Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Toshio Sakamoto, Yang Wei, Koki Yuasa, Yoshitaka Nishiyama
Summary: The study found that photosynthetic oxygen evolution was barely detectable in samples stored at room temperature for over 8 years, but recovered in samples stored at -20°C for over 15 years. Carotenoids, scytonemin, and chlorophyll a appeared intact in the dry thalli stored at -20°C.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dajana Rucova, Maria Vilkova, Simona Sovova, Zuzana Vargova, Zuzana Kostecka, Richard Frenak, Deepti Routray, Martin Backor
Summary: With the increasing demand for natural substances to replace synthetic ones in the cosmetic industry, this study aims to explore the biological potential of the secondary metabolite scytonemin from cyanobacteria collected in Antarctica, and evaluate its potential as an ingredient for natural UV sunscreen cream.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Da Huo, Hua Li, Fangfang Cai, Xiaoyu Guo, Zhiyi Qiao, Weibo Wang, Gongliang Yu, Renhui Li
Summary: This study analyzed the evolutionary history of Nostoc strains, revealing a trend of transition from facultative symbiosis to free-living mode along with an increase in genome sizes. Intracellular symbiosis played a crucial role in Nostoc evolution, and members of Nostoc showed a preference for gene acquisition related to gene repair and recombination when adapting to free-living environments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Saurabh Bhatia, Ahmed Al-Harrasi, Tapan Behl, Md. Khalid Anwer, Mohammed Muqtader Ahmed, Vineet Mittal, Deepak Kaushik, Sridevi Chigurupati, Md. Tanvir Kabir, Pritam Babu Sharma, Bhupal Chaugule, Celia Vargas-de-la-Cruz
Summary: The study developed an UV absorbing MAA-loaded topical gel from Nostoc commune, which can potentially serve as a photo protective compound against UVA and UVB radiation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Zhen Chen, Jin-Long Shang, Shengwei Hou, Tao Li, Qi Li, Yi-Wen Yang, Wolfgang R. Hess, Bao-Sheng Qiu
Summary: A study revealed the genome structure and transcriptional regulation of the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Nostoc sphaeroides in paddy fields, as well as the gene expression patterns during developmental transition. The cyanobacterium showed expanded gene families for adaptation to high solar radiation and water fluctuation conditions, with anoxic adaptation and phosphonate utilization genes located on a megaplasmid.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Hai-Feng Xu, Guo-Zheng Dai, Yu-Jie Wang, Chao Cheng, Jin-Long Shang, Ren-Han Li, Ke Liu, Deqiang Duanmu, Bao-Sheng Qiu
Summary: Through genome analysis of a subaerial desert cyanobacterium, it was found that it contains various phytochromes and cyanobacteriochromes that can sense multiple wavelengths of light. Additionally, a CBCR capable of acclimating to weak light environments at dawn was identified.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Iveta Uhliarikova, Maria Matulova, Zuzana Kostalova, Jaromir Lukavsky, Peter Capek
Summary: Cyanobacteria are capable of producing metabolites with industrial or medical potential, such as a crude exopolysaccharide (cEPS) with a molecular weight of 1.31 x 10(5) g/mol. Ion-exchange chromatography separated the cEPS into two dominant fractions, EPS-1 and EPS-2, with differing molecular weights. EPS-1 was found to contain glucose, galactose, and xylose in its backbone structure and exhibited stronger antioxidant properties compared to purified fractions and deproteinized EPS.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carmencita Lavado-Meza, Leonel De la Cruz-Cerron, Carmen Lavado-Puente, Julio Angeles-Suazo, Juan Z. Davalos-Prado
Summary: A new biosorbent Nostoc commune modified with NaOH has been developed and tested for efficient removal of Pb(II) from water. The adsorption capacity of the biosorbent was found to be higher than other reported biosorbents. Structural and morphological characterization revealed that the modified biosorbent had more porous surfaces and functional adsorption groups. The optimal conditions for Pb(II) adsorption were determined to be pH 4.5 and 5.5 with a biomass dose of 0.5 g L-1. The adsorption process followed Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo-second order kinetics, indicating chemisorption on the heterogeneous surfaces of the biosorbent. The thermodynamic parameters confirmed the feasibility and spontaneity of the adsorption process. NCM showed good regeneration capability and high removal efficiency for both Pb and Ca from real wastewater.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sheng-Chieh Tsai, Yu-Wen Huang, Chih-Chung Wu, Jyh-Jye Wang, Ya-Ting Chen, Reeta Rani Singhania, Chiu-Wen Chen, Cheng-Di Dong, Shu-Ling Hsieh
Summary: This study investigated the phytochemical assay and anti-obesity effects of Nostoc commune ethanol extract (NEE). The results showed that NEE contains phytochemical compounds and can suppress cell proliferation and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Additionally, NEE was found to reduce body weight, fat tissue weight, and serum lipid levels in rats. Furthermore, NEE regulated the expression of adipogenesis and lipid lysis-related genes, as well as upregulated beta-oxidation related genes. Overall, this study suggests that NEE has the potential to be developed as a functional food for anti-obesity.
