Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Heat Inactivation of a Novel Keratinase from Chryseobacterium sp. Strain kr6

A novel keratinase from Chryseobacterium sp. strain kr6 was purified to homogeneity by (NH₄)₂SO₄ precipitation, gel permeation on Sephadex G-100, and Q-Sepharose Fast Flow anion-exchange chromatography. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was around 20 kDa. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for thermal inactivation were determined. The influence of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions and purification degree on the enzyme stability was evaluated in the range of 50 to 60 °C. The results showed that first-order kinetics explained well the thermal denaturation of the keratinase in this temperature interval. The presence of Ca²⁺ increases significantly the enzyme stability. Compared with the controls, the half-life of the purified enzyme after two purification steps in the presence of Ca²⁺ increased 7.3, 20.2, and 9.8 fold at 50, 55, and 60 °C, respectively. Thermodynamics parameters for thermal inactivation were also determined.     

Characteristics of a High Maltose-Forming, Acid-Stable, and Ca2+-Independent α-amylase of the Acidophilic Bacillus acidicola

The purified acidic α-amylase of Bacillus acidicola is a monomer of 66.0 kDa, optimally active at pH 4.0 and 60 °C. The enzyme is Ca²⁺ independent with T _1/2 for 18 min at 80 °C. The K _m, V _max, and catalytic efficiency (k _cat/K _m) of the enzyme are 1.6 mg mL^?1, 23.8 μmol mg^?1 min^?1, and 981 μmol s^?1, respectively. Among detergents, Tween 20, 40, and 80 stimulated enzyme activity, whereas sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X-100 inhibited even at low concentration. EGTA has not affected the activity, whereas EDTA β-mercaptoethanol, iodoacetic acid, and Dithiothreitol exhibited a slight inhibitory action. Phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, N-bromosuccinimide, and Hg²⁺ strongly inhibited enzyme activity. The experimental activation energy and temperature quotient are 50.12 kJ mol^?1 and 1.37. When thermodynamic parameters (ΔH and ΔS) of the enzyme have been determined at different temperatures, ΔG is positive suggesting that the enzyme is thermostable. The enzyme hydrolyzes raw starches, and therefore, the enzyme finds application in raw starch saccharification at sub-gelatinization temperatures that saves energy needed for gelatinization of raw starch at 105 °C.     

A Feruloyl Esterase (FAE) Characterized by Relatively High Thermostability from the Edible Mushroom Russula virescens

A monomeric feruloyl esterase (FAE) with a molecular mass of 62 kDa was acquired from fresh fruiting bodies of the edible mushroom Russula virescens. The isolation procedure involved ion exchange chromatography on CM-cellulose, Q-Sepharose, and SP-Sepharose and finally fast protein liquid chromatography–gel filtration on Superdex 75. Two amino acid sequences were obtained after tryptic digestion, and they both showed some homology with the esterase of some fungi. Maximal activity was observed at pH 5.0 and at 50 °C. The enzyme displayed relatively high thermostability as evidenced by over 70 % residual activity at 70 °C and about 34 % residual activity at 80 °C. The K _m and V _max for this enzyme on methyl ferulate were 0.19 mM and 1.65 U/mg proteins, respectively. The purified FAE prefers methyl ferulate over methyl caffeate and is least active on methyl p-coumarate. The FAE activity was not significantly affected by the presence of cations such as Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cu²⁺, and K⁺ ions but inhibited by Al³⁺, Hg²⁺, Fe²⁺, and Pb²⁺ ions at a tested concentration of 2. 5 mM.     

Temperature-dependent AC electrical conductivity,thermal stability and different DC conductivity modelling of novel poly(vinyl cinnamate)/zinc oxide nanocomposites

Thermal analysis on organically modified Ca²⁺-montmorillonite (OMON) and its source materials—octadecylamine (ODA) and Ca²⁺-montmorillonite (Ca²⁺-Mon)—was studied using thermally stimulated current (TSC) technique. The appearance of ρ _MON peak with the T _max = 75 °C shows the ability of the developed TSC system to demonstrate the relaxation effects of dehydration in Ca²⁺-Mon. It appeared within the temperature range of DSC endothermic peak (30–100 °C) where the T _mMON = 58 °C. Segmental motions of ODA chains and structural disruptions in the modifier agent compound produced TSC α _ODA, ρ _ODA and ρ _1ODA peaks that are comparable to thermal transition and endothermic peaks in DSC profile (T _gODA, T _m1ODA and T _m2ODA). The effect of localized motion in ODA chains as revealed by the TSC β_OMON peak (T _max = ?23 °C), however, is absent in the DSC profile of OMON. It shows TSC technique has high sensitivity in detecting various relaxation behaviors at molecular level. More evidences are demonstrated by the ρ _OMON (T _max = 86 °C) and ρ _1OMON (T _max = 105 °C) peak originated from the ODA chains structures. These peaks also confirm the intercalation of the modifier cations inside the Ca²⁺-Mon gallery.     

