• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.37 no.3
• /
• pp.248-253
• /
• 2017

Humic acid (HA) is known to consist of various kinds of polymeric organics, their detailed structures can vary depend on sample sources such as organic manure, composts, peat, and lignite brown coal, and largely exists in grassland soils. HA possesses diverse positive effects that not only increase plant growth but also improve soil fertility. Recently, we have manufactured a co-polymeric product of catechol and vanillic acid (CAVA) synthesized artificially, and found that CAVA as a HA mimic increases seed germination and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. In this study, we examined whether HA or CAVA affects to seedling growth in alfalfa. Foliar application of HA or CAVA increased alfalfa seedling growth including aerial and in root parts. HA or CAVA dramatically enhanced size of leaf and root, whereas HA significantly displayed higher bioactivity than CAVA. Taken together, CAVA acts like as a HA mimic in alfalfa that could apply as an alternation supplement to enhance plant growth and productivity.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.39 no.5
• /
• pp.844-861
• /
• 2019

Over the last few years, marine environment was found to be a source of surplus natural products and microorganisms with new bioactive secondary metabolites of interest which can divulge nutritional and biological impact on the host. This study aims to assess the possible, inherent and functional probiotic properties of a novel probiotic strain Enterococcus durans F3 (E. durans F3) isolated from the gut of fresh water fish Catla catla. Parameters for evaluating and describing the probiotics described in FAD/WHO guidelines were followed. E. durans F3 demonstrated affirmative results including simulated bile, acid and gastric juice tolerance with exhibited significant bactericidal effect against pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhi, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This can be due to the enterocin produced by E. durans F3 strain, which was resolute by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gel with amplification of the anticipated fragment of a structural gene; enterocin A, followed by antibiotic susceptibility assessment. Effective antioxidant potentiality against ${\alpha}$-diphenyl-${\alpha}$-picrylhydrazyl free radicals including lipase, bile salt hydrolase activity with auto-aggregation and cell surface hydrophobicity was similarly observed. Results are proving the potentiality of E. durans F3, which can also be used as probiotic starter culture in dairy industries for manufacturing new products that imparts health benefits to the host. Finding the potent and novel probiotic strains will also satisfy the current developing market demand for probiotics.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.52 no.11
• /
• pp.653-658
• /
• 2019

MYB-type transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in plant growth and development, and in the rapid responses to unfavorable environmental conditions. We recently reported the isolation and characterization of a rice (Oryza sativa) MYB TF, OsMYB102, which is involved in the regulation of leaf senescence by downregulating abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and the downstream signaling response. Based on the similarities of their sequences and expression patterns, OsMYB102 appears to be a homolog of the Arabidopsis thaliana AtMYB44 TF. Since AtMYB44 is a key regulator of leaf senescence and abiotic stress responses, it is important to examine whether AtMYB44 homologs in other plants also act similarly. Here, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing OsMYB102 (OsMYB102-OX). The OsMYB102-OX plants showed a delayed senescence phenotype during dark incubation and were more susceptible to salt and drought stresses, considerably similar to Arabidopsis plants overexpressing AtMYB44. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) revealed that, in addition to known senescence-associated genes, genes encoding the ABA catabolic enzymes AtCYP707A3 and AtCYP707A4 were also significantly upregulated in OsMYB102-OX, leading to a significant decrease in ABA accumulation. Furthermore, protoplast transient expression and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that OsMYB102 directly activated AtCYP707A3 expression. Based on our findings, it is probable that the regulatory functions of AtMYB44 homologs in plants are highly conserved and they have vital roles in leaf senescence and the abiotic stress responses.

• Mycobiology
• /
• v.47 no.2
• /
• pp.230-241
• /
• 2019

The Great Sebkha of Oran is a closed depression located in northwestern of Algeria. Despite the ranking of this sebkha among the wetlands of global importance by Ramsar Convention in 2002, no studies on the fungal community in this area have been carried out. In our study, samples were collected from two different regions. The first region is characterized by halophilic vegetation and cereal crops and the second by a total absence of vegetation. The isolated strains were identified morphologically then by molecular analysis. The biotechnological interest of the strains was evaluated by testing their ability to grow at different concentration of NaCl and to produce extracellular enzymes (i.e., lipase, amylase, protease, and cellulase) on solid medium. The results showed that the soil of sebkha is alkaline, with the exception of the soil of cereal crops that is neutral, and extremely saline. In this work, the species Gymnoascus halophilus, Trichoderma gamsii, the two phytopathogenic fungi, Fusarium brachygibbosum and Penicillium allii, and the teleomorphic form of P. longicatenatum observed for the first time in this species, were isolated for the first time in Algeria. The halotolerance test revealed that the majority of the isolated are halotolerant. Wallemia sp. and two strains of G. halophilus are the only obligate halophilic strains. All strains are capable to secrete at least one of the four tested enzymes. The most interesting species presenting the highest enzymatic index were Aspergillus sp. strain A4, Chaetomium sp. strain H1, P. vinaceum, G. halophilus, Wallemia sp. and Ustilago cynodontis.

