Antitumor activity of vibrio sp. isolated biopolymers in induced breast cancer in rats. / Actividad antitumoral de biopolímeros aislados de Vibrio sp. en cáncer de mama inducido en ratas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antitumor activity of the raw extract from biopolymers isolated from the Vibrio sp. marine bacteria in breast cancer induced by N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Vibrio sp. marine bacteria was cultured for seven days, then the raw supernatant was filtered, precipitated and concentrated. MNU was administered in a single dose of 50 mg/kg to 39 Holtzman rats and were daily treated for 9 weeks orally: G1 (n = 13): 0.1 mL/100 g of saline solution; G2 (n = 13): 20 mg/kg of raw extract from Vibrio sp. biopolymers; G3 (n = 13): 100 mg/kg of tamoxifen; G4 (n = 11) received no MNU and only 0.1 mL/100 g of saline solution. Body weight and the appearance of breast tumors identified by palpation were assessed weekly, as well as histopathological examination at the end of treatment. RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent of the rats in the G1 group developed tumors from week 7 onwards in an average of 2.2 tumors per animal; in contrast to the group treated with the raw biopolymer extract and tamoxifen; where only one rat (8%) in each group developed tumors after week nine of induction (p = 0.001). The histopathological results support that all the removed tumors correspond to breast ductal adenocarcinoma with different patterns: solid, papillary and cystic. Likewise, necrotic foci were evidenced in 30% of the tumors of the G1 group. CONCLUSION: The raw extract of biopolymers isolated from Vibrio sp. present antitumor effect in breast cancer induced in rats.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la actividad antitumoral del extracto crudo de biopolímeros aislados de la bacteria marina Vibrio sp. en cáncer de mama inducido por N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) en ratas. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se cultivó la bacteria marina Vibrio sp. durante siete días, luego se filtró, precipitó y concentró el sobrenadante crudo. Se administró una dosis única de MNU 50 mg/kg a 39 ratas Holtzman y fueron tratadas diariamente durante nueve semanas por vía oral: G1 (n = 13): suero fisiológico 0,1 mL/100 g; G2 (n = 13): extracto crudo de biopolímeros de Vibrio sp. 20 mg/kg; G3 (n = 13): tamoxifeno 100 mg/kg. El G4 (n = 11) solo recibió suero fisiológico 0,1 mL/100 g. Se valoró semanalmente el peso corporal y la aparición de tumores mamarios identificados mediante palpación; así como el examen histopatológico al final del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: El 77% de las ratas del grupo G1 desarrollaron tumores a partir de la séptima semana en un promedio de 2,2 tumores por cada animal; en contraste al grupo tratado con el extracto crudo de biopolímeros y tamoxifeno; donde solo una rata (8%) en cada grupo desarrolló tumores y posterior a la semana nueve de la inducción (p = 0,001). Los resultados histopatológicos sostienen que todos los tumores extirpados corresponden a adenocarcinoma ductal de mama con distintos patrones: sólido, papilar y quístico. Asimismo, se evidenciaron focos necróticos en el 30% de los tumores del grupo G1. CONCLUSIÓN: El extracto crudo de biopolímeros aislados de Vibrio sp. presentan efecto antitumoral en cáncer de mama inducido en ratas.

Biorefinery of Biomass of Agro-Industrial Banana Waste to Obtain High-Value Biopolymers.

On a worldwide scale, food demand is increasing as a consequence of global population growth. This makes companies push their food supply chains' limits with a consequent increase in generation of large amounts of untreated waste that are considered of no value to them. Biorefinery technologies offer a suitable alternative for obtaining high-value products by using unconventional raw materials, such as agro-industrial waste. Currently, most biorefineries aim to take advantage of specific residues (by either chemical, biotechnological, or physical treatments) provided by agro-industry in order to develop high-value products for either in-house use or for sale purposes. This article reviews the currently explored possibilities to apply biorefinery-known processes to banana agro-industrial waste in order to generate high-value products out of this residual biomass source. Firstly, the Central and Latin American context regarding biomass and banana residues is presented, followed by advantages of using banana residues as raw materials for the production of distinct biofuels, nanocellulose fibers, different bioplastics, and other high-value products Lastly, additional uses of banana biomass residues are presented, including energy generation and water treatment.

Actividad antitumoral de biopolímeros aislados de Vibrio sp. en cáncer de mama inducido en ratas / Antitumor activity of vibrio sp. isolated biopolymers in induced breast cancer in rats

