In this review, a comprehensive and illustrious survey is made of the applied aspects of microbial lipases in modern biotechnological practices. Lipases are the most versatile biocatalyst and bring about a range of bioconversion reactions such as hydrolysis, interesterification, esterification, alcoholysis, acidolysis and aminolysis. After a brief description of the microbial sources of lipases, the pivotal role of lipases in the processes and products of the food and flavourings industry is illustrated. An illustration is presented of biomedical applications. The panorama of lipases in the manufacture of fine chemicals is depicted with special emphasis on pharmaceuticals, pesticides, cosmetics, biosensors and detergents. Widening applications such as those in waste management and improved tanning techniques are other novel aspects of lipase utilization that are discussed in this review.
Keishiro Uda, Takeshi Yamagami, Sonoko Ishino
et al.
ABSTRACT The HerA-NurA complex reportedly functions in DNA end resection in archaea. End resection is important to start homologous recombination by forming a single-stranded DNA region with an overhanging 3′-end, which invades double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with a homologous sequence to form a D-loop. Here, we studied the structure and functions of HerA-NurA from the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakarensis. Our analyses demonstrated that NurA is a non-directional and single-stranded specific nuclease, but the HerA-NurA complex cleaves both strands of dsDNA in an exonucleolytic manner, regardless of the structure of the DNA end. The 3D structures of HerA-NurA and its complex with dsDNA revealed the detailed molecular mechanisms of these nuclease reactions. These results suggest that HerA-NurA may not be involved in the end resection process but instead performs other functions, such as exerting an antiviral function by degrading the dsDNA of foreign viruses, similar to recent studies in bacteria.IMPORTANCETo understand the specific function of the HerA-NurA complex, which is believed to function in the end resection process to create a 3′-overhanging DNA for the following strand invasion in homologous recombination, we performed biochemical and structural analyses of this complex from a hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakarensis, inhabiting a harsh environment where DNA is easily damaged. We found that the HerA-NurA complex cleaves both strands of double-stranded DNA in an exonucleolytic manner, regardless of the structure of the DNA end. Our structural analysis revealed the detailed characteristics of the nuclease activity exhibited by the HerA-NurA complex. Based on the presented information, it is unlikely that the HerA-NurA complex directly functions in end resection, but rather is involved in other functions, possibly in defense against viral infections.
Abstract Companies in the biotechnology industry face major challenges in developing and commercializing new products. Focusing on publicly traded biotechnology firms that are not members of university incubators or research parks, this paper argues that the links these companies develop with universities can have beneficial effects on a company's operations. Analysis of 2457 alliances undertaken by 147 biotechnology firms shows that companies with university linkages have lower research and development (R&D) expenses while having higher levels of innovative output. However, the results do not support the proposition that companies with university linkages achieve higher financial performance than similar firms without such linkages.
Franciele Floriani, Bayaan Jabr, Silvia Rojas-Rueda
et al.
Background: This study evaluated the effect of charcoal-containing toothpaste on the surface roughness of CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramic (e.max CAD) after simulated toothbrushing. Methods: Forty-eight e.max CAD ceramic specimens were divided into four groups (n = 12) and subjected to 18,000 brushing cycles using a toothbrushing simulator. The groups included Crest 3D White Charcoal, Colgate Optic White with Charcoal, Arm & Hammer Charcoal White, and a control group (conventional toothpaste). Surface roughness was measured with a profilometer before and after brushing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for topographical analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and post hoc comparisons. Results: Significant differences in surface roughness were found among the groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The mean roughness values were 540.70 ± 21.68 µm (Control), 294.88 ± 11.49 µm (Crest 3D White Charcoal), 1157.00 ± 52.85 µm (Colgate Optic White with Charcoal), and 593.37 ± 37.69 µm (Arm & Hammer Charcoal White). Post hoc analysis showed that Colgate Optic White with Charcoal had the highest roughness, which was significantly different from all other groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001). SEM analysis revealed severe surface degradation with Colgate Optic White with Charcoal, while Crest 3D White Charcoal caused minimal changes. Conclusions: Charcoal-containing toothpastes vary in abrasiveness, with Colgate Optic White with Charcoal causing the most significant surface roughness and damage to lithium disilicate ceramics.
Abstract Quantitative, label-free monitoring of dynamic cell adhesion remains challenging. Meta-Surface Plasmon Resonance Microscopy (Meta-SPRM) is a novel platform integrating bright-field microscopy with engineered Meta-SPR nanocup arrays. This system simultaneously acquires bright-field images and Meta-SPRM signals, enabling their computational separation and co-analysis to provide multifaceted insights into cell-substrate interactions. Meta-SPRM offers sensitive, high-throughput, and long-term label-free quantification of cell adhesion strength and distribution. It captures dynamic processes like cell spreading and migration at micrometer lateral resolution. Notably, Meta-SPRM signals spatially correlate with key focal adhesion proteins (Integrin-β1, Vinculin), and an intrinsic intracellular signal polarity correlates with cell migration direction. Meta-SPRM provides a powerful, label-free tool for dynamic cell adhesion studies, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. Graphical abstract
Oscar Gerardo Figueroa-Salcido, Jesús Gilberto Arámburo-Gálvez, José Antonio Mora-Melgem
et al.