Article
Microbiology
Alessandro Napoli, Federico Iacovelli, Claudia Fagliarone, Gianmarco Pascarella, Mattia Falconi, Daniela Billi
Summary: The genome-wide investigation of the anhydrobiotic cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029 revealed the presence of three genes coding for superoxide dismutases (SODs), with one of them containing a Tat signal peptide for transport across membranes. These SODs play a crucial role in the antioxidant enzymatic defense of the cyanobacterium, with specific functions such as protection against oxidative damage and scavenging of reactive oxygen species.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Xiaoxia Chen, Wenqi Bai, Xiangrong Liu, Jiao Zhao, Zhiyuan Li, Jianrong Li, Liping Su, Tao Guan, Ruifang Sun, Xihua Yang, Caixia Lv, Zhixiang Wang, Linjie Hu, Zheng Li, Jinfeng Ma, Huanhu Zhang, Xiaoqing Lu
Summary: The study demonstrated that WSP can significantly inhibit the metastasis of gastric cancer cells, with its anti-metastasis ability related to the membrane protein receptor EGFRVIII. It was found that WSP inhibits the downstream EGFRVIII signaling pathway Akt-PI3K and further inhibits the secretion of cancer-related metastasis proteins such as MMP2 and MMP9.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xiaotian Xu, Chengqiong Wei, Yingying Yang, Meng Liu, Ailin Luo, Hengzhi Song, Yuhui Wang, Xiaoqun Duan
Summary: The study found that a purified compound HD from Nostoc commune can alleviate DSS-induced colitis by reducing the levels of protein and mRNA expression, ameliorating pathological tissue damage and inflammation. HD also demonstrated efficacy against UC in vitro, indicating its potential role in regulating protein expression levels.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tong Ye, Bo Wang, Caiyan Li, Po Bian, Lanzhou Chen, Gaohong Wang
Summary: The study found that Nostoc sp. cells have the potential to survive in a Mars-like environment with low mortality rate and minimal physiological changes. RNA-sequencing data revealed several affected metabolic pathways. Ground exposed samples showed a similar trend to flight-exposed samples.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
James A. Raymond, Michael G. Janech, Marco Mangiagalli
Summary: The study revealed that an ice-binding protein in cyanobacteria may have been acquired from other bacteria, and demonstrated that a consortium of IBP-producing bacteria living with Nostoc contribute to its IBP activity.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sophie Drouillard, Laurent Poulet, Eric Marechal, Alberto Amato, Laurine Buon, Melanie Loiodice, William Helbert
Summary: Noctoc commune is a cyanobacterium that lives in extreme environments. Its cells are embedded in a polysaccharide matrix and possess unique metabolism and desiccation resistance. The structure of its polysaccharide has been determined and shows its important biological role.