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad antitumoral del extracto crudo de biopolímeros aislados de la bacteria marina Vibrio sp. en cáncer de mama inducido por N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) en ratas. Materiales y métodos: Se cultivó la bacteria marina Vibrio sp. durante siete días, luego se filtró, precipitó y concentró el sobrenadante crudo. Se administró una dosis única de MNU 50 mg/kg a 39 ratas Holtzman y fueron tratadas diariamente durante nueve semanas por vía oral: G1 (n=13): suero fisiológico 0,1 mL/100g; G2 (n=13): extracto crudo de biopolímeros de Vibrio sp. 20 mg/kg; G3 (n=13): tamoxifeno 100 mg/kg. El G4 (n=11) solo recibió suero fisiológico 0,1 mL/100g. Se valoró semanalmente el peso corporal y la aparición de tumores mamarios identificados mediante palpación; así como el examen histopatológico al final del tratamiento. Resultados: El 77% de las ratas del grupo G1 desarrollaron tumores a partir de la séptima semana en un promedio de 2,2 tumores por cada animal; en contraste al grupo tratado con el extracto crudo de biopolímeros y tamoxifeno; donde solo una rata (8%) en cada grupo desarrolló tumores y posterior a la semana nueve de la inducción (p=0,001). Los resultados histopatológicos sostienen que todos los tumores extirpados corresponden a adenocarcinoma ductal de mama con distintos patrones: sólido, papilar y quístico. Asimismo, se evidenciaron focos necróticos en el 30% de los tumores del grupo G1. Conclusión: El extracto crudo de biopolímeros aislados de Vibrio sp. presentan efecto antitumoral en cáncer de mama inducido en ratas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the antitumor activity of the raw extract from biopolymers isolated from the Vibrio sp. marine bacteria in breast cancer induced by N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) in rats. Materials and methods: The Vibrio sp. marine bacteria was cultured for seven days, then the raw supernatant was filtered, precipitated and concentrated. MNU was administered in a single dose of 50 mg/kg to 39 Holtzman rats and were daily treated for 9 weeks orally: G1 (n = 13): 0.1 mL/100 g of saline solution; G2 (n = 13): 20 mg/kg of raw extract from Vibrio sp. biopolymers; G3 (n = 13): 100 mg/kg of tamoxifen; G4 (n = 11) received no MNU and only 0.1 mL/100 g of saline solution. Body weight and the appearance of breast tumors identified by palpation were assessed weekly, as well as histopathological examination at the end of treatment. Results: Seventy-seven percent of the rats in the G1 group developed tumors from week 7 onwards in an average of 2.2 tumors per animal; in contrast to the group treated with the raw biopolymer extract and tamoxifen; where only one rat (8%) in each group developed tumors after week nine of induction (p = 0.001). The histopathological results support that all the removed tumors correspond to breast ductal adenocarcinoma with different patterns: solid, papillary and cystic. Likewise, necrotic foci were evidenced in 30% of the tumors of the G1 group. Conclusion: The raw extract of biopolymers isolated from Vibrio sp. present antitumor effect in breast cancer induced in rats.

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Synthesis by Spirulina sp. LEB 18 Using Biopolymer Extraction Waste.

The reuse of waste as well as the production of biodegradable compounds has for years been the object of studies and of global interest as a way to reduce the environmental impact generated by unsustainable exploratory processes. The conversion of linear processes into cyclical processes has environmental and economic advantages, reducing waste deposition and reducing costs. The objective of this work was to use biopolymer extraction waste in the cultivation of Spirulina sp. LEB 18, for the cyclic process of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) synthesis. Concentrations of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% (v/v) of biopolymer extraction waste were tested. For comparison, two assays were used without addition of waste, Zarrouk (SZ) and modified Zarrouk (ZM), with reduction of nitrogen. The assays were carried out in triplicate and evaluated for the production of microalgal biomass and PHB. The tests with addition of waste presented a biomass production statistically equal to ZM (0.79 g L-1) (p < 0.1). The production of PHB in the assay containing 25% of waste was higher when compared to the other cultivations, obtaining 10.6% (w/w) of biopolymer. From the results obtained, it is affirmed that the use of PHB extraction waste in the microalgal cultivation, aiming at the synthesis of biopolymers, can occur in a cyclic process, reducing process costs and the deposition of waste, thus favoring the preservation of the environment.

Characterization of a cyclic olefin polymer microcentrifuge tube.

Here, we describe the properties of a prototype microcentrifuge tube made from the plastic cyclic olefin polymer (COP). This material has been used in the manufacture of primary containers including syringes and vials for the storage, shipment, and delivery of biotherapeutics, vaccines, and cell therapy products. Its low level of extractable substances and metals along with its glass-like clarity make COP an attractive material for the fabrication of microcentrifuge tubes and other consumable laboratory plasticware where contamination is an important consideration, such as in the storage and analysis of labile proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites. We compare the performance of microcentrifuge tubes made of COP with that of several brands made of polypropylene (PP), the plastic most widely used in the manufacture of microcentrifuge tubes. Our results show COP microcentrifuge tubes perform as well as tubes made of PP, with reduced levels of compounds capable of leaching into solvents typically used in the laboratory.

Ultrasonically enhanced extraction of bioactive principles from Quillaja Saponaria Molina.