Studies on antihypertensive chickpea protein hydrolysates have rarely performed in vivo evaluations, limiting the entry of such hydrolysates into functional food development and clinical trials. Thus, our aim was to optimize the hydrolysis conditions to produce an alcalase-based chickpea hydrolysate with a hypotensive effect in vivo at convenient oral doses. The hydrolysis reaction time, temperature, and alcalase/substrate concentration were optimized using a response surface analysis (RSA). ACE-I inhibition was the response variable. The optimized hydrolysis conditions were time = 0.5 h, temperature = 40 °C, and E/S concentration = 0.254 (U/g). The IC<sub>50</sub> of the optimized hydrolysate (OCPH) was 0.358 mg/mL. Five hydrolysates from the RSA worksheet (one of them obtained after 5 min of hydrolysis (CPH15)) had an ACE-I inhibitory potential similar to that of OCPH (<i>p</i> > 0.05). At 50 mg/kg doses, OCPH and CPH15 promoted a clinically relevant hypotensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats, up to −47.35 mmHg and −28.95 mmHg, respectively (<i>p</i> < 0.05 vs. negative control). Furthermore, the hypotensive effect was sustained for at least 7 h post-supplementation. Overall, OCPH and CPH15 are promising ingredients for functional food development and as test materials for clinical trials.
Dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) are among the most common tropical diseases affecting humans. To analyze the risk of clinical and transmission of DF/DHF in Shenzhen, the surveillance on patients of all-age patients with dengue virus (DENV) infections was conducted. Our findings revealed that the majority of DENV-infected patients are young to middle-aged males, and the development of the disease is accompanied by abnormal changes in the percentages of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and basophils. Demographic analysis revealed that these patients is concentrated in areas such as Futian District, which may be due to the higher mosquito density and temperature than that in other area. Subsequent, mosquito infection experiments confirmed that the effect of temperature shift on DENV proliferation and transmission. Not only that, constant temperatures can enhance the spread of DENV, even increase the risk of epidemic. Thus, the role of innate immune response should be highlighted in the prediction of severe severity of DENV-infected patients, and temperature should be taken into account in the prevention and control of DENV. Introduction: Dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) are among the most common tropical diseases affecting humans, and which caused by the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV 1–4). Objectives: To analyze the risk of clinical and transmission of DF/DHF in Shenzhen. Methods: The surveillance on patients of all-age patients with dengue virus (DENV) infections was conducted. Results: Our findings revealed that the majority of DENV-infected patients are young to middle-aged males, and the development of the disease is accompanied by abnormal changes in the percentages of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and basophils. Demographic analysis revealed that these patients is concentrated in areas such as Futian District, which may be due to the higher mosquito density and temperature than that in other area. Subsequent, mosquito infection experiments confirmed that the effect of temperature shift on DENV proliferation and transmission. Not only that, constant temperatures can enhance the spread of DENV, even increase the risk of epidemic. Conclusion: 1. Elevated levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, and temperature are all significant risk factors for dengue transmission and pathogenesis; 2. Temperature increasing is associated with a higher risk of dengue transmission; 3. Fluctuations in temperature around 28 °C (28 ± 5 °C) would increase dengue transmission.
Davide Slaghenaufi, Giovanni Luzzini, Matteo Borgato
et al.
In this work, the aromatic characterization of commercially available Prosecco wines with a price range between EUR 7 and 13 was carried out. These wines came from three different areas of origin: Valdobbiadene, Asolo and Treviso. Seventy volatile compounds were identified and quantified in the wines. Quantitatively, the wines were mainly characterized by compounds of fermentation origin (alcohols, acids, esters), and C<sub>6</sub>-alcohols, and to a lesser extent, terpenes, low molecular weight volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), and benzenoids. To determine their impact on the aroma of Prosecco wine, the respective OAVs were calculated. The molecules with higher OAV were ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl acetate, and β-damascenone. More generally, esters, responsible for fruity notes, seemed to play a major role in the aroma of Prosecco wine. Investigation into the possible effect of different production zones indicated 16 significantly different compounds accounting for differences between the various areas of origin of the wines, being mostly VSC, esters and C<sub>6</sub>-alcohols. A sensory evaluation through a sorting task highlighted the formation of clusters; wine samples were divided into two main groups partially attributable to the areas of origin. From a chemical point of view, cluster A was richer in esters, while cluster B had, on average, higher concentrations of compounds associated with wine aging such as cyclic terpenes, norisoprenoids (TDN and vitispirane), and VSC.