Identic Alginate; HY5: Hydrogum 5 e JP: Jeltrate Plus). Os moldes foram escaneados em quatro tempos: mediatamente (T1), 24h (T2), 72h (T3) e 120h (T4) após a moldagem. As medidas foram feitas em très dimensoes: ântero-posterior, transversal e vertical. Diferenças significativas nas mudanças dimensionais foram observadas entre os materiais ao longo do tempo (p <0,05). Variação dimensional ântero-posterior foi observada entre os tempos, principalmente para IA e JP. Para as variáveis transversal e vertical houve diferenga entre os grupos, principalmente em 24h, 72h e 120h. CCC apresentou contração dimensional significativa apenas em T120 (transversal). IA e JP apresentaram maiores distorções dimensionais na vertical. Os materiais de moldagem utilizados nao foram dimensionalmente estáveis quando avaliados após 120 horas de moldagem. No entanto, tais evidencias sugerem que os alginatos com maior tempo de armazenamento, como Cavex Color Change, sao mais precisos do que os alginatos convencionais.

Respiration in Azotobacter vinelandii and its relationship with the synthesis of biopolymers

Azotobacter vinelandii is a gram-negative soil bacterium that produces two biopolymers of biotechnological interest, alginate and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), and it has been widely studied because of its capability to fix nitrogen even in the presence of oxygen. This bacterium is characterized by its high respiration rates, which are almost 10-fold higher than those of Escherichia coli and are a disadvantage for fermentation processes. On the other hand, several works have demonstrated that adequate control of the oxygen supply in A. vinelandii cultivations determines the yields and physicochemical characteristics of alginate and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate). Here, we summarize a review of the characteristics of A. vinelandii related to its respiration systems, as well as some of the most important findings on the oxygen consumption rates as a function of the cultivation parameters and biopolymer production.

Glyphosate-resistant soybeans yield in function of glyphosate salts, doses and stadium phenological / Produtuvidade de cultivares de soja em função dos sais de glyphosate, doses e épocas de aplicação

Given the importance of soybean to the global economy and as a food source, improving crop management techniques is integral to obtaining higher yields. As such, this study aimed to assess the yield of soybean cultivars as a function of different glyphosate salt formulations, doses and application times. Two field experiments were conducted simultaneously using a randomized block design and 3x4x2 factorial scheme, with three repetitions. Factor A consisted of three glyphosate formulations: isopropylamine salt (Roundup Original®), ammonium salt (Roundup WG®), and potassium salt (Zapp Qi®), factor B four application times: 0, 14, 28, 42 days after planting (DAP), and factor C two doses: the recommended dose of 720 grams of acid equivalent per hectare and twice that (1440 grams of acid equivalent per hectare). There was no difference between the glyphosate salts for the BMX Ativa RR® cultivar, but yields of BMX Apolo RR® submitted to ammonium salt were 28% higher than those recorded for the other salts studied. Glyphosate potassium salt resulted in lower soybean yields. Potassium salt application between 14 and 28 DAP caused greater toxicity in both the soybean cultivars analyzed.

Diante da importância da cultura da soja tanto na economia mundial quanto para a alimentação, a melhoria das técnicas de cultivo torna-se um ponto fundamental na obtenção de maiores produtividades. Desta forma o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade de cultivares de soja sob a influência da aplicação de diferentes sais de glyphosate, doses e épocas de aplicação. Dois experimentos de campo foram realizados simultaneamente em delineamento de blocos casualizados com arranjo trifatorial (3x4x2) com três repetições. O fator A consistiu de três formulações de glyphosate: sal de isopropilamina (Roundup Original®), sal de amônio (Roundup WG®), sal de potássio (Zapp Qi®). O fator B consistiu de quatro épocas de aplicação: 0, 14, 28, 42 dias após a semeadura (DAS). O fator C consistiu em duas doses: a dose recomendada de 720 gramas de equivalente ácido por hectare e duas vezes a dose recomendada com 1440 gramas de equivalente ácido por hectare. Para a cultivar BMX Ativa RR® não se observou diferença quanto aos sais, porém a cultivar BMX Apolo RR® submetida a aplicação de sal de amônio demostrou uma produtividade 28% superior em relação aos demais sais. O glyphosate na formulação sal de potássio apresentou redução da produtividade da cultura da soja. Aplicações de glyphosate na formulação sal de potássio realizadas entre os 14 e 28 dias após a semeadura causam maior toxidez em ambas cultivares de soja utilizadas.

Enhancement of cellular activity in hyperglycemic mice dermal wounds dressed with chitosan-alginate membranes

The use of specially designed wound dressings could be an important alternative to facilitate the healing process of wounds in the hyperglycemic state. Biocompatible dressings combining chitosan and alginate can speed up wound healing by modulating the inflammatory phase, stimulating fibroblast proliferation, and aiding in remodeling phases. However, this biomaterial has not yet been explored in chronic and acute lesions of diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical treatment with a chitosan-alginate membrane on acute skin wounds of hyperglycemic mice. Diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin (60 mg · kg-1 · day-1 for 5 days, intraperitoneally) and the cutaneous wound was performed by removing the epidermis using a surgical punch. The results showed that after 10 days of treatment the chitosan and alginate membrane (CAM) group exhibited better organization of collagen fibers. High concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were detected in the first and second days of treatment. G-CSF and TNF-α level decreased after 5 days, as well as the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-10 compared with the control group (CG). In this study, the inflammatory phase of cutaneous lesions of hyperglycemic mice was modulated by the use of CAM, mostly regarding the cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, G-CSF, and IL-10, resulting in better collagen III deposition. However, further studies are needed to better understand the healing stages associated with CAM use.

Evaluation of wound healing effect of alginate film containing Aloe vera gel and cross-linked with zinc chloride

Abstract Purpose To develop a new wound dressing composed of alginate and Aloe vera gel and cross-linked with zinc ions. Methods The aloe-alginate film was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling profile, mechanical properties, polysaccharide content and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thirty Wistar rats were divided in two groups a) treated with aloe-alginate film and b) control (treated with sterile gauze). Wound contraction measurements and hystological analysis were performed on 7th, 14th and 21st days after wound surgery. Results The aloe-alginate film presented adequated mechanical resistance and malleability for application as wound dressing. There was no statistical difference in wound contraction between two groups. Histological assay demonstrated that aloe-alginate film presented anti-inflammatory activity, stimulated angiogenesis on proliferative phase and a more significant increased in collagen type I fibers and decreased type III fibers which promoted a mature scar formation when compared to control. Conclusions The aloe-alginate film showed adequate physicochemical characteristics for wound dressing applications. The in vivo assay demonstrated that aloe-alginate film enhanced the healing process of incisional skin wounds.