Biodegradation of combined pollutants of polyethylene terephthalate and phthalate esters by esterase-integrated Pseudomonas sp. JY-Q with surface-co-displayed PETase and MHETase.

The waste pollution problem caused by polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics poses a huge threat to the environment and human health. As plasticizers, Phthalate esters (PAEs) are widely used in PET production and become combined pollutants with PET. Synthetic biology make it possible to construct engineered cells for microbial degradation of combined pollutants of PET and PAEs. PET hydroxylase (PETase) and monohydroxyethyl terephthalate hydroxylase (MHETase) isolated from Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 exhibit the capability to depolymerize PET. However, PET cannot enter cells, thus enzymatic degradation or cell surface displaying technology of PET hydrolase are the potential strategies. In this study, Pseudomonas sp. JY-Q was selected as a chassis strain, which exhibits robust stress tolerance. First, a truncated endogenous outer membrane protein cOmpA and its variant Signal (OprF)-cOmpA were selected as anchor motifs for exogenous protein to display on the cell surface. These anchor motifs were fused at the N-terminal of PET hydrolase and MHETase and transformed into Pseudomonas sp. JY-Q, the mutant strains successfully display the enzymes on cell surface, after verification by green fluorescent protein labeling and indirect immunofluorescence assay. The resultant strains also showed the catalytic activity of co-displaying PETase and MHETase for PET biodegradation. Then, the cell surface displaying PET degradation module was introduced to a JY-Q strain which genome was integrated with PAEs degrading enzymes and exhibited PAEs degradation ability. The resultant strain JY-Q-R1-R4-SFM-TPH have the ability of degradation PET and PAEs simultaneously. This study provided a promising strain resource for PET and PAEs pollution control.

Residuo de Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae) como absorbente de combustibles para aplicación pasiva en ingeniería contra incendios / Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae) residue as a fuel sorbent for passive application in fire-fighting engineering

Resumen Introducción: Los vertidos de líquidos inflamables pueden producir accidentes graves, principalmente en plantas industriales y en carretera. Para prevenir la dispersión de derrames, se utilizan diversas formas de recolecta, como la absorción con sólidos porosos. Residuos agroindustriales pueden ser aprovechados como materiales sorbentes de líquidos inflamables. Objetivo: Determinar la capacidad de absorción de las biomasas residuales del pedúnculo de la palma aceitera (Elaeis guineensis) y del endocarpio del fruto de coyol (Acrocomia sp.) para cuatro líquidos orgánicos inflamables. Métodos: Las biomasas residuales de E. guineensis y de Acrocomia sp. se evaluaron como sorbentes para combustibles derramados (diésel, queroseno de aviación, queroseno comercial y gasolina). Se midió la cantidad de líquido absorbida por las biomasas a 24 ºC durante una semana, y su cinética de desorción a 50 ºC, usando balanzas de secado. Resultados: La propiedad sorbente del material de Acrocomia sp. no fue satisfactoria, comparada con el pedúnculo de E. guineensis, debido a diferencias en arquitectura residual del material orgánico. Esta última biomasa muestra una capacidad de absorción para los combustibles de 2.4 ± 0.2 cm3 g-1 a 24 ºC. La diatomita absorbe mayor cantidad de los combustibles estudiados, pero la difusión de estos fluidos a 50 ºC por la matriz mineral es solo 0.26 ± 0.09 veces lo observado para el material de E. guineensis, como resultado del mayor grado de tortuosidad de los poros de la diatomita. Conclusiones: El pedúnculo de palma aceitera (E. guineensis) mostró un adecuado potencial desempeño para la aplicación pasiva en la mitigación de los riesgos de incendio, con respecto a la diatomita. El endocarpio del fruto de Acrocomia sp. no resultó útil para esta operación de recuperación.