Purification and Characterization of the Glucoside 3-Dehydrogenase Produced by a Newly Isolated Sphingobacterium faecium ZJF-D6 CCTCC M 2013251

A soluble glucoside 3-dehydrogenase (G3DH) was purified from a newly isolated Sphingobacterium faecium ZJF-D6 CCTCC M 2013251. The enzyme was purified to 35.71-fold with a yield of 41.91 % and was estimated by sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a molecular mass of 62 kDa. The sequences of two peptides of the enzyme were all contained in a GMC family oxidoreductase (EFK55866) by mass spectrometry analysis. The optimal pH of the enzyme was around 6.2. The enzyme was stable within a pH range of 5.0–6.6 and was sensitive to heat. G3DH from S. faecium exhibited extremely broad substrate specificity and well regioselectivity to validoxylamine A. The enzyme was completely inhibited by Hg₂Cl₂ and partly inhibited by Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Cd²⁺. The apparent K _m values for D-glucose, sucrose, and validoxylamine were calculated to be 1.1, 1.7, and 2.1 mM, respectively. With this purified enzyme, 3-keto sucrose was prepared at pH 5.0, 30 °C for 10 h with a yield of 28.7 %.     

Biochemical Characterization and Antitumor Study of l-Glutaminase from Bacillus cereus MTCC 1305

l-Glutaminase (E.C.3.5.2.1) extracellularly produced by Bacillus cereus MTCC 1305 was purified to apparent homogeneity with a fine band. The molecular weight of native enzyme and its subunit were found to be approximately 140 and 35 kDa, respectively, which indicates its homotetrameric nature. The substrate specificity test of this enzyme showed its specificity for l-glutamine. The purified enzyme showed maximum activity at optimum pH 7.5 and temperature 35 °C. The enzyme retained stability up to 50 and 20 % even after treatment at 50 and 55 °C, respectively, for 30 min. Monovalent cations (Na⁺, K⁺) and phosphate ion activated the enzyme activity, while divalent cations (Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ca²⁺, Co²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺) inhibited its activity. Reducing agents (cysteine, glutathione, dithiothreitol, l-ascorbic acid, and β-mercaptoethanol) stimulated its activity, whereas thiol-binding agents (iodoacetamide, p-chloromercuribenzoic acid) resulted in the inhibition of this enzyme. Kinetic parameters, K _m, V _max, K _cat, of purified enzyme were found to be 6.25 mM, 100 μmol/min/mg protein and 2.22?×?10² M^?1s^?1, respectively. The gradual inhibition in growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-G2) cell lines was found with IC₅₀ value of 82.27 μg/ml in the presence of different doses of l-glutaminase (10–100 μg/ml).     

Purification and characterization of an extracellular lipolytic enzyme from the fermented fish-originated halotolerant bacterium, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Virgibacillus alimentarius</Emphasis> LBU20907

A halotolerant Virgibacillus alimentarius LBU20907 isolated from fermented fish (Budu) was found to be an efficient producer of extracellular halophilic lipase enzyme. The enzyme was purified 5.99-fold with a 0.15% final yield to homogeneity by ammonium sulfate precipitation, followed by dialysis, Toyopearl DEAE-650 M ion exchange chromatography, Toyopearl butyl-650 M hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and Toyopearl-HW 55 F gel filtration chromatography. SDS-PAGE of purified lipase exhibited a homogenous single band with a very high molecular weight of 100 kDa. The properties of purified lipase revealed maximum activity at pH 7.0 and 40 °C. It was also highly stable in a pH range of 6.0–7.0, retaining more than 90% activity for 24 h. It was stable at the temperature of 30–50 °C and maintained more than 80% activity for 16 h. The purified lipase performing the maximal activity in the presence of 20.0% NaCl indicated halophilic enzyme properties. Its lipolytic activity was highest against p-nitrophenyl palmitate. The lipase activity was found to be enhanced in hexane. The enzyme activity was stimulated in the presence of Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Sr²⁺; while, it was completely inhibited by Ba²⁺ and Co²⁺. The enzyme had a K _m and V _max of 108.0 mg and 79.1 U mL^?1, respectively.     

