Induction of phr gene expression in E. coli strain KY706/pPL-1 by He-Ne laser (632.8 nm) irradiation

We have observed that He–Ne laser irradiation of E. coli strain KY706/pPL-1 leads to induction of photolyase gene, phr. The magnitude of induction was found to depend on the He–Ne laser fluence, fluence rate and post-irradiation incubation period in the nutrient medium. The optimum values for fluence and fluence rate were 7×10³ J/m² and 100 W/m², respectively, and the induction of phr gene was observed to saturate beyond an incubation period of 2 h. Experiments carried out with singlet oxygen quenchers and with D₂O suggest that the effect is mediated via singlet oxygen. Photoreactivation studies carried out after UVC exposure of both the He–Ne laser-exposed as well as unexposed cells showed a larger surviving fraction in the He–Ne laser pre-irradiated cells. This can be attributed to He–Ne laser irradiation-induced induction of phr expression. However, since even without photoreactivating light He–Ne laser pre-irradiated cells show higher survival against UVC radiation it appears that He–Ne laser irradiation induces both light-dependent as well as dark DNA repair processes.     

GldA overexpressing-engineered E. coli as superior electrocatalyst for microbial fuel cells

Faster electron transfer between bacteria and electrodes in microbial fuel cells can significantly improve the power density of MFCs for practical applications. A recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain overexpressing glycerol dehydrogenase (GldA) was engineered as the MFC biocatalyst instead of the natural bacteria. Efficient mediators were produced in the fuel cell with this engineered E. coli resulting in lower polarization and much higher power density than with natural E. coli and E. coli with electro-evolved mediators. For the first time, we demonstrate that engineering E. coli by introduction of appropriate oxidoreductase via gene manipulation can greatly improve the rate of electron transfer. This work provides an efficient and economic approach to biologically engineering bacteria for improving MFC performance.     

A conductometric immunosensor based on functionalized magnetite nanoparticles for E. coli detection

We report a new approach for immunoassays based on magnetite nanoparticles for Escherichia coli (E. coli) detection using conductometric measurements. Biotinylated antibodies, anti-E. coli, were immobilized on streptavidin modified magnetite nanoparticles by biotin–streptavidin interaction. A layer of functionalized nanoparticles were directly immobilized on the conductometric electrode using glutaraldehyde cross-linking.The specific test with E. coli cells and the non specific test using Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) were investigated by conductometric measurements. Results show a good response as a function of antigen additions. The detection of 1 CFU/ml of E. coli induces a conductivity variation of 35 μS. The negative test shows good selectivity using the conductometric immunosensor. Conductometric measurements allow to detect 500 CFU/l.     

手性化合物组合修饰剂对CdSe纳米晶荧光性能的影响及标记大肠杆菌的研究

以手性化合物L-青霉胺、D-青霉胺、L-半胱氨酸为单一修饰剂或组合成双修饰剂,合成不同修饰剂修饰的CdSe纳米晶。对最佳合成条件如配料比,反应pH值,回流温度,回流时间进行了优化,对CdSe纳米晶发光强度及稳定性进行了系统研究。结果发现双修饰剂修饰的纳米晶比单修饰剂修饰的纳米晶荧光强度高,稳定性好;双修饰剂中第二修饰剂的空间位阻小的修饰效果好;不同手性修饰剂之间能以稳定方式结合的修饰效果好。研究了CdSe纳米晶对生物大分子的识别,仅发现核酸对CdSe纳米晶有明显的作用,用CdSe纳米晶作为荧光探针对大肠杆菌进行标记。     

Biosynthesis, purification and characterization of silver nanoparticles using Escherichia coli