Abstract Introduction: Spills of flammable liquids can lead to serious accidents, mainly in industrial plants and on roads. To prevent the spread of spills, various forms of collection are used, such as absorption with porous solids. Agroindustrial waste can be used as sorbent materials for flammable liquids. Objective: To determine the sorption capacity of the residual empty-fruit bunch of oil-palm (Elaeis guineensis) and the macaw palm (Acrocomia sp.) nutshell for four organic flammable liquids. Methods: The residual biomasses of E. guineensis and Acrocomia sp. were assessed as sorbents for spilled fuels (diesel, jet fuel, commercial kerosene, and gasoline). Volumetric measurement of liquid-fuel absorption at 24 ºC was taken during a week. Desorption was measured at 50 ºC as the drying kinetics, by using moisture scales. Results: The sorption capacity of the Acrocomia sp. material was not satisfactory, compared to the E. guineensis residual material, due to differences in the residual architecture of the organic material. This last can absorb 2.4 ± 0.2 cm3 g-1 at 24 ºC, during a one-week period. Diatomite absorbs greater quantities of the organic liquids but, the fluids diffusion at 50 ºC is 0.26 ± 0.09 times more slowly in the mineral matrix, because of the greater pore tortuosity in this mineral matrix. Conclusions: The oil-palm empty fruit bunch of E. guineensis, showed lesser but adequate performance than the sorbing behavior for fire hazard mitigation of diatomite. The nutshell of macaw palm (Acrocomia sp.) did not prove to be useful for this recovery operation.

[Bioactive secondary metabolites from an endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. CCH-1E from Catharanthus roseus].

This study focused on the bioactive secondary metabolites of an endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. CCH-1E from Catharanthus roseus. The secondary metabolites from Aspergillus sp. CCH-1E were isolated by using various chromatographic methods [such as normal-phase and reversed-phase chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)], and their structures were identified by various spectroscopic methods [e.g., ultraviolet(UV) spectroscopy, infrared(IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectroscopy, and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS)]. Twelve compounds were yielded and identified from Aspergillus sp. CCH-1E, which are chermesinone H(1), chermesinone I(2), chermesinone B(3), 8,11-didehydrochermesinone B(4), chermesinone C(5), chermesinone A(6), chevalone B(7), barbacenic acid(8), 3,6,8-trihydroxy-3,5,7-trimethyl-3,4-dihydroisocoumarin(9), 5-hydroxy-2-methoxy-7-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone(10), 1-hydroxy-6,8-dimethoxy-3-methylanthracene-9,10-dione(11), and 7-drimen-9α,11,12-triol(12). Among them, compounds 1 and 2 are new compounds. The growth inhibition effects of all compounds were evaluated against non-small cell lung cancer cell lines A549 and NCI-H1650, as well as human cervical cancer cell line HeLa by using methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide(MTT). Compound 7 significantly inhibited the growth of three tumor cells with the IC_(50) values of 1.22-2.43 µmol·L~(-1), respectively. Compounds 1-6 showed moderate cell growth inhibition with the IC_(50) values of 16.24-35.28 µmol·L~(-1).

Synthesis and Photocatalytic sp3 C-H Bond Functionalization of Salen-Ligand-Supported Uranyl(VI) Complexes.

Recent years have seen increasing interest in uranyl(VI) photocatalysis. In this study, uranyl complexes were successfully synthesized from ligands L1-L6 and UO2(NO3)2·6H2O under reflux conditions, yielding products 1-6 with yields ranging from 30% to 50%. The complexes were thoroughly characterized using NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. The results indicate that complexes 1-5 possess a pentagonal bipyramidal geometry, whereas complex 6 exhibits an octahedral structure. The photocatalytic properties of these novel complexes for sp3 C-H bond functionalization were explored. The results demonstrate that complex 4 functions as an efficient photocatalyst for converting C-H bonds to C-C bonds via hydrogen atom transfer under blue light irradiation.

In Vitro Antiproliferative Activity of Echinulin Derivatives from Endolichenic Fungus Aspergillus sp. against Colorectal Cancer.

The endolichenic fungus Aspergillus sp. was isolated from the lichen Xanthoparmelia conspersa harvested in France. Aspergillus sp. was grown on a solid culture medium to ensure the large-scale production of the fungus with a sufficient mass of secondary metabolites. The molecular network analysis of extracts and subfractions enabled the annotation of 22 molecules, guiding the purification process. The EtOAc extract displayed an antiproliferative activity of 3.2 ± 0.4 µg/mL at 48 h against human colorectal cancer cells (HT-29) and no toxicity at 30 µg/mL against human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells (MDA-MB-231) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) non-cancerous cells. Among the five prenylated compounds isolated, of which four are echinulin derivatives, compounds 1 and 2 showed the most important activity, with IC50 values of 1.73 µM and 8.8 µM, respectively, against HT-29 cells.

