Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Monika Tolgo, Silvia Huttner, Peter Rugbjerg, Nguyen Thanh Thuy, Vu Nguyen Thanh, Johan Larsbrink, Lisbeth Olsson
Summary: The study sequenced and analyzed the genome and transcriptome of the thermophilic Ascomycete Thielavia terrestris strain LPH172, revealing a rich arsenal of CAZymes and auxiliary activity (AA) domains. Upregulation of different encoding genes on different substrates suggests a complex and nuanced degradation strategy employed by the fungus.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
L. F. M. C. de Jesus, L. H. S. Guimaraes
Summary: This study optimized the production of beta-galactosidase by Trichoderma sp. under solid-state fermentation using wheat bran as substrate, and successfully recovered high added value GOS from whey cheese.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Daniel Sarkozy, Robert Farsang, Marton Szigeti, Sean Austin, Stephen Lock, Andras Guttman
Summary: In this study, the galactooligosaccharide content of an industrial GOS ingredient was determined using differential enzymatic digestion and capillary gel electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence detection. The concentration of galactooligosaccharides in the sample was found to be 37.23 g/100 g, similar to previous HPLC results but with a shorter separation time of 20 minutes. The CGE-LIF method combined with the enzymatic digestion protocol provides a rapid and easy way to measure galactooligosaccharides in infant formulas and other products.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anna Flavia Chaves e Souza, Sabrina Gabardo, Rafaela de Jesus Silva Coelho
Summary: The bioprocess industries are developing technological strategies to obtain new biomolecules to improve life quality. Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are important food-grade oligosaccharides with prebiotic potential, providing various health benefits such as selective stimulation of microorganisms, decrease in toxic compounds, increased mineral absorption, improved immune response, and reduced severity of obesity and diabetes. This review discusses recent methodologies and strategies to obtain GOS, purification methods, technological properties for industrial application, and the use of agro-industrial residues for sustainable GOS production. The low yield of GOS remains a primary concern, but enzyme immobilization shows promise as a potential solution. Technological and nutritional approaches for GOS application in different industries are also presented.
JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ke Wang, Yihong Xu, Zehui Xuan, Xina Xiao, Guofeng Gu, Lili Lu
Summary: In this study, a novel enzymatic process for the synthesis of galactooligosaccharides (GOS) from plant-derived galactose was established. The process was able to produce GOS without any byproducts. The synthesis conditions using the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis as the enzyme source were optimized, resulting in a GOS yield of 45%. The major GOS products were identified as Gal-beta-D(1. 6)-Gal, Gal-beta-D-(1. 3)-Gal, and Gal-beta-D-(1. 6)-Gal-beta-D-(1. 6)-Gal.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Eli Emanuel Esparza-Flores, Larissa Bertoldo Siquiera, Fernanda Dias Cardoso, Tania Haas Costa, Edilson Valmir Benvenutti, Iliana E. Medina-Ramirez, Mercedes Perullini, Patricio R. Santagapita, Rafael C. Rodrigues, Plinho F. Hertz
Summary: A comprehensive structural characterization of the chitosan-genipin complex was conducted using various techniques, showing modifications in the porosity and microstructure of the chitosan-genipin beads. The results demonstrated that the complex exhibited plasticity and dynamic behavior, with changes in fractality in response to pH environment and the crosslinking process. The immobilized enzyme on the modified particles showed high stability in continuous production. Evaluation: 8/10.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lais Saldanha Bolognesi, Sabrina Gabardo, Paulo Roberto Dall Cortivo, Marco Antonio Zachia Ayub
Summary: The bioconversion of porungo cheese whey into galactooligosaccharides (GOS) was investigated using immobilized beta-galactosidase in a batch system. The study evaluated different immobilization strategies, lactose substrates, concentrations of porungo cheese whey, and temperatures to achieve the highest yield of GOS. The results suggest the potential use of porungo cheese whey as a substrate for GOS production.
FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tianpeng Chen, Shimeng Wang, Huanqing Niu, Guanjia Yang, Sinan Wang, Yuqi Wang, Chaowei Zhou, Bin Yu, Pengpeng Yang, Wenjun Sun, Dong Liu, Hanjie Ying, Yong Chen
Summary: A biofilm-based fermentation system was constructed in P. pastoris by combining the surface display of beta-galactosidase and biofilm formation. The results showed a catalytic conversion rate of 50.3% for GOS with a maximum enzyme activity of 5125 U/g. This study provides a basis for developing biofilm-based surface display methods in P. pastoris.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Christian Fink, Sebastian Beblawy, Andreas M. Enkerlin, Lucas Muhling, Largus T. Angenent, Bastian Molitor
Summary: The study successfully implemented genetic tools for Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus Delta H, including shuttle vectors, neomycin resistance cassette, and cryptic plasmid, and demonstrated heterologous gene expression and DNA transfer between Escherichia coli and Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus Delta H. The research findings laid the foundation for optimizing methane production and high-value platform chemicals production.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhi-Peng Wang, Xin-Yue Zhang, Yan Ma, Jing-Run Ye, Jing Jiang, Hai-Ying Wang, Wei Chen
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficient accumulation of lipid by Aureobasidium namibiae A12 from agro-industrial wastes rich in galactose-based carbohydrates, with key enzymes identified. Moreover, the significance of sucrase in the direct hydrolysis of galactose-based carbohydrates has been revealed for the first time.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ailing Zhong, Priti Katrolia, Chong Zhu, Narasimha Kumar Kopparapu
Summary: A novel beta-galactosidase, NelnuGal, was isolated from Lotus seeds for the first time. It was purified to homogeneity using hydrophobic interaction chromatography and ion exchange chromatography. NelnuGal exhibited optimal activity at pH 4.0, broad pH stability (pH 4-10), and temperature optimum of 50°C with thermostability from 20 to 50°C. The enzyme showed resistance to inhibition by most metal ions, making it useful for milk hydrolysis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Monika Thakur, Amit Kumar Rai, Sudhir P. Singh
Summary: A novel beta-galactosidase gene was cloned from an aquatic habitat metagenome, and its characteristics were studied. The protein encoded by this gene exhibited beta-galactosidase activity across a wide range of pH and temperature. It also showed efficient catalytic activity in the presence of certain metal ions and displayed tolerance to glucose and galactose. In addition, it had transglycosylation activity for the production of galacto-oligosaccharides. These properties make it a promising biocatalyst for milk and whey processing applications.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guangyuan Wang, Yuhui Du, Xingyun Ma, Fangkai Ye, Yanjia Qin, Yangming Wang, Yuming Xiang, Rui Tao, Tingjian Chen
Summary: Thermophilic nucleic acid polymerases have great DNA/RNA synthesis activities at high temperatures and have been widely used in bioengineering, biotechnology, and biomedicine. Xeno nucleic acids (XNAs) are new carriers of genetic information and have contributed to the development of xenobiology. Researchers have engineered thermophilic nucleic acid polymerases to enable their synthesis, reverse transcription, and amplification of XNAs, facilitating their application in the production of novel drugs, materials, and catalysts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Claudia Yanez-Neco, Fadia Cervantes, Lorena Amaya-Delgado, Antonio O. Ballesteros, Francisco J. Plou, Javier Arrizon
Summary: This study demonstrated the synthesis of GOS using B-gal42 from Pantoea anthophila, overexpressed in E. coli, with lactose or milk whey as substrates. Both milk whey and pure lactose resulted in similar GOS yields, showing the potential of using B-gal42 for added-value product production from whey.
ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eduardo Rosado, Paloma Delgado-Fernandez, Blanca de las Rivas, Rosario Munoz, Francisco Javier Moreno, Nieves Corzo, Cesar Mateo
Summary: This study presents the synthesis of beta-galactosyl xylitol derivatives using immobilized LacA beta-galactosidase from Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1. The immobilized enzyme exhibited high activity and stability, allowing for the synthesis of a large amount of beta-galactosyl xylitol derivatives with improved efficiency. It also showed lower in vitro intestinal digestibility compared to lactose.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anastasia Zerva, Romanos Siaperas, George Taxeidis, Maria Kyriakidi, Stamatina Vouyiouka, Georgios I. Zervakis, Evangelos Topakas
Summary: White-rot fungus Abortiporus biennis has been studied for its lignocellulolytic potential. The strain was found to possess all necessary enzymatic activities for complete biomass degradation, with oxidative enzymes playing a prominent role. Two novel laccases, AbiLac1 and AbiLac2, were discovered and shown to have the ability to oxidize a wide range of substrates. This study highlights the biotechnological potential of unexplored enzymatic machinery in white-rot basidiomycetes, including improved lignocellulolytic cocktails and the degradation/valorization of plastic waste materials.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alicia Paz, Anastasia Zerva, Evangelos Topakas
Summary: In this study, olive mill wastewater (OMWW) was used as a low-cost substrate to produce lipases by Bacillus aryabhattai BA03, reducing the production costs. Non-sterilized or sterilized media formulated with 25% OMWW showed double or triple the enzyme activity compared to synthetic medium, while the highest activity was observed at pH 8, 27 degrees C, and 50% OMWW under non-sterile conditions.
BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Christina Pentari, Anastasia Zerva, Maria Dimarogona, Evangelos Topakas
Summary: It has been discovered that xylanases can accommodate acetyl side-groups and release acetylated xylobiose. However, acetyl esterases show synergy with TtXyn30A, indicating that certain subsites in its active site cannot tolerate acetylated xylopyranose residues. Molecular docking analysis reveals that the acetyl group can be accommodated at the 2- or 3-OH position of the non-reducing end xylose, but only 3-OH decoration can be accommodated at the reducing-end xylose (subsite -1). These insights into the catalytic activity of TtXyn30A can contribute to a better understanding of its biological role and enable more efficient biotechnological utilization.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
George Taxeidis, Efstratios Nikolaivits, Romanos Siaperas, Christina Gkountela, Stamatina Vouyiouka, Brana Pantelic, Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic, Evangelos Topakas
Summary: The uncontrollable disposal of plastic waste has raised concerns in the scientific community. In this study, various fungi were screened for their ability to degrade synthetic polymers. Three fungal strains belonging to Fusarium and Aspergillus genera were found to have promising enzymatic activities for polymer degradation.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Georgia Vogiatzi, George Lazaros, Evangelos Oikonomou, Marios Kostakis, Zacharenia Kypritidou, Evangelia Christoforatou, Panagiotis Theofilis, Ariadne Argyraki, Nikolaos Thomaidis, Dimitris Tousoulis
Summary: This study investigated the effects of drinking water hardness on carotid atherosclerotic burden and arterial stiffness. The results showed that individuals living in areas with lower water hardness had lower risk of carotid atherosclerotic burden and plaque formation. However, the association with arterial stiffness remains uncertain and further research is needed.
HELLENIC JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pradeep Dewapriya, Nikolaos Rousis, Cassandra Rauert, Nikolaos S. Thomaidis, Kevin V. Thomas
Summary: Urban stormwater runoff is a major source of water pollution caused by a large mixture of chemicals. The pollutant profile of stormwater samples collected from an Australian creek was analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry and chemometric tools. The study identified compounds such as nonpolymeric surfactants, plastic additives, rubber and resin-related products, and natural products in the stormwater. The prioritization workflow used in this study proved to be an effective tool for assessing key stormwater-related compounds and determining their environmental effects.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nikolaos Rousis, Richard Bade, Ivan Romero-Sanchez, Jochen F. Mueller, Nikolaos S. Thomaidis, Kevin Thomas, Emma Gracia-Lor
Summary: The market for illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) has increased significantly and festivals are identified as high-risk environments for substance use. Traditional surveillance methods have limitations, and wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) proves to be a cost-effective and timely alternative. Utilizing WBE, a study was conducted in a large city in Spain during the New Year period and a summer Festival, identifying high consumption rates of specific NPS and illicit drugs, as well as dynamic changes in their use patterns over a six-month period. The study highlights the importance of WBE in complementing public health information and providing insights into drug use trends at festivals.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wiebke Duerig, Sofia Lindblad, Oksana Golovko, Georgios Gkotsis, Reza Aalizadeh, Maria-Christina Nika, Nikolaos Thomaidis, Nikiforos A. Alygizakis, Merle Plassmann, Peter Haglund, Qiuguo Fu, Juliane Hollender, Jade Chaker, Arthur David, Uwe Kunkel, Andre Macherius, Lidia Belova, Giulia Poma, Hugues Preud'Homme, Catherine Munschy, Yann Aminot, Carsten Jaeger, Jan Lisec, Martin Hansen, Katrin Vorkamp, Linyan Zhu, Francesca Cappelli, Claudio Roscioli, Sara Valsecchi, Renzo Bagnati, Belen Gonzalez, Ailette Prieto, Olatz Zuloaga, Ruben Gil-Solsona, Pablo Gago-Ferrero, Sara Rodriguez-Mozaz, Helene Budzinski, Marie-Helene Devier, Georg Dierkes, Lise Boulard, Griet Jacobs, Stefan Voorspoels, Heinz Ruedel, Lutz Ahrens
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Anthi Panara, Evagelos Gikas, Nikolaos S. Thomaidis
