Conservation Strategy for African Medicinal Species: In Vitro Biotechnological Approach

The use of medicinal plants for different therapeutic values is well documented in African continent.African diverse biodiversity hotspots provide a wide range of endemic species,which ensures a potential medicinal value.The feasible conservation approach and sustainable harvesting for the medicinal species remains a huge challenge.However,conservation approach through different biotechnological tools such as micropropagation,somatic embryogenesis,synthetic seed production,hairy root culture,molecular markers based study and cryopreservation of endemic African medicinal species is much crucial.In this review,an attempt has been made to provide different in vitro biotechnological approaches for the conservation of African medicinal species.The present review will be helpful in further technology development and deciding the priorities at decision-making levels for in vitro conservation and sustainable use of African medicinal species.

<i>In Vitro</i>and <i>in Vivo</i>Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Biotechnologically Modified Borage Seed Extract: Evidence for Lipid Pro-Resolving Mediators’ Implication in the Enhancement of Psoriatic and Atopic Dermatitis Lesions

Aim: Resolvins, maresins and lipoxins are lipid mediators issued from essential polyunsaturated fatty acids which are the first anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving signals identified during the resolution phase of inflammation. As borage oil and/or borage seed extracts have shown beneficial action in treatment of atopic dermatitis or eczema in human and canine, we have modified a borage oil component by using biotechnology in order to get a compound structurally related to a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and we have studied its ability to reduce inflammation mediators production through the generation of resolvins, maresins and/or lipoxins. Additionally, we have demonstrated the potent anti-inflammatory effect of this new compound which consists in borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides, through an in vivo study concerning subjects suffering from psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Study Design/Methods: For the in vitro study, inflammation was induced in co-cultures of human dendritic cells and normal keratinocytes by the addition of PMA and the calcium ionophore A23187. Ability of our borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides to increase resolvin D2, maresin 1 and lipoxins A4 and B4 synthesis was then measured. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and PGE2 productions were also quantified. For the in vivo study, 36 subjects suffering from psoriasis or atopic dermatitis have used twice a day during 30 days, a formulation containing borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides. Before the beginning of the study and after 30 days’ treatment, the severity of psoriasis and of atopic dermatitis was evaluated by using the PGA and the SCORAD scoring scales, respectively. Results: Borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides were able to significantly increase the resolvin D2, maresin 1 and lipoxins A4 and B4 synthesis. Concomitantly, they were also able to significantly inhibit the production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and PGE2 induced by the PMA and the calcium ionophore A23187 in the in vitro co-culture model used. Introduced in formulation, borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides significantly reduced the clinical manifestations of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Conclusion: Our in vitro and in vivo study clearly showed the anti-inflammatory activity of borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides and emphasized the putative role of pro-resolving lipid mediators in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or other inflammation-induced skin diseases.

Biotechnological potential of agro-industrial wastes for protein enrichment by solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus niger

This study is to assess the biotechnological potential of agro-industrial wastes of pineapple(Ananas comosus),sweet potato(Ipomoea batatas)and watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)for protein enrichment by solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus niger.Spore suspensions of A.niger were prepared with potato dextrose broth that had been supplemented with sodium chloride,ammonium nitrate and thiamine,and adjusted to pH of 5.Initial protein contents of sterile and non-sterile wastes of the pineapple,sweet potato,and watermelon were determined by the Kjeldahl method.The remaining sterile and non-sterile wastes was inoculated with spore suspensions of A.niger and incubated at temperature of 24℃ under conditions of solid-state fermentation for 14 days.Protein contents of the inoculated sterile and non-sterile wastes were determined after 7 and 14 days.The sterile wastes of pineapple,sweet potato and watermelon recorded initial percentage protein contents of 4.37,4.39,and 10.89,respectively,whereas their corresponding non-sterile wastes recorded initial percentage protein contents of 3.76,4.00,and 10.16,respectively.The results further show that percentage increase in protein content of sterile wastes after 14 days of fermentation were pineapple,35.01%;sweet potato,27.60%;and watermelon,64.40%.Percentage increase in protein content of non-sterile wastes after 14 days of fermentation were pineapple,72.34%;sweet potato,85.25%;and watermelon,80.51%.These findings affirm the biotechnological potential of pineapple,sweet potato and watermelon wastes and the importance of fungi as agents for protein enrichment of agro-industrial wastes.

