Varieties of lima bean shows different growth responses when inoculated with Bacillus sp. a plant growth-promoting bacteria / Variedades de feijão-fava exibem diferentes respostas de crescimento quando inoculadas com Bacillus sp. uma bactéria promotora de crescimento em plantas

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) comprise of soil microorganisms that cause positive effects on plant growth. The hypothesis according to which the inoculation of lima bean with PGPB Bacillus stimulates vegetative growth, which may result in a higher plant productivity, was tested. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of inoculation of two varieties of lima bean (branca and boca de moça) with Bacillus sp., UFPEDA 472 strain, based on plant growth responses. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a completely randomized design. Three treatments were applied separately to each lima bean variety: the first used inoculation with Bacillus, one was submitted to nitrogen supplementation, and one was the absolute control (non-inoculated plants). The following variables were evaluated: absolute and relative growth rate, root length, stem diameter, fresh and dry mass of shoots and roots, shoot:root ratio and total chlorophyll. The results showed that lima bean displayed better growth responses when inoculated with Bacillus sp. UFPEDA 472 in relation to the treatment with nitrogen and/or non-inoculated plants. When inoculated with PGPB Bacillus, the lima bean var. branca was superior to boca de moça in terms of root length and root dry mass. The lima bean var. boca de moça inoculated with Bacillus sp. UFPEDA 472 was superior to branca in terms of absolute growth rate, stem diameter, fresh and dry mass of shoot, shoot:root ratio and total chlorophyll. In general, the lima bean var. boca de moça inoculated with Bacillus shows a better growth performance. Our results suggest that growth responses of lima bean varieties branca and boca de moça are related with a positive interaction with the PGPB Bacillus.

Bactérias promotoras de crescimento em plantas (BPCP) compreendem microrganismos do solo que causam efeitos positivos no crescimento vegetal. A hipótese de que a inoculação de feijão-fava com BPCP Bacillus estimula o crescimento vegetativo, o qual pode resultar em uma maior produtividade vegetal, foi testado. Assim, este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da inoculação de duas variedades de feijão-fava (branca e boca de moça) com Bacillus sp., estirpe UFPEDA 472, baseado em respostas de crescimento vegetal. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação usando um delineamento completamente ao acaso. Três tratamentos foram aplicados separadamente à cada variedade de feijão-fava: o primeiro utilizou a inoculação com Bacillus sp. UFPEDA 472, um foi submetido à suplementação com nitrogênio e um foi o controle absoluto (plantas não inoculadas). As seguintes variáveis foram avaliadas: taxa de crescimento absoluto e relativo, comprimento das raízes, diâmetro do caule, massa fresca e seca da parte aérea e raízes, relação parte aérea:raiz e clorofila total. Os resultados mostram que o feijão-fava exibiu melhores respostas de crescimento quando inoculadas com Bacillus sp. UFPEDA 472 em relação ao tratamento com nitrogênio e/ou às plantas não inoculadas. Quando inoculado com Bacillus sp. UFPEDA 472, o feijão-fava var. branca foi superior à boca de moça em termos de comprimento e massa seca das raízes. O feijão-fava var. boca de moça inoculado com Bacillus sp. UFPEDA 472 foi superior à branca na taxa de crescimento absoluto, diâmetro do caule, massa fresca e seca da parte aérea, relação

Influence of glucose and stirring in the fermentation process in order to produce anti-Candida metabolites produced by Streptomyces sp

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the influence of glucose and stirring in the fermentation process in order to produce anti-Candida metabolites produced by Streptomyces sp. MPO4 isolated from Amazon soil. The anti-Candida metabolites production was registered after 24 h of fermentation in stirred ISP2 medium, having antifungal inhibition halos between 12.3 mm and 25.3 mm, yielding higher production of anti-Candida agents after 96 h. Stirring was a determining factor for the production of anti-Candida secondary metabolites, since the absence of glucose reflected in the late production of the antifungal starting from Streptomyces sp.

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou a influência da glicose e agitação no processo de fermentação para a produção de metabólitos anti-Candida produzidos por Streptomyces sp. MPO4 isolado do solo da Amazônia. A produção dos metabólitos anti-Candida foi registrada a partir de 24 h de fermentação sob agitação em meio ISP2, apresentando halos de inibição entre 12,3 mm e 25,3 mm, obtendo-se maior produção do antifúngico em 96 h. A agitação foi um fator determinante para a produção de metabólitos secundários anti-Candida e a ausência de glicose refletiu na produção tardia do antifúngico a partir do Streptomyces sp.

Antibiotics produced by Streptomyces

Streptomyces is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that grows in various environments, and its shape resembles filamentous fungi. The morphological differentiation of Streptomyces involves the formation of a layer of hyphae that can differentiate into a chain of spores. The most interesting property of Streptomyces is the ability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites, such as antifungals, antivirals, antitumorals, anti-hypertensives, immunosuppressants, and especially antibiotics. The production of most antibiotics is species specific, and these secondary metabolites are important for Streptomyces species in order to compete with other microorganisms that come in contact, even within the same genre. Despite the success of the discovery of antibiotics, and advances in the techniques of their production, infectious diseases still remain the second leading cause of death worldwide, and bacterial infections cause approximately 17 million deaths annually, affecting mainly children and the elderly. Self-medication and overuse of antibiotics is another important factor that contributes to resistance, reducing the lifetime of the antibiotic, thus causing the constant need for research and development of new antibiotics.