Desulfonylative Functionalization of Organosulfones via Inert (Hetero)Aryl C(sp2)-SO2 Bond Cleavage.

As "chemical chameleons," organosulfones have been widely applied in various desulfonylative functionalization reactions. However, the desulfonylative functionalization of (hetero)arylsulfones through the cleavage of inert C(sp2)-SO2 bonds remains a challenging and underexplored task. Over the past twenty years, the use of (hetero)arylsulfones as arylation reagents has gradually gained attention in diverse cross-coupling reactions under specific catalytic conditions, especially in transition metal-catalysis and photocatalysis chemistry. In this review, we discuss the representative accomplishments and mechanistic insights achieved in desulfonylative reactions of inactive C(sp2)-SO2 bonds in (hetero)arylsulfones, including: (i) transition-metal-catalyzed desulfonylative cross-coupling reactions and (ii) photo-/electrocatalytic radical desulfonylative coupling reactions. We anticipate that this review will provide an overall perspective in this area to a general audience of researchers and stimulate further innovative strategies for desulfonylative functionalization of inert arylsulfones.

Utilizing novel Aspergillus species for bio-flocculation: A cost-effective approach to harvest Scenedesmus microalgae for biofuel production.

The present study aimed to isolate a bioflocculating fungal strain from wastewater collected from a local bike garage. The isolate showed maximum similarity to Aspergillus species. The fungus was identified as Aspergillus flavus species F_GTAF1 IU (accession no OP703382). The isolated fungus was evaluated in terms of biomass recovery efficiency in Scenedesmus Sp. GTAF01. The extent of algal fungal co-pelletization was evaluated as a function of the algae-to-fungi ratio, volume of fungal culture in broth, agitation rate, and pH. results showed that at fungal culture volume of 60 ░ %v/v, fungal culture volume of 1:3 ░ %w/w, 100 rpm, and pH 3, 93.6 ░ % biomass was obtained during the initial 5 h. At wavenumbers 1384 and 1024 cm-1 a significant alteration in the transmission percentage was observed in co-pellet compared to algae and fungal cells. This shows the significant role of C-H-H and C-N stretches in co-pellet formation. This study provides deep insight into effective microalgal harvesting along with the simultaneous extraction of lipids that can be used for the sustainable production of biodiesel.

Potential Piperolactam A Isolated From Piper betle as Natural Inhibitors of Brucella Species Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase for Livestock Infections: In Silico Approach.

Brucellosis is an important global zoonosis caused by the bacterium Brucella sp. Brucellosis causes abortions, reproductive failure and reduced milk production, resulting in significant economic losses. Brucella species are reported to be resistant to antibiotics, which makes treatment difficult. The urgency of discovering new drug candidates to combat Brucella's infection necessitates the exploration of novel alternative agents with unique protein targets. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), which have fundamental functions in translation, inhibit this process, stop protein synthesis and ultimately inhibit bacterial growth. The purpose of this study was to isolate piperolactam A compounds from the methanol extract of Piper betle leaves that have potential as antibacterials to inhibit the growth of Brucella sp. causing brucellosis in livestock and to analyse the mechanism of inhibitory activity of piperolactam A compounds against the aaRS enzyme through a molecular docking approach in silico. Piperolactam A was isolated from P. betle by column chromatography and characterized by UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMRs and MS, then tested for their inhibition mechanism against the enzymes threonyl-tRNA synthetase, leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) and methionyl-tRNA synthetase in silico. The result in silico test is that piperolactam A has the potential to inhibit LeuRS enzyme with the greater binding affinity.

Isolation and identification of a salt-tolerant Coelastrum sp. and exploration of its potential for biodiesel production.