The biotechnological potential of using mono-and co-cultures of Aspergillus niger van Tieghem and Trichoderma viride Pers ex Fr.to enhance the protein content of cassava(Manihot esculenta Crantz)peels by solid substrate fermentation

The application of fungal biotechnology for nutrient value addition and improvement of agro-industrial wastes is critical in the development of protein-rich feed for livestock.This study evaluated conventional methods for protein enrichment of cassava peels by solid substrate fermentation using mono-and co-cultures of Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma viride.Sterile and non-sterile cassava peels inoculated with mono-cultures of A.niger or T.viride and co-cultures of A.niger and T.viride were spontaneously fermented for 21 days at 24℃.Fermented substrates were harvested at 0,7,14,and 21 days intervals,then oven-dried at 60℃,milled in a blender and further assayed for ash,carbohydrate,crude fibre,fat,and protein contents.Results showed that percentage increase in protein contents after 21 days incubation of sterile cassava peels were 71.02%(for mono-culture of A.niger)and 71.64%(for mono-culture of T.viride);co-culture of A.niger and T.viride yielded a 129.00%increase in protein.Enhanced percentage increase in protein content of the non-sterile cassava peels was 126.80%(for mono-culture of A.niger)and 168.34%(for mono-culture of T.viride)in contrast with 63.47%obtained for the co-culture of A.niger and T.viride in non-sterile cassava peels,which was attributable to possible antibiosis due to microbial competition.Ash content significantly(p≤0.05)increased for 21 days while carbohydrate,crude fibre and fat contents in both sterile and non-sterile cassava peels decreased over the same period.These findings underscore the fact that protein content of cassava peels can be significantly(p≤0.05)enriched through fungal biotechnology to produce value-added feed supplement for livestock.The practical implications of these findings are discussed.

State of knowledge about biotechnological uses of digestive enzymes of marine fishery resources:A worldwide systematic review

The characterization of digestive enzymes presents in fish and their potential biotechnological uses is a well-developed and studied field.However,there has not been a systematic review that analyzes the state of knowledge of these enzymes at a global level.Therefore,a systematic literature search on three platforms was carried out to review and analyze existing knowledge about digestive enzymes of marine fishes from fisheries and aquaculture and their potential application in industrial processes.Using the PRISMA method for selecting journal manuscripts,we found 112 scientific articles published between 1984 and 2020 studying different digestive enzymes from 87 fish species.Most studies were carried out in Tunisia and Mexico and only 6 articles were published in South American countries.The most studied digestive enzymes were alkaline proteases,mainly trypsin,and the proposed uses for these enzymes were mainly as additives in commercial detergents.There is a vacancy in the characterization of other digestive enzymes as pepsins,lipases and amylases and the study of species that are distributed in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean.It is necessary to expand the knowledge about other digestive enzymes and to carry out new studies in regions with an important fishery development.

Biotechnological and food synthetic biology potential of platform strain:Bacillus licheniformis

Bacillus licheniformis is one of the most characteristic Gram-positive bacteria.Its unique genetic background and safety characteristics make it have important biologic applications in the food industry,including,the biosyn-thesis of high value-added bioproducts,probiotic functions,biological treatment of wastes derived from food production,etc.In this review,these recent advances are summarized and presented systematically for the first time.In addition,we highlight synthetic biology strategies as a potential driver of developing this strain for wider and more efficient application in the food industry.Finally,we present the current challenges faced and provide our unique perspective on relevant future research directions.In summary,this review will provide an illumi-nating and comprehensive perspective that will allow an in-depth understanding of B.licheniformis and promote its more effective development in the food industry.