The application of nanoscale materials and structures, usually ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers (nm), is an emerging area of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Nanomaterials may provide solutions to technological and environmental challenges in the areas of solar energy conversion, catalysis, medicine, and water-treatment. The development of techniques for the controlled synthesis of nanoparticles of well-defined size, shape and composition, to be used in the biomedical field and areas such as optics and electronics, has become a big challenge. Development of reliable and eco-friendly processes for synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is an important step in the field of application of nanotechnology. One of the options to achieve this objective is to use ‘natural factories’ such as biological systems. This study reports the optimal conditions for maximum synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through reduction of Ag⁺ ions by the culture supernatant of Escherichia coli. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were purified by using sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The purified sample was further characterized by UV–vis spectra, fluorescence spectroscopy and TEM. The purified solution yielded the maximum absorbance peak at 420 nm and the TEM characterization showed a uniform distribution of nanoparticles, with an average size of 50 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum of the silver nanoparticles exhibited 2θ values corresponding to the silver nanocrystal. The size-distribution of nanoparticles was determined using a particle-size analyzer and the average particle size was found to be 50 nm. This study also demonstrates that particle size could be controlled by varying the parameters such as temperature, pH and concentration of AgNO₃.     

High power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) and traditional pulsed sputtering (DCMSP) Ag-surfaces leading to E. coli inactivation

This study addresses the high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) deposition of Ag-nanoparticle films on polyester and the comparison with films deposited by direct current pulsed magnetron sputtering (DCMSP). The first evidence is presented for the Escherichia coli bacterial inactivation by HIPIMS sputtered polyester compared to Ag-polyester sputtered by DCMSP. HIPIMS layers were significantly thinner than the DCMSP sputtered layers needing a much lower Ag-loading to inactivate E. coli within the same time scale. The Ag-nanoparticle films sputtered by DCMSP at 300 mA for 160 s was observed to inactivate completely E. coli within 2 h having a content of 0.205% Ag wt%/polyester wt%. HIPIMS-sputtered at 5 A for 75 s led to complete E. coli bacterial inactivation also within 2 h having a content Ag 0.031% Ag wt%/polyester wt%. The atomic rate of deposition with DCMSP is 6.2 × 10¹⁵ atoms Ag/cm² s while with HPIMS this rate was 2.7 × 10¹⁵ atoms Ag/cm² s. The degree of ionization of Ag⁺/Ag²⁺ and Ar⁺/Ar²⁺ was proportional to the target current applied during HIPIMS-sputtering as determined by mass spectroscopy. These experiments reveal significant differences at the higher end of the currents applied during HIPIMS sputtering as illustrated by the ion-flux composition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to determine the surface atomic concentration of O, Ag, and C on the Ag-polyester. These surface atomic concentrations were followed during the E. coli inactivation time providing the evidence for the E. coli oxidation on the Ag-polyester. X-ray diffraction shows Ag-metallic character for DCMSP sputtered samples for longer times compared to the Ag-clusters sputtered by HIPIMS leading to Ag-clusters aggregates. Ag-nanoparticle films on polyester sputtered by HIPIMS contain less Ag and are thinner compared to Ag-nanoparticle films sputtered by DCMSP.     

Influence of the medium electrolyte concentration on the electric polarizability of bacteria Escherichia coli in presence of ethanol

The electric polarizability is an important parameter of bacteria, giving information about the electric properties of the cells. In our previous works [A.M. Zhivkov, A.Y. Gyurova, Colloids Surf. B: Biointerfaces 66 (2008) 201; A.Y. Gyurova, A.M. Zhivkov, Biophys. Chem., 139 (2009) 8; A.M. Zhivkov, A.Y. Gyurova, J. Phys. Chem. B, 113 (2009) 8375] we have applied an experimental approach to distinguish the contribution of the components of the two types of interface electric polarizability—surface charge dependent (ChD) and Maxwell–Wagner (MW) polarizability. It is based on electro-optical study of the separate influence of the outer and inner medium electrolyte concentration, which changes the external ChD and internal MW components of polarizability; the last effect is reached by the membrane permeability increase in low ethanol concentration. In the present work we investigate the behavior of electric polarizability of Escherichia coli K12 at increasing the outer KCl concentration in presence of 10 vol.% ethanol in order to check if the polarizability components change independently from one another. The conclusion is that the outer electrolyte concentration influence indirectly the internal MW component by the trans-membrane concentration gradient, but the polarizability components themselves change independently.     