Given the escalating demand for renewable biofuels amidst the continual consumption of fossil energy, the exploration and identification of microalgal strains for biodiesel production have become crucial. In this study, a microalgal strain named HDMA-12 was isolated from Lake Chenjiadayuan in China to evaluate its biodiesel potential. Phylogenetic analysis of its internal transcribed spacer sequences revealed HDMA-12 as a new molecular record in the genus Coelastrum. When cultivated in BG11 basal medium, HDMA-12 achieved a biomass of 635.7 mg L-1 and a lipid content of 26.4%. Furthermore, the fatty acid methyl ester profile of HDMA-12 exhibited favorable combustion characteristics. Subjected to 200 mM NaCl stress, HDMA-12 reached its maximum biomass of 751.5 mg L-1 and a lipid content of 28.9%. These findings indicate the promising prospects of HDMA-12 as a promising microalgal strain for further advancements in biodiesel production.

Thiobacillus sedimenti sp. nov., a chemolithoautotrophic sulphur-oxidizing bacterium isolated from freshwater sediment.

A sulphur-oxidizing bacterium, designated strain SCUT-2T, was isolated from freshwater sediment collected from the Pearl River in Guangzhou, PR China. This strain was an obligate chemolithoautotroph, utilizing reduced sulphur compounds (elemental sulphur, thiosulphate, tetrathionate and sulphite) as the electron donor. Growth of strain SCUT-2T was observed at 20-40 â„ƒ (optimum at 30 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum at 6.0), and NaCl concentration range of 0-9 g L-1 (optimum at 1 g L-1). The major cellular fatty acids were C16:0 ω7c and cyclo-C17:0. The DNA G + C content of the complete genome sequence was 66.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain SCUT-2T formed a lineage within the genus Thiobacillus, showing gene sequence identity of 98.0% with its closest relative Thiobacillus thioparus THI 115. The genome of strain SCUT-2T contains multiple genes encoding sulphur-oxidizing enzymes that catalyse the oxidation of reduced sulphur compounds, partial genes that are necessary for denitrification, and the genes encoding cbb3-type cytochrome c oxidase, aa3-type cytochrome c oxidase and bd-type quinol oxidase. Facultative anaerobic growth occurs when using nitrate as the electron acceptor and thiosulphate as the electron donor. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, genotypic and phylogenetic analysis, strain SCUT-2T (= GDMCC 1.4108T = JCM 39443T) is deemed to represent a novel Thiobacillus species, for which we propose the name Thiobacillus sedimenti sp. nov.

Improving the medium composition for the production of the natural blue-violet pigment violacein by a new Janthinobacterium sp. isolate.

The interest in natural compounds has increased primarily due to their beneficial health and environmental aspects. However, natural sources of some compounds, such as blueish pigments, are limited, requiring the development of efficient processes to meet commercial demands. This study isolated a blue-violet bacterium from spoiled cooked rice and identified it as a potential new species of Janthinobacterium through 16S rDNA analysis. UHPLC-MS/MS analyses confirmed that the blue-violet pigment violacein was responsible for the blueish color. In laboratory conditions, different carbon and nitrogen sources were evaluated in submerged culture media to enhance pigment production. Glycerol did not result in significant pigment production by this strain, as expected from previous reports. Instead, a culture medium composed of yeast extract and fructose yielded higher pigment production, reaching about 113.68 ± 16.68 mg L-1 after 120 hours. This result provides crucial insights for future studies aiming for sustainable and commercially viable violacein production. Based on a bioeconomy concept, this approach has the potential to supply natural and economic bluish pigments for various industrial sectors, including pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food.

Screening high-efficiency promoter to construct trans-vp28 gene Anabaena sp. PCC7120 against white spot syndrome virus of Litopenaeus vannamei.