Biotechnological approaches in glucosinolate production

Glucosinolates(GLSs) are sulfur-rich, amino acid-derived defense compounds characteristic of the Brassicales order. In the past, GLSs were mostly known as anti-nutritional factors in fodder, biopesticides in agriculture, and flavors in condiments such as mustard. However, in recent times, GLSs have received increased attention as promoters of human health.This has spurred intensive research towards generating rich sources of health-promoting GLSs. We provide a comprehensive overview of the biotechnologica approaches applied to reach this goal. This includes optimization of GLS production and composition in native, GLS-producing plants, including hairy root and cell cultures thereof, as well as synthetic biology approaches in heterologous hosts, such as tobacco and the microbial organisms Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The progress using these different approaches is discussed.

Advances in biotechnological production of santalenes and santalols

Sandalwood essential oil has been widely used not only as natural medicines but also in perfumery and food industries, with sesquiterpenoids as its major components including(Z)-a-santalol and(Z)-bsantalol and so on. The mature heartwoods of Santalum album, Santalum austrocaledonicum and Santalum spicatum are the major plant resources for extracting sandalwood essential oil, which have been overexploited. Synthetic biology approaches have been successfully applied to produce natural products on large scale. In this review, we summarize biosynthetic enzymes of santalenes and santalols, including various santalene synthases(STSs) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases(CYPs), and then highlight the advances of biotechnological production of santalenes and santalols in heterologous hosts, especially metabolic engineering strategies for constructing santalene-and santalol-producing Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

How to promote cooperative innovation in environmentally friendly technology:a case of agricultural biotechnology in China

This study explored the factors influencing cooperative innovation in environmentally friendly agricultural biotechnology in China.First,we constructed an evolutionary game model comprising the factors of net income of cooperative innovation,net income of independent innovation,market constraints,and government subsidies.Using MATLAB simulation,we assigned different values to the aforementioned variables to explore the evolutionary trend of innovators’willingness to cooperate.Results showed that when the values of net income of cooperative innovation,net income of independent innovation,market constraints,and government subsidies exceeded the threshold,innovators’willingness to cooperate was significantly enhanced.Furthermore,the proportion of innovators who cooperated with others gradually increased to 100%;otherwise,it gradually decreased to 0%.Comparing the simulation curve with the real evolution curve of cooperative innovation in agricultural biotechnology in China,we found that the gradual decline in the willingness to cooperate could be due to insufficient subsidies for cooperative innovation,low income from cooperative innovation,weak profitability of innovators,and weak market constraints.

Recent Progress in Space Science and Applications on Chinese Space Station in 2022–2024

Chinese Space Station(CSS)has been fully deployed by the end of 2022,and the facility has entered into the application and development phase.It has conducted scientific research projects in various fields,such as space life science and biotechnology,space materials science,microgravity fundamental physics,fluid physics,combustion science,space new technologies,and applications.In this review,we introduce the progress of CSS development and provide an overview of the research conducted in Chinese Space Station and the recent scientific findings in several typical research fields.Such compelling findings mainly concern the rapid solidification of ultra-high temperature alloy melts,dynamics of fluid transport in space,gravity scaling law of boiling heat transfer,vibration fluidization phenomenon of particulate matter,cold atom interferometer technology under high microgravity and related equivalence principle testing,the full life cycle of rice under microgravity and so forth.Furthermore,the planned scientific research and corresponding prospects of Chinese space station in the next few years are presented.