A study of ultrasonic enhancement in the extraction of bioactive principles from Quillaja Saponaria Molina (Quillay) is presented. The effects influencing the extraction process were studied through a two-level factorial design. The effects considered in the experimental design were: granulometry, extraction time, acoustic Power, raw matter/solvent ratio (concentration) and acoustic impedance. It was found that for aqueous extraction the main factors affecting the ultrasonically-assisted process were: granulometry, raw matter/solvent ratio and extraction time. The extraction ratio was increased by Ultrasonics effect and a reduction in extraction time was verified without any influence in the product quality. In addition the process can be carried out at lower temperatures than the conventional method. As the process developed uses chips from the branches of trees, and not only the bark, this research contributes to make the saponin exploitation process a sustainable industry.

Isolation and biochemical characterization of extracellular polymeric secretions (EPS) from modern soft marine stromatolites (Bahamas) and its inhibitory effect on CaCO3 precipitation.

Bahamian soft marine stromatolites consist of cyanobacterial biofilms and carbonate sand grains (ooids) embedded in their extracellular polymeric secretions (EPS). EPS were isolated from natural marine stromatolites and the laboratory cultured stromatolite forming cyanobacterium isolate Schizothix sp. Laboratory investigations were conducted to examine biochemical characteristics and the role of EPS in the inhibition of CaCO3 precipitation. EPS consisted of acid polysaccharides and proteins. SDS-PAGE and amino acid analysis suggested that EPS from both soft marine stromatolite and Schizothrix sp. mat contained small proteins (38 kD and 45 kD) enriched in aspartic acid and glutamic acid. Also, immuno blotting suggested that natural EPS contain high molecular weight acid polysaccharide (500 k) which may represent cross-linked products of laboratory cultured Schizothrix sp. acid polysaccharide (300 k). EPS from both soft marine stromatolite and laboratory cultured Schizothrix sp. inhibited CaCO3 precipitation in vitro, as determined using pH drift assays examining pH decrease which occur in response to CaCO3 precipitation. PH drift assays of enzymatically and chemically modified EPS isolated from soft marine stromatolite and laboratory cultured Schizothrix sp. indicated that both uronic acids and protein fractions may be involved in the inhibition of CaCO3 precipitation.

[Methods for extracting chitin from shrimp shell waste]. / Métodos de extracción de quitina a partir de cáscara de camarón.

Shrimp shell waste obtained from several industrial freezing-purchasing plants of Guaymas, Sonora, Méx., was studied as a source of value-added chitin biopolymers. In part I, the effect of different isolation conditions on the chitin yield and chemical characteristic, was investigated. Protein and mineral matter were removed with alkali and acid treatment respectively. A 2x2x3 factorial a way of a completely randomized design was used in order to evaluate the effect of the process variables, namely, NaOH concentration (0.4 and 2%) during the deproteinization and HCl concentration (3 and 5%) carried out at 40, 50 and 60 degrees C. The best processing conditions were desproteinization with 2% NaOH, and demineralization with 5% HCl at 50 degrees C, in terms of final ash and chitin content and yield. In part II, a selection of methods of isolation of chitin and chitosan was studied in order to establish the best conditions for scaling up a process to pilot plant level. The processing conditions were selected from reported methods as well as from those defined in part I. Purity of chitin samples was determined in terms of residual protein, ash and chitin each one to produce high quality chitin (0.00% protein, 0.01% ash, 99.99% chitin) and standard grade chitin (0.00% protein, 0.09% ash, 99.13% chitin). Both products were considered as of adequate quality and their manufacture process could be scaled up by further optimization of the processing conditions.

Métodos de extracción de quitina a partir de cáscara de camarón / Shrimp shell waste as a source of chitin biopolymers

Los desechos de cáscara de camarón procedentes de las plantas congeladoras de Guaymas Sonora, Mex., fueron estudiadas como fuente de biopolímeros de quintina de alto valor agregado. En la ParteI, se estudió el efecto de las diferentes condiciones de aislamiento de la quitina y las características químicas. La proteína y materia mineral fueron eliminados con tratamiento álcali y ácido respectivamente. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial 2x2x3 para evaluar el efecto de las varables de proceso. Fueron utilizadas concentraciones de 0.4 por ciento y 2 por ciento de NaOH durante la desproteinización, Hcl en concentraciones de 3 por ciento y 5 por ciento a temperaturas de 40, 50 y 60 grados Celsius durante la desmineralización. En base al contenido de cenizas, quitina y rendimiento de quitina, las mejores condiciones de proceso de desproteinización fueron NaOH al 2 por ciento, y desmineralización con Hcl al 5 por ciento a 50 grados Celsius. En la Parte II, se evaluaron los mejores métodos de aislamiento de quinta y quitosano reportados en la literatura, así como el mejor de aquellos usados en la parte I, para un escalamiento a planta piloto. La pureza de las muestras de quitina fueron analizadas en términos de contenido de proteína residual, cenizas y quitina. Dos procesos fueron estabelecidos para producir quitina de alta calidad (0,00 por ciento proteína, 0,01 por ciento cenizas, 99,99 por ciento quitina), y quitina de grado práctico (0,00 por ciento proteína, 0,09 por ciento cenizas, 99,13 por ciento quitina). Ambos productos fueron considerados aceptables y su producción podría ser a escala piloto siempre y cuando se optimicen las condiciones de proceso.