Antibiotics produced by Streptomyces.

Streptomyces is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that grows in various environments, and its shape resembles filamentous fungi. The morphological differentiation of Streptomyces involves the formation of a layer of hyphae that can differentiate into a chain of spores. The most interesting property of Streptomyces is the ability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites, such as antifungals, antivirals, antitumorals, anti-hypertensives, immunosuppressants, and especially antibiotics. The production of most antibiotics is species specific, and these secondary metabolites are important for Streptomyces species in order to compete with other microorganisms that come in contact, even within the same genre. Despite the success of the discovery of antibiotics, and advances in the techniques of their production, infectious diseases still remain the second leading cause of death worldwide, and bacterial infections cause approximately 17 million deaths annually, affecting mainly children and the elderly. Self-medication and overuse of antibiotics is another important factor that contributes to resistance, reducing the lifetime of the antibiotic, thus causing the constant need for research and development of new antibiotics.

In vivo assessment of possible probiotic properties of Zymomonas mobilis in a Wistar rat model

In recent years the incorporation of probiotic bacteria into foods has received increasing scientific interest for health promotion and disease prevention. The safety and probiotic properties of Zymomonas mobilis CP4 (UFPEDA-202) was studied in a Wistar rat model fed the 10(9) colony forming units (cfu)/mL-1 of the assayed strain for 30 days. No abnormal clinical signs were noted in the group receiving viable cells of Z. mobilis and water (control) during the period of the experiment. There were no significant difference (p > 0.05) in feed intake and weight gain among mice fed the Z. mobilis in comparison to the control group. No bacteria were found in blood, liver and spleen of any animals. Mice receiving Z. mobilis showed significantly differences (p < 0.05) in total and differential leucocytes count, excepting for neutrophils, after the experimental period. Otherwise, it was not found in control group. Histological examination showed that feeding mice with Z. mobilis caused no signs of adverse effects on gut, liver and spleen. From these results, Z. mobilis CP4 (UFEPEDA-202) is likely to be nonpathogenic and safe for consumption, and could have a slight modulating effect on immunological performance in mice.

Estudo do comportamento de RSU em uma célula experimental e suas correlações com aspectos microbiológicos, físicos e químicos / Behavior study of MSW in an experimental cell and its correlations with microbiological, physical and chemical aspects

Células experimentais (lisímetros) possibilitam entender o comportamento de aterros de RSU e representam uma técnica bastante interessante para obter parâmetros de projetos, dimensionamento e construção de aterros, além do mais pode fornecer contribuições na área de saneamento através de monitoramento de processos. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o processo biodegradativo dos resíduos depositados em uma célula experimental correlacionando parâmetros como recalque, temperatura e contagem de microrganismos. O monitoramento mostrou que há uma relação entre estes parâmetros. Verificou-se que a temperatura no lisímetro variou no decorrer do processo possivelmente devido às mudanças de fases de decomposição dos resíduos. Os estudos vislumbram uma nova abordagem para recalques em RSU mostrando a ocorrência de três fazes distintas de deformações verticais e a íntima ligação de processos biodegradativos e aspectos mecânicos.

Experimental cells (lysimeters) make possible to understand the landfill behavior of MSW and represent a very interesting technique for the obtainment of projects parameters, design and constructions of landfills. Besides that, they provide contributions to the sanitation area through processes monitoring. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the solid waste biodegradation process deposited in an experimental cell correlating parameters like settlement, temperature and microorganisms counting. The monitoring showed that there is a relation between these parameters. It was observed that the temperature in the lysimeter varied in the course of the process, possibly because of the changes in the stages of the solid waste decomposition. The studies descry a new approach to settlements in MSW showing that there are three different stages of vertical deformations and the close connection of biodegradation processes and mechanical aspects.

Genetic variability in regenerated Metarhizium flavoviride protoplasts

A formação e regeneração de protoplastos foram avaliadas em duas linhagens selvagens e duas linhagens mutantes para coloração de conídios em Metarhizium flavoviride. O cultivo em meio líquido seguido do tratamento do micélio com Novozym 234 na presença de KCl 0,7 M como estabilizador osmótico, resultou na produção de 5,05´106 a 1,15´107 protoplastos´mL-1. A porcentagem de regeneração das diferentes linhagens variou de 6,65 a 27,92%. Após a regeneração, uma das linhagens selvagens produziu espontaneamente variantes estáveis, com morfologia alterada. Embora variantes morfológicos já tenham sido observados após regeneração de protoplastos em bactérias, esta parece ser a primeira vez que tal ocorrência é descrita em fungos filamentosos. Um desses variantes, além da linhagem selvagem da qual ele foi originado, foi testado para sensibilidade aos fungicidas benomil e captano.