Properties of the Macrophomina phaseolina endoglucanase (EGL 1) gene product in bacterial and yeast expression systems

Functional expression of a β-d-1,4 glucanase-encoding gene (egl1) from a filamentous fungus was achieved in both Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a modified version of pRS413. Optimal activity of the E. coli-expressed enzyme was found at incubation temperatures of 60°C, whereas the enzyme activity was optimal at 40°C when expressed by S. cerevisiae. Enzyme activity at different pH levels was similar for both bacteria and yeast, being highest at 5.0. Yeast expression resulted in a highly glycosylated protein of approx 60 kDa, compared to bacterial expression, which resulted in a protein of 30 kDa. The hyperglycosylated protein had reduced enzyme activity, indicating that E. coli is a preferred vehicle for production scale-up.     

Determination of volatile compounds in foliage of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea)

The Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) are eastern North American conifers which have been infested by an exotic insect, the balsam woolly adelgid (BWA). BWA infestation has had particularly severe effects on Fraser fir, with up to 95% mortality rates at some sites, and is characterized by attack on mature trees only. The purpose of this research was to perform a chemosystematic study to evaluate whether differences in volatile chemical concentrations of various stands of fir were observed as a function of resistance to BWA infestation. The concentrations of volatiles were determined by a methylene chloride extraction procedure, followed by analysis by gas chromatography. First, comparisons were made of concentration levels of volatiles in Fraser and balsam fir foliage of seedlings, saplings, and mature trees. If a chemical provided resistance, one would expect higher volatile levels in the balsam foliage because of its greater resistance to BWA. Second, the volatile levels in Fraser fir saplings and mature trees at uninfested sites were compared to the levels in surviving Fraser fir saplings and mature trees at infested sites. For a compound that provided BWA-resistance, higher volatile levels would be expected at the infested site because of the greater resistance of the surviving trees. Lastly, the concentrations of volatiles in sapling foliage were compared to those in mature foliage, where higher levels of resistance-providing chemicals would be expected in the saplings. 3-Carene was shown to consistently follow the expected pattern for a compound that provides resistance against BWA and β-pinene followed the pattern for the majority of the comparisons. These results indicate that while maltol and total volatiles did not correlate with the expected pattern, 3-carene, and possibly β-pinene and sesquiterpenes may provide fir with defense against BWA infestation.     

Parity alternation of interstellar molecules cyanopolyynes HCnN (n = 1–17)

In this paper, we report the design of models for interstellar molecules HC_nN (n = 1–17) by means of the B3LYP density functional method. We performed geometry optimization and calculation on vibrational frequency. We find that the ground-state (G-S) isomers of HC_nN (n = 1–17) are with the N atom located at one end and the H atom at the other end of a C_n chain; they are all linear except for HC₂N which is bent. When n is odd, the C_n chain is polyacetylene-like whereas when n is even, the C_n chain displays a structure that is cumulenic-like in the middle of the C_n chain. It is found that the G-S isomers of odd-n HC_nN (n = 1–17) are more stable than those of even-n ones. The finding is in accord with the relative intensities of HC_nN recorded in laboratory investigations, and in consistent with the results of objects observed in interstellar media. We provide explanations for such a trend of even/odd alternation based on concepts of the highest vibrational frequency, bonding character, electronic configuration, incremental binding energy, nucleus-independent chemical shift, and dissociation channels.     

Biosorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions by Agave sisalana (sisal fiber)

The present work proposes the use of Agave sisalana (sisal fiber) as an natural adsorbent for ions Pb(II) and Cd(II) biosorption from natural waters. The flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used for quantitative determination and study of the ions Pb(II) and Cd(II) adsorption on the solid phase. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT IR) was used to investigate the sisal structure and the specific BET surface area was analyzed. The biosorption potential of sisal as biosorbent for the removal of the ions Pb(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solution was investigate considering the followings parameters: pH, biomass amount and contact time. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to evaluate adsorption behavior of the ions on this solid phase. The results showed that sisal has a surface area to adsorption of 0.0233 m² g^{− 1}, and the OH and CO functional groups are the main involved in the biosorption. The best interpretation for the experimental data was given by Freundlich isotherm that proposes a monolayer sorption with a heterogeneous energetic distribution of active sites, accompanied by interactions between sorbed molecules. The maximum monolayer biosorption capacity was found to be 1.85 mg g^{− 1} for Cd (II) and 1.34 mg g^{− 1} for Pb (II) at pH 7 and 296 K. This phase solid can be used for biosorption of cadmium and lead in polluted natural waters.     

Sol-gel luminescence biosensors: Encapsulation of recombinant E. coli reporters in thick silicate films

A class of sensing elements based on the encapsulation of genetically engineered bioluminescent Escherichia coli (E. coli) reporter strains in sol-gel derived silicates is described. We demonstrate the concept by the immobilization of these bacterial cells in thick silicate films. Heat shock, oxidative stress, fatty acids, peroxides, and genotoxicity reporting bacteria were incorporated in the sol-gel silicates and their luminescence response was compared to that of the non-immobilized culture. All the immobilized bacteria maintained viability and luminescence activity for several months. The bacteria-silicate hybrids can be used either as disposable sensors or in multiple use sensing test-kits, and they can be also integrated in early warning devices operated in continuous flow conditions.     

HPLC法测定不同施肥模式栽培的金线莲中黄酮类成分

HPLC法测定不同施肥模式栽培的金线莲中3种黄酮类成分:槲皮素、山奈酚和异鼠李素.超声-微波协同提取法提取4种不同施肥模式下金线莲中的黄酮类成分.HPLC-电喷雾离子化法/质谱(HPLC-ESI-MS)对黄酮类化合物进行定性分析.HPLC分析得槲皮素在0.25~20.0μg/m L(r=0.999 2)、山奈酚在0.25~20.0μg/m L(r=0.999 5)、异鼠李素在1.0~80.0μg/m L(r=0.999 0)范围内峰面积与浓度呈良好的线性关系,不同栽培方法的金线莲药材中槲皮素、山奈酚、异鼠李素的质量分数分别在151.8~240.0、47.2~88.2、16.8~29.8μg/g之间.方法简单、精确,快速,可为科学评价不同培养模式金线莲质量提供依据.栽培过程施加氮、磷、钾(NPK)复合肥及添加腐植素和微量元素,能提高金线莲中3种黄酮类成分的含量.栽培过程施加硫、磷(SP)复合肥,槲皮素、山奈酚和异鼠李素的质量分数分别下降了2.3%、17.2%和18.8%.结果表明采用不同施肥模式直接影响到药材中的药效物质的含量.     

Orthorhombic–orthorhombic phase transitions in Nd2NiO4+δ (0.067≤δ≤0.224)

Variation of the phases of Nd₂NiO_4+δ with the excess oxygen concentration δ has been examined at room temperature in the range 0.067≤δ≤0.224 using the X-ray powder diffraction technique. The phases observed at room temperature are orthorhombic-I (0.21<δ≤0.224), orthorhombic-IV (0.175<δ≤0.21), orthorhombic-II (0.15<δ≤0.175), orthorhombic-II+quasi-tetragonal-I (0.10<δ≤0.15), and quasi-tetragonal-I (0.067<δ≤0.10).     