The Effects of Disruptive Thinking on the Food Industry*

This study aimed to understand disruptive thinking and how its ideas can change the food industry. This was achieved by identifying, studying, and understanding the impacts, current trends, and different disruptive ideas and innovations emerging in the food industry. The study was conducted through interpretive research philosophy by carrying out secondary data collection processes, where both qualitative and quantitative information was presented. Deductive approaches were also selected to apply existing theories and models, which were used to construct research hypotheses and present detailed findings. The study finds that, with disruptive thinking, enhancements in the product life cycle, new flavors, and improvements in food packaging have been possible. The supply chain, which is always considered a complex part of the food industry, has been streamlined, offering greater transparency and real-time tracking and improving quality control across distribution systems.

Reform of Teaching Practice of Modern Instrumental Analysis in Biotechnology Programs

Through the online and offline practical reform of the Modern Instrumental Analysis course of biotechnology majors from teaching content,teaching method,teaching demonstration to teaching effect,the traditional single offline lecture is transformed into diversified and interactive modern teaching.The practical reform enriches and optimizes the course content,perfects and improves the course assessment system,and improves the teaching quality.It achieves the student-centered and application-oriented teaching goal,and also provides reference for further cultivating high-quality applied talents.

Tapping Wet Potential China and Malaysia join hands to develop marine biotechnology

Kappaphycus alvarezii(K.alvarezii)is a perennial large algae native to tropical and subtropical regions.With a slender thallus,it branches better at the upper part than the lower end.The sea moss is mainly found in Hainan Province,China,and Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines because it grows best in the subtidal zone of clean.

Soil algae enzymes and their biotechnological applications

At present time,most of the enzymes are derived from biological sources,including plants,animals,microalgae,algae,and other microorganisms.Microorganism enzymes,among the others,account for the biggest part of application and demand in industries.These enzymes from soil microorganisms are very essential not only for soil fertility but also for biotechnological significance.Soil enzymes from microalage,comprising Amylase,Carbonic anhydrase,Galactosidase,Laccase,L-Asparaginase,Lipase,Peroxidase,Phytase,Protease,and Superoxide dismutase attract a considerable amount of attention for themselves in various industries.Most of the enzymes mentioned above have a great potential for their application in biotechnology and agriculture.Majority of such enzymes are known for their versatility and countless applications in various fields;thus,performing research on these enzymes in the future would be auspicious.This review paper presents an overview of the potential of soil algae enzymes in fields like biotechnology,medicine and agriculture,and also provides areas for advancement in researches related to this field.

A biotechnological perspective on the application of iron oxide nanoparticles

In recent decades, magnetic iron nanoparticles （NPs） have attracted much attention due to properties such as superparamagnetism, high surface area, large surface-to-volume ratio, and easy separation under external magnetic fields. Therefore, magnetic iron oxides have potential for use in numerous applications, including magnetic resonance imaging contrast enhancement, tissue repair, immunoassay, detoxification of biological fluids, drug delivery, hyperthermia, and cell separation. This review provides an updated and integrated focus on the fabrication and characterization of suitable magnetic iron NPs for biotechnological applications. The possible perspective and some challenges in the further development of these NPs are also discussed.

Cellular and organellar membrane-associated proteins in haloarchaea: Perspectives on the physiological significance and biotechnological applications

Halophilic archaea (haloarchaea) inhabit hypersaline environments,tolerating extreme salinity,low oxygen and nutrient availability,and in some cases,high pH (soda lakes) and irradiation (saltern ponds).Membrane-associated proteins of haloarchaea,such as surface layer (S-layer) proteins,transporters,retinal proteins,and internal organellar membrane proteins including intracellular gas vesicle proteins and those associated with polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) granules,contribute greatly to their environmental adaptations.This review focuses on these haloarchaeal cellular and organellar membrane-associated proteins,and provides insight into their physiological significance and biotechnological potential.