Experimental and theoretical study on the complexation of Ca2+ with beauvericin

From extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the exchange extraction constant corresponding to the equilibrium Ca²⁺(aq) + 1·Sr²⁺(nb) ? 1·Ca²⁺(nb) + Sr²⁺(aq) taking place in the two-phase water–nitrobenzene system (1 = beauvericin; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) was evaluated as log K _ex(Ca²⁺, 1·Sr²⁺) = 1.1 ± 0.1. Further, the stability constant of the 1·Ca²⁺ complex in nitrobenzene saturated with water was calculated for a temperature of 25 °C: log β _nb(1·Ca²⁺) = 10.1 ± 0.2. Finally, by using quantum mechanical density functional level of theory calculations, the most probable structures of the non-hydrated 1·Ca²⁺ and hydrated 1·Ca²⁺·H₂O complex species were predicted.     

Thermal properties of mixed-ligand magnesium complexes with beta-diketonates and diamimes as potential MOCVD precursors

The series of adducts of magnesium beta-diketonates with diamimes namely Mg(thd)₂(tmeda) 1 and four new complexes Mg(thd)₂(tmpda) 2, Mg(thd)₂(pda) 3, Mg(ptac)₂(tmeda) 4, Mg(tfac)₂(tmeda) 5 [beta-diketonates = R₁C(O)CHC(O)R₂: thd (R₁ = R₂ =  ^t Bu), ptac (R₁ =  ^t Bu, R₂ = CF₃), tfac (R₁ = Me, R₂ = CF₃); diamines = R₂N(CH₂) _n NR₂: tmeda (n = 2, R = Me), tmpda (n = 3, R = Me), pda (n = 3, R = H)] were synthesized in order to investigate the influence of both ligand types on the thermochemical properties of these compounds. The thermal behavior of the complexes in the condensed phase was investigated by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry; the thermodynamic parameters of phase transitions were determined. The saturated vapor pressure of solid complexes Mg(thd)₂(tmeda) and Mg(tfac)₂(tmeda) were measured by the transmission method giving the enthalpies and entropies of sublimation processes. The reliable thermodynamic data for compound Mg(thd)₂(tmeda) were obtained with the assistance of X-ray diffraction and the static method of saturated and unsaturated vapor pressure measurements.     

Thermal stability and band gap study of heavy metal oxy-sulfide glass system

Novel oxy-sulfide glass system xPbS-(73 ? x) Bi₂O₃–27B₂O₃ with 6.06 ≤ x ≤ 36.35 named lead sulfide bismuth borate (LSBB) was prepared using normal melt and quench-casting technique. Phase transition temperatures t _g, t _x, t _pi, and t _l were noted from the DTA curves. Glass transition temperature t _g varied from 306 ± 2 to 336 ± 2 °C and the onset of crystallization temperatures t _x was between 331 ± 2 and 402 ± 2 °C. The glasses melted in the range 523 ± 2 to 597 ± 2 °C. The ratio t _g /t _l showed that compositions reported conform to the two-third law of glass formation. Hruby’s coefficient H _r witnessed the thermal stability of the system and that LSBB4 was most stable and glass formability factor k _gl showed that composition LSBB1–LSBB6 can easily corroborate vitreous state. The direct band gap energy varied from 1.56 to 3.07 eV, while indirect band gap energy for the fundamental absorption edge was 0.21–1.31 eV. Absorption edges obeyed Urbach rule. A broad range of band tailing was exhibited confirming amorphous state of the system.     