CARBOHYDRATE RESEARCH
(2022)
Correction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ehsan Nazifi, Naoki Wada, Tomoya Asano, Takumi Nishiuchi, Yoshiaki Iwamuro, Satoshi Chinaka, Seiichi Matsugo, Toshio Sakamoto
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2015)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zohreh Moradi, Mohsen Mehrvar, Ehsan Nazifi, Mohammad Zakiaghl
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zohreh Moradi, Mohsen Mehrvar, Ehsan Nazifi, Mohammad Zakiaghl
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kenji Ishihara, Ryuichi Watanabe, Hajime Uchida, Toshiyuki Suzuki, Michiaki Yamashita, Hiroyuki Takenaka, Ehsan Nazifi, Seiichi Matsugo, Minami Yamaba, Toshio Sakamoto
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Zohreh Moradi, Ehsan Nazifi, Mohsen Mehrvar
PLANT PATHOLOGY JOURNAL
(2017)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kaori Inoue-Sakamoto, Ehsan Nazifi, Chieri Tsuji, Tomoya Asano, Takumi Nishiuchi, Seiichi Matsugo, Kenji Ishihara, Yu Kanesaki, Hirofumi Yoshikawa, Toshio Sakamoto
JOURNAL OF GENERAL AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kaori Inoue-Sakamoto, Yasunori Tanji, Minami Yamaba, Takumi Natsume, Takuya Masaura, Tomoya Asano, Takumi Nishiuchi, Toshio Sakamoto
JOURNAL OF GENERAL AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Toshio Sakamoto, Akane Hashimoto, Minami Yamaba, Naoki Wada, Takayuki Yoshida, Kaori Inoue-Sakamoto, Takumi Nishiuchi, Seiichi Matsugo
PHYCOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shiori Suzuki, Shimon Kurachi, Naoki Wada, Kenji Takahashi
Summary: A facile and sustainable method using an ionic liquid was developed for selectively modifying aliphatic hydroxy groups in Kraft lignin. The two-step homogeneous reaction resulted in high purity selectively modified Kraft lignin with improved yield and repeatability. The modified Kraft lignin showed good solubility, heat-meltability, and thermal stability comparable to completely acetylated lignin.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Romain Milotskyi, Laszlo Szabo, Tetsuo Fujie, Kintaro Sakata, Naoki Wada, Kenji Takahashi
Summary: Recent progress in manufacturing new functional cellulose-derived materials highlights the importance of reaction/process design and waste minimization over the renewable nature of these materials. Using reactive extrusion in EmimOAc/DMSO system, cellulose laurate with high reaction efficiency was synthesized. The process showed sustainability with high cellulose concentration, mild chemical modification, and easy recovery and reuse of EmimOAc.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shiori Suzuki, Yosuke Hamano, Stephanie C. Hernandez, Naoki Wada, Kenji Takahashi
Summary: A facile approach for converting sugarcane bagasse into valuable thermoplastics has been proposed, achieving both excellent melt-flowability and tunable material properties while maintaining key mechanical performance.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Akina Yoshizawa, Chie Maruyama, Samuel Budi Wardhana Kusuma, Naoki Wada, Kosuke Kuroda, Daisuke Hirose, Kenji Takahashi
Summary: In this study, aryloxy ILs were prepared as non-carboxylate-type and basic ILs to prevent the introduction of an acyl group from the IL onto the hydroxy group of cellulose during esterification. The optimized Emim2OPy IL and mixed solvent system achieved rapid cellulose esterification within 30 minutes with an excellent degree of substitution, without any undesired substituent introduction.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Romain Milotskyi, Ryo Serizawa, Kaoru Yanagisawa, Gyanendra Sharma, Elisabeth Rada Desideria Ito, Tetsuo Fujie, Naoki Wada, Kenji Takahashi
Summary: In this study, the poor chemical compatibility between cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and bio-based polymeric matrices was improved by cross-linking the residual hydroxyl groups of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and the hydroxyl groups on the surface of CNF using a bio-derived polyisocyanurate. When a certain amount of cross-linking agent was added, the resulting composite material exhibited significantly improved tensile and flexural strength compared to neat CAB.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Z. Moradi, E. Nazifi, M. Mehrvar