Potential of edible insects as source of functional foods:biotechnological approaches for improving functionality

Consumption of insects as food has a long history and has been documented by many researches.Globally,it is extensively practiced in Africa,Asia,Australia,and Latin America as traditional food providing nutritional,economic and ecological benefit for rural communities.In today’s world,edible insects are limelight by many researchers and industrialist due to the presence of enormous nutrient potential as well as bioactive compounds.This review mainly focuses on the potential of edible insect for its diverse nutraceutical properties,production and processing as a functional food and its acceptance and boost in the market trends in global scenario.The consumption of edible insects is purely based on ethnic traditional knowledge of the local communities.Previous studies on edible insects have shown their potential as source of nutraceuticals with promote health benefit and can be an alternative source of protein.Most of the edible insects are rich source of protein,energy,vitamins,essential fatty acids and minerals.Beyond these insects can be a source of bioactive compounds especially peptides,which can be applied in functional food industry.In many countries,the traditional knowledge of entomophagy is being applied for production of value-added products using modern technology.

Current advances of biocontainment strategy in synthetic biology

Synthetic biotechnology has led to the widespread application of genetically modified organisms(GMOs)in biochemistry, bioenergy, and therapy. However, the uncontrolled spread of GMOs may lead to genetic contamination by horizontal gene transfer, resulting in unpredictable biosafety risks. To deal with these challenges, many effective methods have been developed for biocontainment. In this article, we summarize and discuss recent advances in biocontainment strategies from three aspects: DNA replication, transcriptional regulation, and protein translation. We also briefly introduce the efforts in the biocontainment convention, such as the recent publication of the Tianjin Biosecurity Guidelines for the Code of Conduct for Scientists.

Conventional Breeding and Molecular Markers for Blast Disease Resistance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Monogenic lines,which carried 23 genes for blast resistance were tested and used donors to transfer resistance genes by crossing method.The results under blast nursery revealed that 9 genes from 23 genes were susceptible to highly susceptible under the three locations(Sakha,Gemmeza,and Zarzoura in Egypt);Pia,Pik,Pik-p,Piz-t,Pita,Pi b,Pi,Pi 19 and Pi 20.While,the genes Pii,Pik-s,Pik-h,Pi z,Piz-5,Pi sh,Pi 3,Pi 1,Pi 5,Pi 7,Pi 9,Pi 12,Pikm and Pita-2 were highly resistant at the same locations.Clustering analysis confirmed the results,which divided into two groups;the first one included all the susceptible genes,while the second one included the resistance genes.In the greenhouse test,the reaction pattern of five races produced 100%resistance under artificial inoculation with eight genes showing complete resistance to all isolates.The completely resistant genes:Pii,Pik-s,Piz,Piz-5(=bi2)(t),Pita(=Pi4)(t),Pita,Pi b and Pi1 as well as clustering analysis confirmed the results.In the F1 crosses,the results showed all the 25 crosses were resistant for leaf blast disease under field conditions.While,the results in F2 population showed seven crosses with segregation ratio of 15(R):1(S),two cross gave segregated ratio of 3 R:1 S and one gave 13:3.For the identification of blast resistance genes in the parental lines,the marker K3959,linked to Pik-s gene and the variety IRBLKS-F5 carry this gene,which was from the monogenic line.The results showed that four genotypes;Sakha 105,Sakha 103,Sakha 106 and IRBLKS-F5 were carrying Pik-s gene,while was absent in the Sakha 101,Sakha 104,IRBL5-M,IRBL9-W,IRBLTACP1 and IRBL9-W(R)genotypes.As for Pi 5 gene,the results showed that it was present in Sakha 103 and Sakha 104 varieties and absent in the rest of the genotypes.In addition,Pita-Pita-2 gene was found in the three Egyptian genotypes(Sakha 105,Sakha 101 and Sakha 104)plus IRBLTACP1 monogenetic.In F2 generation,six populations were used to study the inheritance of blast resistance and specific primers to confirm the ratio and identify the resistance genes.However,the ratios in molecular markers were the same of the ratio under field evaluation in the most population studies.These findings would facilitate in breeding programs for gene pyramiding and gene accumulation to produce durable resistance for blast using those genotypes.