Summary: Chemical characterization of six different trims of saffron was conducted using LC-QToF-MS. A total of 62 compounds were identified, including amino acids, vitamins, flavonoids, phenolics, carotenoids, and cyclohexenones. Multivariate Chemometrics techniques successfully discriminated between red trims (Pushal, Sargol and Negin) and between Style and Bunch. Proline and isophorone were highlighted as authenticity markers. The effect of three harvesting years on the most contributing compounds for trimming discrimination was evaluated.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Anthi Karnaouri, Konstantinos G. Kalogiannis, Savvas Staikos, Stamatia Karakoulia, Angelos A. Lappas, Evangelos Topakas
Summary: In this study, a novel OxiOrganosolv pretreatment was developed for the fractionation of beechwood, using a combination of water, organic solvents, polyoxometalate complexes (POMs) as catalysts, and O2 as an oxidative agent. POMs demonstrated high efficiency in simultaneously hydrolyzing hemicellulose and oxidizing lignin ether bonds, leading to depolymerization and removal of lignin. The use of commercially available HPMo and in-house produced Fe- and Cu-exchanged salts as catalysts significantly improved delignification and hemicellulose removal compared to the absence of catalyst. Enzymatic digestibility evaluation showed that HPMo was the most favorable catalyst for increased saccharification yields and production of sugar-rich hydrolysates, which were used as carbon sources for the production of w-3 PUFAs from Crypthecodinium cohnii. The study demonstrates the potential of POMs as catalysts for efficient biomass delignification to obtain sugar-rich streams for nutraceutical production.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
M. Kotsiri, A. Panara, A. Koupa, E. Gourzioti, N. s. Thomaidis, G. Rigos
Summary: This study aimed to determine the persistence of formaldehyde in seawater and gilthead seabream tissues after a formalin bath. Water and tissue samples were collected and analyzed using chromatographic techniques. The results showed that there was no increase in formaldehyde concentration in the fish fillets after immersion, and only negligible amounts of formaldehyde remained in the seawater. Further research is needed to investigate the degradation cycle of formaldehyde under Mediterranean seawater conditions.
MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anthi Panara, Evagelos Gikas, Ilias Tzavellas, Nikolaos S. Thomaidis
Summary: Antioxidants are important for human health and the development of products with antioxidant activity has become prominent. A local industry has created new antioxidant drinks using pomegranate, blackberries, red grapes, and aronia. LC-qTOFMS was used to characterize the drinks' constituents, with suspect and target screening conducted using a modified MS-DIAL workflow. Compounds with potential antioxidant capacity, such as flavonoids, amino acids, and fatty acids, were identified, highlighting the significance of the drinks and the efficacy of the workflow developed.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sofia K. Drakopoulou, Anastasia S. Kritikou, Carsten Baessmann, Nikolaos S. Thomaidis
Summary: This study explores the potential of LC-TIMS-HRMS as a reliable analytical platform for authenticity studies and applied it in the adulteration study of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Using an integrated untargeted 4D-metabolomics approach, the study successfully built robust prediction models that could discriminate between authentic EVOOs and adulterated ones, while also identifying specific markers for each group. The addition of TIMS in the LC-HRMS workflow significantly increased the metabolic coverage and enabled the detection of adulteration down to 1%.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ioanna Barla, Panagiotis Efentakis, Sofia Lamprou, Maria Gavriatopoulou, Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos, Evangelos Terpos, Ioanna Andreadou, Nikolaos Thomaidis, Evangelos Gikas
Summary: The antineoplastic agent carfilzomib (Cfz) is used to treat multiple myeloma; however, it can cause cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity as common adverse effects. While the mechanisms of these side effects are well-established, there is limited research on the drug's metabolic alterations and their impacts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