• ALGAE
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.361-373
• /
• 2020

The community dynamics of benthic diatoms in the hypersaline environment are investigated to advance our understanding how salinity impacts marine life. Diatoms were sampled in the two salterns encompassing salt Ponds, ditches, and seawater reservoirs (n = 11), along the salinity gradient (max = 324 psu), and nearby tidal flats (n = 2). The floral assemblages and distributions across sites and stations showed great variations, with a total of 169 identified taxa. First, not surprisingly, higher diversity of benthic diatoms was found at natural tidal flats than salterns. The saltern diatoms generally showed salinity dependent distributions with distinct spatial changes in species composition and dominant taxa. Biota-environment and principal component analysis confirmed that salinity, mud content, and total nitrogen were key factors influencing the overall benthic community structure. Some dominant species, e.g., Nitzschia scalpelliformis and Achnanthes sp. 1, showed salinity tolerance / preference. The number of diatom species at salinity of >100 psu reduced over half and no diatoms were found at maximum salinity of 324 psu. The highest salinity for the observed live diatoms was 205 psu, however, a simple regression indicated a theoretical salinity threshold of ~300 psu on the survival. Finally, the indicator species were identified along the salinity gradient in salterns as well as natural tidal flats. Overall, high species numbers, varying taxa, and euryhaline distributions of saltern diatoms collectively reflected a dynamic saltern ecosystem. The present study would provide backgrounds for biodiversity monitoring of ecologically important microalgal producers in some unique hypersaline environment, and elsewhere.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.48 no.4
• /
• pp.491-505
• /
• 2020

A newly isolated strain, Proteus vulgaris OR34, from olive mill waste was found to secrete an alkaline extracellular lipase at 11 U·ml-1 when cultivated on an optimized liquid medium. This lipase was purified 94.64-fold with a total yield of 9.11% and its maximal specific activity was shown to be 3232.58 and 1777.92 U·mg-1 when evaluated using the pH-stat technique at 55℃ and pH 9 and Tributyrin TC4 or olive oil as the substrate. The molecular mass of the pure OR34 lipase was estimated to be around 31 kDa, as revealed by SDS-PAGE and its substrate specificity was investigated using a variety of triglycerides. This assay revealed that OR34 lipase preferred short and medium chain fatty acids. In addition, this lipase was stable in the presence of high concentrations of bile salt (NaDC) and calcium ions appear not to be necessary for its activity. This lipase was inhibited by THL (Orlistat) which confirmed its identity as a serine enzyme. In addition, the immobilization of OR34 lipase by adsorption onto calcium carbonate increased its stability at higher temperatures and within a larger pH range. The immobilized lipase exhibited a high tolerance to organic solvents and retained 60% of its activity after 10 months of storage at 4℃. Finally, the OR34 lipase was applied in biodiesel synthesis via oleic acid mediated esterification of methanol when using hexane as solvent. The best conversion yield (67%) was obtained at 12 h and 40℃ using the immobilized enzyme and this enzyme could be reused for six cycles with the same efficiency.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.49 no.4
• /
• pp.501-509
• /
• 2021

The increasing demand for baked products has given a boost to research on isolation and selection of novel yeast strains with improved leavening activity. Twelve sourdough samples were collected from several localities of the Fez region in Morocco. The pH and total titratable acidity (TTA) values of these samples varied from 3.03-4.63 and 14-17.5 ml of 0.1 N NaOH/10 g of sourdough, respectively, while yeast counts ranged from 5.3 6.77 Log CFU/g. Thirty-two yeast isolates were obtained and evaluated for their leavening ability. Out of all isolates, four yeasts molecularly identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (three strains) and Kluyveromyces marxianus (one strain) showed highest specific volumes of 4.69, 4.55, 4.35 and 4.1 cm³/g, respectively. These strains were further assessed for their tolerance to high concentrations of salt, sugar, elevated temperatures, and low pH conditions. K. marxianus showed higher resistance than the S. cerevisiae. Thus, Moroccan sourdoughs harbor technologically relevant yeasts that could be used as potential starters for bread preparation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.72-80
• /
• 2022

