Article
Energy & Fuels
Daniel A. Alfaro-Sayes, Jerome Amoah, Nova Rachmadona, Shinji Hama, Tomohisa Hasunuma, Akihiko Kondo, Chiaki Ogino
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alginate immobilization on the growth and lipid productivity of the microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana. The results showed that immobilization technology can enhance the growth and lipid productivity of microalgae.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Miguel L. Sousa-Dias, Vanessa Branco Paula, Luis G. Dias, Leticia M. Estevinho
Summary: Using immobilized cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in sodium alginate beads with 4% concentration showed better stability and more reusability in mead production; the consumption of sugars by immobilized cells and free cells exhibited similar profiles, with fermentation completed within around 72 hours.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Eleftherios Touloupakis, Angeliki Chatziathanasiou, Demetrios F. Ghanotakis, Pietro Carlozzi, Isabella Pecorini
Summary: The present investigation focuses on the potential of Rhodopseudomonas sp. cells to produce clean energy, such as molecular hydrogen (H-2). The cells were immobilized in calcium alginate gel beads and cultured in a cylindrical photobioreactor to enhance H-2 production. The maximum H-2 production rate reached 5.25 mL/h with a total output of 505 mL and a light conversion efficiency of 1.20%.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wenxiu Zheng, Qianru Zhao, Matthew Jay Malkmes, Ge Gao, Jiaqi He, Lei Zheng, Ling Jiang
Summary: The study found that the immobilized Clostridium tyrobutyricum in MCAL beads has better adsorption effects on lead ions, demonstrating practicality and potential value in treating lead ions in aqueous solutions.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Elena Gunter, Oxana Popeyko, Sergey Popov
Summary: The aim of this study was to obtain alginate hydrogels with immobilized callus cells to investigate the interaction between physicochemical properties, texture, swelling behavior, and grape seed extract (GSE) release. The inclusion of duckweed and campion callus cells in hydrogels resulted in a decrease in porosity, gel strength, adhesiveness, and thermal stability, and an increase in encapsulation efficiency compared with alginate hydrogel.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
M. F. B. Teixeira, S. P. M. Silva, M. F. P. Domingos-Lopes, R. J. B. Bessa, J. A. M. Prates, H. J. D. Rosa, C. C. G. Silva
Summary: This study investigated the use of three strains of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei to reduce cholesterol in cream and butter. The lactobacilli cultures were immobilized in calcium-alginate beads and showed a significant reduction in cholesterol content in cream. The butter produced from the fermented cream had a substantial reduction in cholesterol, as well as improvements in fatty acid profile and atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices. Sensory evaluation also indicated positive results for the low-cholesterol butter.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinan Xu, Lixia Zhang, Ye Han, Zhijiang Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the adsorption capacity of immobilized and free EPS on Pb2+ and Zn2+, with immobilized EPS showing better performance. Thermodynamic studies and adsorption isotherm models confirmed that the adsorption process was mainly chemisorption, involving complexation reactions and ion exchange.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mohamed S. Hellal, Enas M. Abou-Taleb, Ahmed M. Rashad, Gamal K. Hassan
Summary: In this study, the immobilization of anaerobic sludge in sodium alginate (SA) with polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles (NPs) was found to enhance the degradation of organic matter in dairy wastewater (DWW) and increase biohydrogen yield. The concentration of PANI NPs in SA directly affected the degradation in DWW and bio-hydrogen production.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Youngsu Lim, Bolam Kim, Jiseon Jang, Dae Sung Lee