Thermal,structural, and impedance analysis of nanocrystalline magnesium chromite spinel synthesized via hydrothermal process

Nanocrystalline magnesium chromite spinel was synthesized through hydrothermal reaction of metal nitrate solutions in stoichiometric amount at different pH, temperature and time intervals. The synthesized products were characterized for crystallinity, phase identification, and surface morphology by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). XRD patterns showed that as-synthesized product remained amorphous up to 250 °C. However, well-crystallized magnesium chromite spinel structure is formed after calcination at 850 °C. Rietveld refinement study confirms the formation of single-phase cubic structure MgCr₂O₄ with lattice parameter a = 8.3347 Å, and Fd3m space group. The as-processed MgCr₂O₄ products showed extensive XRD line broadening, and the mean crystallite size of such crystals was found to be mainly in size range of 85–124 nm. Surface SEM images of calcined specimens revealed that the matrix is uniform, and no separation of secondary phase was detected. Thermal stability was examined by thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimetry. TG/DTA reveals that MgCr₂O₄ is thermally stable above 700 °C. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra studies shows two strong bands, one around 600 cm^?1 which is attributed to the intrinsic vibrations of tetrahedral and other at 400 cm^?1 is due to octahedral one. FTIR confirms the formation of metal oxides. The bandgap energy was estimated by absorption spectroscopy in ultraviolet–visible range and was found to be 0.693 eV for MgCr₂O₄ specimen sintered at 1,000 °C. Isothermal shrinkage characteristic and coefficient of thermal expansion were determined by dilatometry. The powder specimens showed excellent densification at 1,250 °C temperature and uniformly fine grain sintered ceramics (>90 % relative density) with submicron grain size (2–5 μm) were obtained after sintering at 1,000–1,250 °C. Impedance studies were carried out at room temperature and equivalent circuit model (R ₁ Q ₁) (R ₂ Q ₂) (R ₃ Q ₃) is used to explain different relaxation processes. We report largest impedance values i.e., 6.74 × 10⁸ Ω, reduced dielectric constant (≈1.0), and low tangent loss (0.8) for MgCr₂O₄ sintered at 1,250 °C.     

Gene Cloning,Expression, and Characterization of an Exo-inulinase from Paenibacillus polymyxa ZJ-9

An inulinase-producing strain, Paenibacillus polymyxa ZJ-9, was isolated from natural sources to produce R,R-2,3-butanediol via one-step fermentation of raw inulin extracted from Jerusalem artichoke tubers. The inulinase gene from P. polymyxa ZJ-9 was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and the purified recombinant inulinase was estimated to be approximately 56 kDa by both sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and gel filtration chromatography. This result suggests that the active form of the inulinase is probably a monomer. Terminal hydrolysis fructose units from the inulin indicate that enzymes are exo-inulinase. The purified recombinant enzyme showed maximum activity at 25 °C and pH 6.0, which indicate its extreme suitability for industrial applications. Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, and Mg²⁺ stimulated the activity of the purified enzyme, whereas Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ni²⁺ inhibited enzyme activity. The K _m and V _max values for inulin hydrolysis were 1.72 mM and 21.69 μmol min^?1 mg^?1 protein, respectively. The same parameters toward sucrose were 41.09 mM and 78.7 μmol min^?1 mg^?1 protein, respectively. Considering its substrate specificity and other enzymatic characteristics, we believe that this inulinase gene from P. polymyxa ZJ-9 could be transformed into other special bacterial strains to allow inulin conversion to other biochemicals and bioenergy through one-step fermentation.     

Thermal behavior analysis of halloysite selected from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China

Thermal behavior of halloysite selected from Erdos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China, was investigated by thermogravimetry and differential thermal gravity (TG–DTG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD results indicated that the mineralogical composition of halloysite sample was determined as 7 Å halloysite with the d ₍₀₀₁₎ value of 0.734 nm, a small amount of 10 Å halloysite with the d ₍₀₀₁₎ value of 0.998 nm, quartz, calcite, anhydrite, siderite, and analcite. The crystal chemical formula of halloysite specimen is (Ca_0.007Na_0.039K_0.048)(Al_1.935Fe _0.032 ³⁺ Mn _0.003 ²⁺ Ti _0.002 ⁴⁺ Mg _0.015 ²⁺ Ca _0.021 ²⁺ )₂ [(Si_1.935Al _0.065 ³⁺ )₂](OH)₄·2H₂O according to the oxygen atom method. The TG–DTG–DSC data showed that a small amount of water molecule layer in the interlayer and the dehydroxylation was observed at 493.6 °C. The XRD, FT-IR, and SEM data clearly show that the structure changes and dehydroxylation of the halloysite with the temperature increased from 200 to 1200 °C. The dehydration of the halloysite is followed by the loss of intensity and evolution of the OH vibration bands and the change in microstructure. Dehydroxylation is followed by the decrease in the intensity of the bands at 3696 and 3620 cm^?1, which is completely disappeared at 700 °C. The thermal behavior of halloysite was influenced by the mineralogy composition and impurities.     