Triterpene Glycosides from Kalopanax septemlobum. III. Glycosides D2, I1, and K1 from Leaves of Kalopanax septemlobum var. maximowiczii Introduced in Crimea

The new caffeylated triterpene glycosides hederagenin 3-O-(6-O-caffeyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1→4)-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-L-arabinopyranoside and its 28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl and 28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-6-O-acetyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl esters were isolated from leaves of Kalopanax septemlobum var. maximowiczii introduced in Crimea. The structures of these compounds were established using chemical methods and NMR spectroscopy.__________Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 3, pp. 263–267, May–June, 2005.     

Altered expression of polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase gene and its effect on poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] synthesis in recombinant Escherichia coli

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase (PhaC) from Wautersia eutropha was expressed in a wide range of production level in Escherichia coli XL1-Blue cells and its effects on PhaC activity, poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] [P(3HB)] production and its molecular weights were investigated. The production level of PhaC was controlled both by the amount of chemical inducer (isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactopyranoside, IPTG) added into the medium and the use of different copy number of plasmids. In a flask experiment, as PhaC production level in the cells increased, the PhaC activity also increased in the range of low PhaC concentration. However, PhaC activity did not further increase in the range of high PhaC concentration, probably due to the formation of inclusion body in the cells. The molecular weight of P(3HB) was found to decrease with increasing PhaC activity. This trend was also verified in high cell density cultivation using 10-l jar fermentor. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the use of low copy number plasmid and appropriate induction of PhaC expression were effective in achieving both high productivity and high molecular weight of P(3HB).     

Stereoselective Michael Addition of Carbonyl Compounds to ( E )-β-Nitrostyrene Catalysed by N -Toluensulfonyl-l -proline Amide in Ionic Liquids

Summary. N-Toluensulfonyl-l-prolin amide was tested as catalyst in the enantioselective Michael addition of carbonyl compounds to (E)-β-nitrostyrene in nine ionic liquids under different reaction conditions. The reaction rates and enantioselectivities were strongly dependent on the ionic liquids. Change of enantioselectivity was observed too and it is attributed to both the cation and the anion of ionic liquid. The best yields (up to 98%) and enantioselectivity (70% ee) of product were obtained in a basic ionic liquid [bmim]BF₄ at room temperature.     

Positron lifetime study of Pr1−xCaxMnO3 (x=0.5, 0.3) during magnetic transition

We measured the positron lifetime in perovskite manganites Pr_1−xCa_xMnO₃ (x=0.3, 0.5). Two lifetime components were observed for each compound; they were attributed to the annihilation of free positrons and positrons trapped at the A-site vacancies. The positron lifetime at the A-site vacancies changed significantly during the antiferromagnetic transition in both the compounds, whereas it was constant around the charge-ordering transition. This change indicates that the electron distribution at the vacancies changed possibly due to the change in the electron distribution of neighboring oxygen atoms. This result indicates that positron lifetime measurements can provide unique information on electronic states during a spin-related phase transition in various oxide materials.     

Theoretical studies of uracil–(H2O)n (n = 1–7) clusters by ab initio and ABEEMσπ/MM fluctuating charge model

Uracil–(H₂O)_n (n = 1–7) clusters were systemically investigated by ab initio methods and the newly constructed ABEEMσπ/MM fluctuating charge model. Water molecules have been gradually placed in an average plane containing uracil. The geometries of 38 uracil–water complexes were obtained using B3LYP/6-311++G** level optimizations, and the energies were determined at the MP2/6-311++G** level with BSSE corrections. The ABEEMσπ/MM potential model gives reasonable properties of these clusters when comparing with the present ab initio data. For interaction energies, the root mean square deviation is 0.96 kcal/mol, and the linear coefficient reaches 0.997. Furthermore, the ABEEMσπ charges changed when H₂O interacted with the uracil molecule, especially at the sites where the hydrogen bond form. These results show that the ABEEMσπ/MM model is fine giving the overall characteristic hydration properties of uracil–water systems in good agreement with the high-level ab initio calculations.