In this study, the survival capacity (acid and bile salt tolerance, and adhesion to gut epithelial cells) and probiotic properties (enzyme activity-inhibition and anti-inflammatory activities, inhibition of adipogenesis, and stress hormone level reduction) of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LRCC5314, isolated from kimchi (Korean traditional fermented cabbage), were investigated. LRCC5314 exhibited very stable survival at ph 2.0 and in 0.2% bile acid with 89.9% adhesion to Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells after treatment for 2 h. LRCC5314 also inhibited the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which are involved in elevating postprandial blood glucose levels, by approximately 72.9% and 51.2%, respectively. Treatment of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with the LRCC5314 lysate decreased the levels of the inflammatory factors nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and interferon-γ by 88.5%, 49.3%, 97.2%, and 99.8%, respectively, relative to those of the cells treated with LPS alone. LRCC5314 also inhibited adipogenesis in differentiating preadipocytes (3T3-L1 cells), showing a 14.7% decrease in lipid droplet levels and a 74.0% decrease in triglyceride levels, as well as distinct reductions in the mRNA expression levels of adiponectin, FAS, PPAR/γ, C/EBPα, TNF-α, and IL-6. Moreover, LRCC5314 reduced the level of cortisol, a hormone with important effect on stress, by approximately 35.6% in H295R cells. L. plantarum LRCC5314 is identified as a new probiotic with excellent in vitro multifunctional properties. Subsequent in vivo studies may further demonstrate its potential as a functional food or pharmabiotic.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.103-109
• /
• 2022

Lactic acid bacteria with antibacterial activity can be effectively used as probiotics to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that cause food spoilage or food poisoning. In this study, Pediococcus pentosaceus M132-2, isolated from soybean paste, was analyzed for its effects on three major contaminating fungi. M132-2 was confirmed to exert antifungal activity by inhibiting the growth of all three fungi tested. In addition, M132-2 displayed excellent salt resistance and low temperature tolerance. Thus M132-2 can survive at the salinity level in cheese and at the low temperatures used in the aging process. Finally, when supernatant from an M132-2 culture was applied to Gouda cheese, the growth of contaminating fungi was significantly inhibited. Consequently, M132-2 may be useful for the prevention of spoilage of various foods, including cheese.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2022.09a
• /
• pp.37-37
• /
• 2022

밀은 세계 3대 작물로 국내 1인당 소비량은 지속적으로 증가하고 있다. 하지만 국내 밀의 유전적 배경 확대와 기후변화 신속 대응을 위한 국내 밀 유전자 풀의 확장은 밀의 질적 향상을 위해 매우 중요한 목표이다. 국내 자생 갯그령(Leymus mollis)은 해안가에서 번식하는 영년생 식물로 뿌리줄기를 이용한 왕성한 번식력을 가지고 있다. 또한, 해안가의 뜨겁고 염에 대한 적응성과 저항성을 가지고 있다. 이러한 특성은 밀 유전자 풀의 확장에 매우 유용할 것이다. 국내 밀 재배지 한계 극복을 위한 간척지 재배가 가능한 내염성 강화 밀 자원 개발을 위하여 모본인 보통 밀(Triticum aestivum L., Chinese Spring)과 부본인 갯그령을 원연교배하였다. 갯그령과 보통 밀의 원연 교배를 통한 종자 형성은 매우 어려우나 불가능한 것은 아니며, 최종적으로 10개의 교배 종자를 얻어 F₁ 식물체로 생장하는 과정에서 5 식물체는 고사하였고, 나머지 5 식물체는 영년생 특성인 뿌리줄기에 의해 새로운 줄기가 출현하는 것을 확인하였다. 또한, 갯그령의 DNA를 이용한 genomic in situ hybridization 방법으로 F₁ 식물체에서 갯그령의 염색체가 밀의 유전적 배경에 이입된 것을 확인하였다. F₂ 식물체는 모본인 보통 밀보다 긴 수장과 간장을 나타내고 이삭 수는 많았지만, 출수기는 보통 밀보다 3주 이상 늦어지는 것을 확인하였다. 내염성 평가를 위하여 F₂ 종자를 2% 소금물에서 발아시켜 생육이 좋은 식물체를 선발하여 50 cm 투명 아크릴 원통에 이식하고 2% 소금물을 지속적으로 관개하였다. 내염성 강화 F₂ 식물체는 염에 감수성을 보인 식물체에 비하여 상대적으로 긴 이삭과 종자 형성을 보였으며, 감수성 식물체는 종자 형성이 이루어지지 않았다. 또한, 내염성 강화 F₂ 식물체는 감수성 식물체에 비하여 좋은 뿌리의 신장과 천근성을 보였다. 이러한 갯그령의 식물학적 특성이 이입된 계통은 기후변화 대응, 환경 적응성 강화, 및 근권 강화에 좋은 작물 소재로 이용할 수 있다고 생각한다.