Summary: Buckwheat hull-derived biochar beads, synthesized by immobilizing biochar powder with alginate, showed efficient adsorption capacity for cobalt removal from aqueous solution. The beads exhibited cation-exchange ability, abundant functional groups, microporous structure, and large surface area. The adsorption behavior followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the Langmuir isotherm model provided a better fit to the adsorption data.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alessia Ercole, Francesca Raganati, Piero Salatino, Antonio Marzocchella
Summary: The study found that using immobilized cultures of Actinobacillus succinogenes in alginate beads was effective in producing succinic acid, with the best results achieved at initial glucose concentration of 60 g/L and bead concentration of 250 g/L, resulting in a final SA concentration of 69 g/L and a SA yield of 1.15 g/g.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qi Gao, Shan-Wei Li, Yu-Jie Xie, Min-Xue Zheng, Jing Wei, Zhi-Jun Luo, Xiang-Tong Zhou, Zhi-Gang Liu, Yan Li, Zhi-Ren Wu
Summary: This study proposed the optimal preparation conditions and cultivation equipment of Ca-alginate cell beads for the culturing of anammox sludge. The prepared cell beads had regular spherical shapes, a uniform size, and hard texture. The anammox bacteria in the Ca-alginate cell beads exhibited fast growth and high activity due to diffusion limitations. The gel entrapment method was found to rapidly enrich anammox bacteria in a short period.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Carlos Pasqualin Cavalheiro, Claudia Ruiz-Capillas, Ana Maria Herrero, Tatiana Pintado
Summary: The addition of E. faecium CECT 410, either as free cells or in alginate beads, was effective in producing probiotic dry-fermented sausages, with acceptable weight losses and lower pH values during ripening and storage. The sausages with probiotics via alginate beads had higher protein and fat content, but lower moisture content, without affecting lipid oxidation. Counts of E. faecium CECT 410 remained high throughout the ripening and storage periods, making it an effective method for probiotic sausage production.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cintia Andreia Alves Pereira, Mariana Riboli Nava, Jilvana Barbara Walter, Claudio Eduardo Scherer, Amanda Dominique Kupfer Dalfovo, Marcio Barreto-Rodrigues
Summary: The study prepared calcium alginate beads incorporated with nZVI and applied them in a catalytic ozonation system for dye treatment, showing high process efficiency and potential application in treating petroleum effluents.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivana M. Savic Gajic, Ivan M. Savic, Dragoljub G. Gajic, Aleksandar Dosic
Summary: This study aimed to develop an ultrasound-assisted extraction method for carotenoids from orange peel using olive oil as a solvent, finding optimal extraction conditions and preparing stable Ca-alginate beads enriched with carotenoids in olive oil. The results indicated that extraction time had the greatest impact on carotenoid content.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Amel Moula, Mohamed Ali Borgi, Ali Ellafi, Mohamed Chaieb, Ali Mekki
Summary: This study investigates the biosorption ability of indigenous bacterium Serratia rubidaea NCTC12971 immobilized in Ca-alginate beads for removing potentially toxic elements from phosphate-processing effluent (PPE). The experimental results show that the immobilized S. rubidaea NCTC12971 can effectively remove lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc from PPE. Furthermore, the regeneration and reuse of the Ca-alginate beads are also evaluated, and the effectiveness of the bacterial biosorption as a treatment process is demonstrated by assessing the phytotoxicity of the treated effluent on Medicago sativa and Lactuca sativa seed germination and root elongation.
INTERNATIONAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
G. R. Tortella, J. C. Pieretti, O. Rubilar, M. Fernandez-Baldo, A. Benavides-Mendoza, M. C. Diez, A. B. Seabra
Summary: The rapid development of nanomedicine has led to a high demand for silver, copper, and copper oxide nanoparticles due to their potent antimicrobial activity. The recent pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for effective alternatives for treating and preventing viral infections. This review discusses the antiviral activity of silver and copper-based nanoparticles, along with the challenges and limitations in their biomedical applications.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Qian Zhang, Macarena M. Araya, Marcia Astorga-Elo, Gabriela Velasquez, Joaquin I. Rilling, Marco Campos, Michael J. Sadowsky, Milko A. Jorquera, Jacquelinne J. Acuna
Summary: Plant microbiota associated with pioneer plants in the Central Volcanic Zone of Andes play a crucial role in their growth and adaptation to harsh conditions. This study analyzed the composition and potential functions of rhizobacteria in Parastrephia quadrangularis plants from three volcanoes in the Atacama Desert. The results showed that Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant phyla. Each plant recruited specific rhizobacterial communities independently of the volcano slope. The predicted functions mainly involved chemoheterotrophy, nitrogen cycling, and symbiosis.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Nicolas Hoffmann, Gonzalo Tortella, Edward Hermosilla, Paola Fincheira, M. Cristina Diez, Isabella M. Lourenco, Amedea B. Seabra, Olga Rubilar
Summary: This study compares the toxicity of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by biogenic and chemical routes. The experimental results demonstrate the different effects of these nanoparticles on aquatic organisms and plants.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Carla Cisternas Novoa, Gonzalo Tortella, Amedea B. Seabra, Maria Cristina Diez, Olga Rubilar
Summary: In this study, L-cysteine-capped silver nanoparticles were successfully linked to cotton textiles, producing antibacterial fabrics with enhanced durability. The fabric showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Article
Microbiology
M. Cristina Diez, Cesar Llafquen, Paola Fincheira, Claudio Lamilla, Gabriela Briceno, Heidi Schalchli
Summary: Biosurfactant-producing bacteria were found in contaminated environments, and two strains were selected for their ability to produce biosurfactants. Both strains had good emulsification activities, and their biosurfactant production was independent of biomass.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edward Hermosilla, Marcela Diaz, Joelis Vera, Maria Jose Contreras, Karla Leal, Rodrigo Salazar, Leticia Barrientos, Gonzalo Tortella, Olga Rubilar
Summary: In this study, chitosan was used to encapsulate the mycelia of the white-rot fungus and form chitosan fungal beads for multiple extractions and nanoparticle synthesis. The resulting nanoparticles were composed of chitosan-silver nanoparticles with a size of 25 nm. The chitosan fungal beads lost their ability to produce chitosan-silver nanoparticles after three extractions and nanoparticle synthesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yong Hu, Rong Xiao, Bo Kuang, Yanping Hu, Yaping Wang, Junhong Bai, Chen Wang, Ling Zhang, Zhuoqun Wei, Kegang Zhang, Milko A. Jorquera, Jacqueliine J. Acuna, Wenbin Pan
Summary: This study confirmed the enhanced removal effect of atrazine in herbicide-containing wastewater through the addition of modified biochar. The modified biochar also improved the removal efficiency of COD, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus in the wastewater.
Article
Microbiology
Marcela Levio-Raiman, Cristian Bornhardt, M. Cristina Diez
Summary: This study establishes the foundation for implementing a continuous treatment system for wastewater containing a pesticide mixture of IPR and CHL using a bacterial consortium. Two bacterial strains were found to efficiently remove IPR and CHL at different concentrations as individual strains and in a free consortium. An immobilized bacterial consortium was formulated and evaluated for pesticide removal in batch experiments, with the highest removal efficiency observed at an inoculum concentration of 15% w/v. The packed-bed bioreactor with the immobilized consortium successfully removed IPR and CHL in continuous mode, achieving removal efficiencies of 96% and 82% respectively after 60 days of operation.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Gonzalo Tortella, Olga Rubilar, Joana C. Pieretti, Paola Fincheira, Bianca de Melo Santana, Martin A. Fernandez-Baldo, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, Amedea B. Seabra
Summary: Nanoparticles are recognized for their unique physical and chemical properties due to their nanometer size. They have various applications in different industries, including agriculture, where they can be used as nanofertilizers and biostimulants to improve crop productivity and control abiotic stress. Additionally, nanoparticles have exceptional antimicrobial properties. This review focuses on different nanoparticles, such as metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and silica nanoparticles, that have shown the capacity to control biotic stress in plants. The uptake and translocation of nanoparticles are also discussed. Future studies and the beneficial role of nanoparticles in biotic stress management are considered.