Purification and Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Alkaline (Phospho)lipase from a Newly Isolated Fusarium solani Strain

An extracellular lipase from Fusarium solani strain (F. solani lipase (FSL)) was purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulphate precipitation, gel filtration and anion exchange chromatography. The purified enzyme has a molecular mass of 30 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The 12 NH₂-terminal amino acid residues showed a high degree of homology with a putative lipase from the fungus Necteria heamatoccocae. It is a serine enzyme, like all known lipases from different origins. Interestingly, FSL has not only lipase activity but also a high phospholipase activity which requires the presence of Ca²⁺ and bile salts. The specific activities of FSL were about 1,610 and 2,414 U/mg on olive oil emulsion and egg-yolk phosphatidylcholine as substrates, respectively, at pH 8.0 and 37 °C. The (phospho)lipase enzyme was stable in the pH range of 5–10 and at temperatures below 45 °C.     

Purification and Characterization of Hyaluronate Lyase from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arthrobacter globiformis</Emphasis> A152

A hyaluronate lyase was obtained by cultivating Arthrobacter globiformis strain A152. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity from the supernatant by ammonium sulfate fractionation, Q Sepharose Fast Flow, and Sephadex G-100 chromatography. The purification resulted in a 32.78-fold increase in hyaluronate lyase activity with specific activity of 297.2 U/mg. The molecular weight of the enzyme determined by SDS-PAGE was approximately 73.7 kDa. Using hyaluronic acid (HA) as a substrate, the maximal reaction rate (V_max) and the Michaelis–Menten constant (K_m) of hyaluronate lyase were found to be 4.76 μmol/min/ml and 0.11 mg/ml, respectively. The optimum pH and temperature values for hyaluronate lyase activity were pH 6.0 and 42 °C, respectively. This enzyme was stable at pH 4–10, 5–7, and 5–7 at 4, 37, and 42 °C, respectively. Investigation about temperature effects on hyaluronate lyase displayed that it was stable at 30–37 °C and also showed high activity at 37 °C. The enzymatic activity was enhanced by Ca²⁺ and was strongly inhibited by Cu²⁺ and SDS. These properties suggested that the hyaluronate lyase in this study could bring promising prospects in medical and industry applications.     

Molecular and Biochemical Characteristics of Recombinant β-Propeller Phytase from Bacillus licheniformis Strain PB-13 with Potential Application in Aquafeed

Phytic acid is the major storage form of organic phosphorus in nature- and plant-based animal feed. It forms insoluble complexes with nutritionally important metals and proteins that are unavailable for monogastric or agastric animals. Phytases initiate the stepwise hydrolysis of phytic acid and release inorganic orthophosphate. In the present investigation, the phytase gene from a phytase producing Bacillus licheniformis strain PB-13 was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. Recombinant phytase ‘rPhyPB13’ was found to be catalytically active, with an activity of 0.97 U/mL and specific activity of 0.77 U/mg. The rPhyPB13 was purified to 14.10-fold using affinity chromatography. Similar to other β-propeller phytases, purified rPhyPB13 exhibited maximal activity at pH 6.0–6.5 and 60 °C in the presence of 1 mM Ca²⁺ and was highly active over a wider pH range (pH 4.0–8.0) and high temperature (80 °C). It has shown maximum activity towards Na-phytate as substrate. The observed K _m , V _max and k _cat of purified rPhyPB13 were 1.064 mM, 1.32 μmol/min/mg and 27.46 s^?1, respectively. PhyPB13 was resistant to trypsin inactivation, activated in presence of Ca²⁺ and inhibited in presence of EDTA. Crude rPhyPB13 has good digestion efficiency for commercial feed and soybean meal. These results indicate that PhyPB13 is a β-propeller phytase that has application potential in aquaculture feed.     

Production,Purification and Characterisation of a Potential Fibrinolytic Protease from Endophytic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xylaria curta</Emphasis> by Solid Substrate Fermentation

The present investigation highlights the optimal conditions for production of a non-toxic, bi-functional fibrinolytic enzyme xylarinase produced by endophytic fungus Xylaria curta by solid substrate fermentation using rice chaff medium. The purified enzyme is a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of ～33 kDa. The enzyme exhibits cleavage of Aα and Bβ chains of fibrin(ogen) and has no effect on γ chain. The optimal fibrinolytic activity of the enzyme was observed at 35 °C and pH 8. The fibrinolytic activity was enhanced in the presence of Ca²⁺, whereas it was completely inhibited in the presence of Fe²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions and inhibitors like EDTA and EGTA suggesting it to be a metalloprotease. The K _m and V _max of the enzyme for azocasein were 326 μM and 0.13 μM min^?1. The N-terminal sequence of the enzyme (SNGPLPGGVVWAG) was same when compared to xylarinase isolated from culture broth of X. curta. Thus, xylarinase could be exploited as a potent clot busting enzyme which could be produced on large scale using solid substrate fermentation.     