This study aimed to select high-quality promoters to construct trans-vp28 gene Anabaena sp. PCC7120 and feed Litopenaeus vannamei to assess the effect of L.vannamei against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Transgenic algae were created using five plasmids containing PrbcL, Pcpc560, Ptrc, Ptac, and PpsbA. According to the gene expression efficiency and the growth index of transgenic algae, Pcpc560 was determined to be the most efficient promoter. Shrimps were continuously fed trans-vp28 gene Anabaena sp. PCC7120 for one week and then challenged with WSSV. After the challenge, the transgenic algae group (vp28-7120 group) was continuously immunized [continuous immunization for 0 days (vp28-7120-0d); continuous immunization for 2 days (vp28-7120-2d); continuous immunization for 4 days (vp28-7120-4d)]. After seven days, the daily survival rate of each experimental group was continuously tracked. Following the viral challenge, the hepatopancreas samples were assayed for their levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), thioredoxin peroxidase (TPX), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) at varying time intervals. In comparison to the positive control group (challenge and no vaccination) and the wild-type group (challenge, fed wild-type Anabaena sp. PCC7120), the vp28-7120 group (challenge, fed trans-vp28 gene Anabaena sp. PCC7120) exhibited a remarkable increase in survival rates, reaching 50 % (vp28-7120-0d), 76.67 % (vp28-7120-2d), and 80 % (vp28-7120-4d). Furthermore, the vp28-7120 group consistently displayed significantly higher activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, ACP, and AKP, while exhibiting notably lower TPX activity, when compared to the control group. These results indicate that the Pcpc560 promoter effectively elevated the expression level of the exogenous vp28 gene and spurred the growth of the trans-vp28 gene Anabaena sp. PCC7120. Consequently, trans-vp28 gene Anabaena sp. PCC7120 significantly bolstered the immunity of L.vannamei. Therefore, utilizing the Pcpc560 promoter to develop trans-vp28 gene Anabaena sp. PCC7120 based oral vaccine is highly beneficial for industrial-scale cultivation, advancing its commercialization prospects.

Evidence that beneficial microbial inoculation enhances heavy metal-contaminated soil remediation: Variations in plant endophyte communities.

Microbial remediation of heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soil is a sustainable approach; however, the impact of microbial inoculation on the internal environment of plants remains understudied. Thus, Enterobacter sp. FM-1 (Enterobacter sp.) and the hyperaccumulator Bidens pilosa L. (B. pilosa L.) were used to study these effects. Through analyses of plant physiological and biochemical characteristics, the endophytic microbial community composition, microbial co-occurrence networks and functional predictions, the potential mechanisms by which Enterobacter sp. benefits the phytoremediation of HM-contaminated soil by B. pilosa L. were elucidated. Inoculation with Enterobacter sp. promoted the growth of B. pilosa L. and influenced the endophytic microbial community diversity in B. pilosa L. Interactions among endophytes facilitated the formation of microbial networks, with endophytic fungi playing a more prominent role than endophytic bacteria as the level of HM contamination increased. Functional predictions via PICRUSt2 revealed that endophytic bacteria are involved primarily in processes related to carbohydrate metabolism, ABC transporters, and amino acid metabolism. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the beneficial role of microbes in improving the plant endosphere environment.

Anti-inflammatory potential of aspergillus unguis SP51-EGY: TLR4-dependent effects & chemical diversity via Q-TOF LC-HRMS.

Inflammation serves as an intricate defense mechanism for tissue repair. However, overactivation of TLR4-mediated inflammation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can lead to detrimental outcomes such as sepsis, acute lung injury, and chronic inflammation, often associated with cancer and autoimmune diseases. This study delves into the anti-inflammatory properties of "Aspergillus unguis isolate SP51-EGY" on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Through real-time qPCR, we assessed the expression levels of pivotal inflammatory genes, including iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6. Remarkably, our fungal extracts significantly diminished NO production and showed noteworthy reductions in the mRNA expression levels of the aforementioned genes. Furthermore, while Nrf2 is typically associated with modulating inflammatory responses, our findings indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of our extracts are not Nrf2-dependent. Moreover, the chemical diversity of the potent extract (B Sh F) was elucidated using Q-TOF LC-HRMS, identifying 54 compounds, some of which played vital roles in suppressing inflammation. Most notably, compounds like granisetron, fenofibrate, and umbelliprenin were found to downregulate TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 through the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, "Aspergillus unguis isolate SP51-EGY", isolated from the Red Sea, Egypt, has been unveiled as a promising TLR4 inhibitor with significant anti-inflammatory potentials, presenting novel insights for their potential therapeutic use in inflammation.

Halorubrum miltondacostae sp. nov., a potential polyhydroxyalkanoate producer isolated from an inland solar saltern in Rio Maior, Portugal.