Seleçäo de Bacillus spp. para produçäo de esterases e melhoramento de Bacillus cereus(C124) / Selection of Bacillus spp. for esterase production and genetic improvement of Bacillus cereus(C124)

Forty-four Bacillus spp. strains obtained from sugar cane derivates and residues, six of them isolated in this work, were tested using Tween 80 as substrate (agar-Tewwn 80 medium), in order to determine their esterase activity through the enzymatic index averages. After statistic analysis, B. cereus(C124) strain, which presented better results, was submitted to genetic improvement by treatment with ultraviolet light (UV). The survival curve pointed out 28" as the time necessary to obtain 30 per cent of survivors. Fifty survivors and the wild strain C124 were compared in relation to their esterase activity as mentioned previously. The wild strain and the mutant C124UV35, which showed enzymatic index average higher than C124, were characterized in polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Electrophoretic patterns for total proteins of wild and mutant strain showed different profiles according to number, position and intensity of bands. For esterase, the bands varied only in intensity

The evaluation of different parameters to characterize xanthan gum: producing strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv campestris

A comparative evaluation of the strain from culture collection (NRRL-B-1459) and wild-type strains of Xnathomonas campestris pv campestris (lfr-3, lfr-4) isolated from Cruciferae was carried out. The strains under study showed different values of amylolitic activity and cellulytic activity, as well as different degrees of sensivity to antibiotics. The eletrophoretic profile of the total proteins showed great similarities for the three types of strains under study, however, the wild-type strains showed different profiles of esterases when compared to the standar. The relantioship between the parameters under study and xanthan gum yield lead us to the conclusion that a high cellulytic activity, low amylolitic activity and sensivity to penicillin correspond to a high polymerization capacity of the glucose to produce xanthan

Bacillus spp. produtores de protease: isolamento, caracterizaçäo e melhoramento de B. cereus (C124) / Bacillus spp. protease producers: isolation, characterization and genetic improvement of B. cereus (C124)

Forty-four Bacillus spp, strains obtained from sugar cane derivates and residues, six of them isolated in this work, were tested in two different substracts, hemoglobin (agar-hemoglobin and agar-hematia 9erythrocyte) media) and casein (agar-milk medium), in order to determine their proteolytic activity through the enzymatic index averages. After statistic analysis, B. cereus (C124) strain, which presented better results in all media, was submitted to genetic improvement by treatment with ultraviolet light(UV). The survival curve pointed out 28" as the time necessary to obtain 30 per cent of survivors. Fifty survivors and the wild strain C124 were compared in relation to their proteolytic activity as mentioned previously. The wild strain, and the mutants C124UV18, C124UV35, C124UV37 and C124uv47, which presented enzymatic index averages higher than C124, were characterized in polyacrilamide gel eletrophoresis (PAGE). Eletrophoretic patterns for total proteins of wild and mutant strains showed different profiles according to number, position and intensity of bands. For esterase, the bands varied only in intensity

Fusäo de protoplastos de Streptomyces capoamus visando a obtençäo de cepas produtoras de antibióticos "híbridos" / Protoplasts fusion of Streptomyces capoamus for obtention of strains productors of hybrid antibiotics

Pela fusäo protoplastos inativados por aquecimento a 60-C, de Streptomyces capoamus, cepa IA-M3122/182 (prototrófica, produtora de pigmento vermelho e do antibiótico antraciclínico ciclamicina) com protoplastos viáveis de Streptomyces melanochromogenes, cepa IA-M3183 (auxotrófica met- e produtora de actinomicina), foram obtidas cinco cepas com características sugestivas de recombinaçäo. Adicionalmente, foi observado que a simples produçäo e regeneraçäo de protoplastos do Streptomyces capoamus IA-M3122/182 levou à obtençäo de subculturas cuja produçäo de ciclamicina foi aumentada entre 3 e 7 vezes em relaçäo à cultura original

Sobre um complexo antibiótico do grupo das antraciclinas elaborado pelo Streptomyces violaceus / Antibiotic complex of the anthracycline compounds produced by Streptococcus violaceus

Apresenta-se o estudo taxonômico do Streptomyces violaceus isolado de uma amostra de solo proveniente da praia do Pina, Recife-PE. Relata-se também a produçäo de um antibiótico e antitumoral, um complexo antraciclínico produzido pelo referido Streptomyces. Säo apresentadas algumas informaçöes adicionais sobre as propriedades biológicas do complexo

Recombination in antibiotic producing Streptomyces by protoplast fusior.

Revisao das tecnicas de recombinacao genetica, em Streptomyces produtores de antibioticos, por fusao de protoplastos.Analise dos metodos de inducao da fusao, selecao de linhagens para recombinacao, selecao de mutantes, producao e manutencao de protoplastos estaveis, com alta frequencia e regeneracao

Glicose isomerase from Zymomonas mobilis.

A atividade de glucose isomerase foi detectada em celulas de Zymomonas mobilis Kluyver & Van Niel, crescidas em meio liquido. A enzima foi parcialmente purificada, por precipitacao com sulfato de amonio o pH otimo da atividade isomerasica foi de 7,5-8,0 e a temperatura de incubacao 90 graus C