Article
Agronomy
Jacquelinne J. Acuna, Joaquin I. Rilling, Nitza G. Inostroza, Javiera Manquian, Qian Zhang, Vadakattu V. S. R. Gupta, Milko A. Jorquera
Summary: In this study, the diversity, community structure, and potential functions of root-associated bacterial communities of four Chilean wheat cultivars were explored. Results showed that Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in root endosphere and rhizosphere samples across all cultivars. Significant differences in alpha and beta diversity were observed in both root endosphere and rhizosphere samples. Potassium was identified as the main factor driving the rhizosphere microbiomes of wheat. Analyses of larger predicted functional activities revealed differences between the root endosphere and rhizosphere, with chemoheterotrophy and nitrogen cycling being the main functions in each environment. A co-occurrence analysis identified keystone taxa for the root endosphere and rhizosphere. These findings can contribute to the development of new wheat cultivars with specific bacterial communities.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joelis Vera, Wence Herrera, Edward Hermosilla, Marcela Diaz, Javiera Parada, Amedea B. Seabra, Gonzalo Tortella, Hector Pesenti, Gustavo Ciudad, Olga Rubilar
Summary: The antioxidant activity of plant extracts affects the physicochemical characteristics of zinc oxide nanoparticles, such as production yield, chemical composition, polydispersity index, surface charge, and average particle size. Plant extracts with lower antioxidant activity result in a decrease in the yield of zinc oxide nanoparticles and an increase in the amount of residual organic extract, leading to particle agglomeration and coarsening.
Article
Microbiology
Camila Aranda, Isabel Mendez, Patricio Javier Barra, Luis Hernandez-Montiel, Ana Fallard, Gonzalo Tortella, Evelyn Briones, Paola Duran
Summary: One of the challenges in long-term research on microorganisms is the maintenance of isolates and their characteristics. We have studied Gaumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt), the main biotic factor affecting wheat, for over 10 years. To preserve the microorganisms, we used oil overlaid, but some strains lost their pathogenicity over time, possibly due to low melanin content. Therefore, understanding the role of melanin in Ggt pathogenicity is crucial for laboratory studies.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ling Zhang, Junhong Bai, Yujia Zhai, Kegang Zhang, Yaqi Wang, Rong Xiao, Milko A. Jorquera
Summary: This study investigated the differences in endophyte and phyllosphere bacteria in Lotus samples from regions with low and high total antibiotic levels. The results showed significant differences in Shannon diversity between endophyte and phyllosphere bacteria, with higher values for phyllosphere bacteria. Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria were the dominant phyla in phyllosphere and endophyte samples respectively. The study suggests that antibiotics may have a substantial effect on the community of endophyte and phyllosphere bacteria.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paola Fincheira, Nicolas Hoffmann, Gonzalo Tortella, Antonieta Ruiz, Pablo Cornejo, Maria Cristina Diez, Amedea B. Seabra, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, Olga Rubilar
Summary: The excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers has led to loss of biodiversity, environmental pollution, and adverse effects on human health. Nanotechnology provides an innovative solution to address these issues, particularly through the use of nanocarriers as controlled release systems for agrochemicals. This eco-friendly strategy has shown great potential in reducing plant diseases and improving nutrient release.
Article
Plant Sciences
Paola Fincheira, Javier Espinoza, Joelis Vera, Daniela Berrios, Javiera Nahuelcura, Antonieta Ruiz, Andres Quiroz, Luis Bustamante, Pablo Cornejo, Gonzalo Tortella, Maria Cristina Diez, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, Olga Rubilar
Summary: It has been found that solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), as a nanocarrier, can modulate the growth and antioxidant system of L. sativa seedlings through the controlled release of 2-ketones. The effect depends on the dose of the released compound.