One hundred and sixty-three extreme halophiles were recovered from a single sample collected from an inland solar saltern in Rio Maior. Based on random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiles and partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing 125 isolates were identified as members of the Archaea domain within the genus Halorubrum. Two strains, RMP-11T and RMP-47, showed 99.1 % sequence similarity with the species Halorubrum californiense based on phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence. However, phylogenetic analysis based on five housekeeping genes, atpB, EF-2, glnA, ppsA and rpoB', showed Halorubrum coriense as the closest related species with 96.7 % similarity. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) of strains RMP-11T, RMP-47 and species Hrr. coriense were within the range of 90.0-90.5 %, supporting that strains RMP-11T and RMP-47 represent a novel species of the genus Halorubrum. These strains formed red-pigmented colonies that were able to grow in a temperature range of 25-50 °C. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) granules were detected in both strains. The polar lipid profile was identical to the neutrophilic species of the genus Halorubrum. The Rio Maior sample from which both strains were isolated was metagenome sequenced. We identified five metagenome-assembled genomes representing novel Halorubrum species but distinct from the species represented by strains RMP-11T and RMP-47. Based on phylogenetic, phylogenomic, comparative genomics, physiological and chemotaxonomic parameters, we describe a new species of the genus Halorubrum represented by strains RMP-11T (=CECT 30760T = DSM 115521T) and RMP-47 (=CECT 30761 = DSM 115541) for which we propose the name Halorubrum miltondacostae sp. nov.

Simultaneous Protein and RNA Analysis in Single Extracellular Vesicles, Including Viruses.

The individual detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virions and resolution from extracellular vesicles (EVs) during analysis is a difficult challenge. Infectious enveloped virions and nonviral EVs are released simultaneously by HIV-infected host cells, in addition to hybrid viral EVs containing combinations of HIV and host components but lacking replicative ability. Complicating the issue, EVs and enveloped virions are both delimited by a lipid bilayer and share similar size and density. The feature that distinguishes infectious virions from host and hybrid EVs is the HIV genomic RNA (gRNA), which allows the virus to replicate. Single-particle analysis techniques, which provide snapshots of single biological nanoparticles, could resolve infectious virions from EVs. However, current single-particle analysis techniques focus mainly on protein detection, which fail to resolve hybrid EVs from infectious virions. A method to simultaneously detect viral protein and internal gRNA in the same particle would allow resolution of infectious HIV from EVs and noninfectious virions. Here, we introduce SPIRFISH, a high-throughput method for single-particle protein and RNA analysis, combining single particle interferometric reflectance imaging sensor with single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization. Using SPIRFISH, we detect HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 and genomic RNA within single infectious virions, allowing resolution against EV background and noninfectious virions. We further show that SPIRFISH can be used to detect specific RNAs within EVs. This may have major utility for EV therapeutics, which are increasingly focused on EV-mediated RNA delivery. SPIRFISH should enable single particle analysis of a broad class of RNA-containing nanoparticles.

Upcycling food waste as a low-cost cultivation medium for Chlorella sp. microalgae.

BACKGROUND: Global food loss and waste have raised environmental concerns regarding the generation of greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide and methane gas), which directly contribute to climate change. To address these concerns, the present research aims to upcycle food waste into an alternative culture medium for the cultivation of microalgae. Various parameters including pretreatment of food waste (i.e., autoclave and non-autoclave), concentration of food waste culture medium (i.e., 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 90% and 100%), harvesting efficiency and biochemical compounds of Chlorella sp. microalgae were carried out. RESULTS: Based on the preliminary findings, the highest biomass concentration obtained from 10% food waste culture medium in the autoclave for Chlorella sp., including strains FSP-E, ESP-31 and CY-1, were 2.869 ± 0.022, 2.385 ± 0.018 and 0.985 ± 0.0026 g L-1, respectively. Since Chlorella vulgaris FSP-E exhibited the highest biomass concentration, this microalgal strain was selected to examine the subsequent parameters. Cultivation of C. vulgaris FSP-E in 100FW achieves a biomass concentration of 4.465 ± 0.008 g L-1 with biochemical compounds of 6.94 ± 1.396, 248.24 ± 0.976 and 406.23 ± 0.593 mg g-1 for lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study shows that using food waste as an alternative culture medium for C. vulgaris FSP-E can achieve substantial biomass productivity and biochemical content. This research work would contribute to the concept of net zero emission and transitioning toward a circular bioeconomy by upcycling food waste as an alternative culture medium for the cultivation of microalgae. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Harnessing the Phytochemistry Through Pesticidal Potential of Diverse Elsholtzia Species: A Path to Sustainable Agriculture.