Purification, characterization, kinetic properties, and thermal behavior of extracellular polygalacturonase produced by filamentous fungus Tetracoccosporium sp

For the first time, a polygalacturonase from the culture broth of Tetracoccosporium sp. was isolated and incubated at 30°C in an orbital shaker at 160 rpm for 48h. The enzyme was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and two-step ion-exchange chromatography and had an apparent molecular mass of 36 kDa, as shown by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its optimum activity was at pH 4.3 and 40°C, and the K _m and V _max values of this enzyme (for polygalacturonic acid) were 3.23 mg/mL and 0.15 μmol/min, respectively. Ag⁺, Co²⁺, EDTA, Tween-20, Tween-80, and Triton X-100 stimulated polygalacturonase activity whereas Al³⁺, Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Ni²⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, and SDS inhibited it. In addition, iodoacetamide and iodoacetic acid did not inhibit enzyme activity at a concentration of 1 mM, indicating that cysteine residues are not part of the catalytic site of polygalacturonase. We studied the kinetic properties and thermal inactivation of polygalacturonase. This enzyme exhibited a t _1/2 of 63 min at 60°C and its specific activity, turnover number, and catalytic efficiency were 6.17 U/mg, 113.64 min⁻¹, and 35.18 mL/(min·mg), respectively. The activation energy (ΔE ^#) for heat inactivation was 5.341 kJ/mol, and the thermodynamic activation parameters ΔG ^#, ΔH ^#, and ΔS ^# were also calculated, revealing a potential application for the industry.     

833 — Temperature effect on ion transport through the isolated human amnion: Part I. Electrophysiological studies

In vitro, electrolyte transfer through the human amniotic membrane depends on the temperature of the external solutions. The transepithelial conductance (G_t) is measured with the amnion mounted between two Ussing chambers and the membrane potential (U_m) and the input resistance (R_in) of epithelial-cell membranes are recorded by intracellular microelectrodes. When the temperature increases, G_t and R_in increase and the membrane is hyperpolarized. Thus, the paracellular conductance increases and the transcellular conductance decreases. Arrhenius plots of the conductance over the temperature range of 4–40°C yield apparent activation energies of 4–8 kcal/mole for amnion as a whole and 2–10 kcal/mole for epithelial amniotic-cell membrane. These values agree with the fact that the human amnion is a leaky epithelium. A step discontinuity in the Arrhenius plot with Ca²⁺ indicates a lipid phase transition near 30°C. Thus, the temperature acts upon the amnion by changing the fluidity of the membrane lipid charges and the lipid microenvironment of the sites.     

Expression and Characterization of a Novel Propionyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Gene from Candida rugosa in Pichia pastoris

The propionyl-CoA dehydrogenase (PACD) gene was firstly cloned from Candida rugosa by the cDNA RACE technique. The 6× His-tagged recombinant PACD gene was expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115 and purified with Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. SDS-PAGE analysis and Western blotting revealed that the molecular mass of the purified PACD was 49 kDa. The results showed that the recombinant protein had the activity of catalyzing propionyl-CoA to acrylyl-CoA. The K _m, k _cat, and V _max values of the purified PACD were calculated to be 40.86 μM, 0.566 s^?1 and 0.693 U?mg^?1 min^?1. The optimal temperature and pH of the purified PACD were 30 °C and 7.0, respectively. The recombinant PACD maintained 76.3%, 30.1%, and 4.3% of its original activity after 2 h incubation in standard buffer at 30, 40, and 50 °C, respectively. Mg²⁺ had an activating effect on the enzyme, while Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cu²⁺ had weak inhibition. Since PACD catalyzed the key step (from propionyl-CoA to acrylyl-CoA) in the modified β-oxidation pathway from glucose to 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), the integration of recombinant PACD could benefit the engineered strains for effective production of 3-HP from the most abundant biomass–sugars.