This study investigates the phytochemical profiles and pesticidal activities of various Elsholtzia species, including E. ciliata, E. flava, E. fruticosa, and E. eriostachya, to discover their bioactive potential for sustainable pest management. Through comparative phytochemical analysis using GC-MS technique, key compounds in the essential oils were identified. The major components were thymoquinone (44.97%) in E. ciliata, shisofuran (28.66%) in E. flava, perillene (50.88%) in E. fruticosa, and pinocarvone (42.41%) in E. eriostachya. Despite variability in chemical composition, all species primarily contained oxygenated monoterpenes. The bioactivity of the oils was evaluated for their nematicidal and herbicidal bioassays. E. ciliata showed the highest egg hatching inhibition and juvenile mortality of M. incognita, while E. flava exhibited the lowest activity. For herbicidal activity, E. eriostachya achieved 96.70% seed germination inhibition, 100% root growth inhibition, and 95.56% shoot growth inhibition. E. flava showed the lowest inhibition in germination, root length, and shoot length at 66.70%, 81.56%, and 85.28%, respectively. The findings revealed significant variations in phytochemical composition and pesticidal efficacy, emphasizing the importance of species selection for pest management. This research highlights the bioactive potential of Elsholtzia species in sustainable pest management strategies.

Multiple routes to fungicide resistance: Interaction of Cyp51 gene sequences, copy number and expression.

We examined the molecular basis of triazole resistance in Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (wheat mildew, Bgt), a model organism among powdery mildews. Four genetic models for responses to triazole fungicides were identified among US and UK isolates, involving multiple genetic mechanisms. Firstly, only two amino acid substitutions in CYP51B lanosterol demethylase, the target of triazoles, were associated with resistance, Y136F and S509T (homologous to Y137F and S524T in the reference fungus Zymoseptoria tritici). As sequence variation did not explain the wide range of resistance, we also investigated Cyp51B copy number and expression, the latter using both reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and RNA-seq. The second model for resistance involved higher copy number and expression in isolates with a resistance allele; thirdly, however, moderate resistance was associated with higher copy number of wild-type Cyp51B in some US isolates. A fourth mechanism was heteroallelism with multiple alleles of Cyp51B. UK isolates, with significantly higher mean resistance than their US counterparts, had higher mean copy number, a high frequency of the S509T substitution, which was absent from the United States, and in the most resistant isolates, heteroallelism involving both sensitivity residues Y136+S509 and resistance residues F136+T509. Some US isolates were heteroallelic for Y136+S509 and F136+S509, but this was not associated with higher resistance. The obligate biotrophy of Bgt may constrain the tertiary structure and thus the sequence of CYP51B, so other variation that increases resistance may have a selective advantage. We describe a process by which heteroallelism may be adaptive when Bgt is intermittently exposed to triazoles.

Changes in the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fecal pellets of Marphysa sp. E and reduced mud in the Yoro tidal flat, Japan.

Marphysa sp. E (Annelida, Eunicidae), inhabiting the Yoro tidal flat (inner part of Tokyo Bay, Japan), ingests reduced mud comprising black and high viscosity sediments that contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); these PAHs are excreted within the fecal pellets. PAH concentration in the fecal pellets rapidly decrease to half its quantity 2 h after its excretion. To investigate their specificity of change, we analyzed the PAHs in fecal pellets and reduced mud using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. PAH concentration of the fecal pellets was observed to decrease by 46 % in 2 h, whereas that of reduced mud decreased by only 8 % in the same duration. This suggests that the PAH concentration of reduced mud decreases only after passing through the worm's digestive system. These results indicate that Marphysa sp. E contributes to the purification of the tidal flat environment.