Application of new biotechnologies for improvements in swine nutrition and pork production

Meeting the increasing demands for high-quality pork protein requires not only improved diets but also biotechnology-based breeding to generate swine with desired production traits.Biotechnology can be classified as the cloning of animals with identical genetic composition or genetic engineering(via recombinant DNA technology and gene editing)to produce genetically modified animals or microorganisms.Cloning helps to conserve species and breeds,particularly those with excellent biological and economical traits.Recombinant DNA technology combines genetic materials from multiple sources into single cells to generate proteins.Gene(genome)editing involves the deletion,insertion or silencing of genes to produce:(a)genetically modified pigs with important production traits;or(b)microorganisms without an ability to resist antimicrobial substances.Current gene-editing tools include the use of zinc finger nuclease(ZFN),transcription activator-like effector nuclease(TALEN),or clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated nuclease-9(CRISPR/Cas9)as editors.ZFN,TALEN,or CRISPR/Cas9 components are delivered into target cells through transfection(lipid-based agents,electroporation,nucleofection,or microinjection)or bacteriophages,depending on cell type and plasmid.Compared to the ZFN and TALEN,CRISPR/Cas9 offers greater ease of design and greater flexibility in genetic engineering,but has a higher frequency of off-target effects.To date,genetically modified pigs have been generated to express bovine growth hormone,bacterial phytase,fungal carbohydrases,plant and C.elagan fatty acid desaturases,and uncoupling protein-1;and to lack myostatin,α-1,3-galactosyltransferase,or CD163(a cellular receptor for the"blue ear disease"virus).Biotechnology holds promise in improving the efficiency of swine production and developing alternatives to antibiotics in the future.

Current State and Development Prospects of Microbial Biotechnologies in the Republic of Belarus

Significance of applied microbiology is determined by vital role of microorganisms in global natural cycles,technologies,medicine and ecology.Institute of Microbiology,Belarus National Academy of Sciences,is the leading research institution of Belarus in the area of applied microbiology,specializing in investigation of microbial biodiversity,physiology and biochemistry,genetic engineering of microorganisms producing bioactive substances,development of biotechnologies for industry,agriculture,medicine and environmental protection.Crucial aspect of microbiological processes is provision of super active strains synthesizing valuable biological compounds.Both conventional selection methods and genetic engineering techniques are used to attain this goal.The Center of Analytical and Genetic-Engineering Studies set up at the institute is equipped with up-to-date instrumentation allowing deriving strains with defined properties further involved in biotechnologies lying within the mainstream of global high-tech trends.Molecular-genetic identification of microbial strains is carried out at Belarussian Collection of Non-pathogenic Microorganisms integrated into institute structure and registered as a member of World Federation of Culture Collections.Apart from main collection stock,special DNA banks were founded for industrial strains,plant pathogens,xenobiotics degraders and biodeterioration agents to ensure preservation of genomes of promising biotechnological objects used for various purposes,including early diagnostics ofpathologies affecting agricultural crops.Technological and production innovations generated at the institute find outlet in numerous branches of national economy,including agriculture—biopesticides,microbial fertilizers,probiotics,biodisinfectants,enzyme preparations;medicine—pharmaceuticals,diagnostic kits;industry—food additives,organic acids,alcohols,making a solid contribution into its progress.Aim of this paper was to evaluate the role of microbial biotechnologies in research and production activities of Belarus Republic and to describe the range of biological products manufactured at the institute pilot-plant facilities to meet the demands of agricultural sector.

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.

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.

Characterization of two halophilic adenylate cyclases from Thermobifida halotolerans and Haloactinopolyspora alba

Adenylate cyclase(AC)is the key enzyme that catalyzes the formation of cAMP from ATP.In this study,we discovered two novel class Ⅲ ACs with a halophilic property from Thermobifida halotolerans DSM 44931(ThAC)and Haloactinopolyspora alba DSM 45211(HaAC),respectively.The recombinant ThAC and HaAC were expressed in Escherichia coli with molecular weights of 36.1 and 36.0 kDa respectively.The presence of 2500 and 2200 mmol
L^(-1)1 NaCl significantly enhanced the enzyme activities of ThAC and HaAC,with 22-fold and 7.4-fold higher activities compared to those without NaCl,respectively.Several divalent metal ions were found to activate the recombinant ACs to different extents,and the optimal metal ion was Mg^(2+)for both ThAC and HaAC with concentrations of 80 mmol·L^(-1) and 40 mmol·L^(-1) respectively.Purified ThAC and HaAC had the optimal specific activities((4.59±0.35)×10^(4) and(7.76±0.52)×10^(4) U·mg^(-1))and catalytic efficiency(4.47 and 5.30 L·mmol^(-1)·s^(-1))at 45
℃ and 40
℃ respectively,while the optimum pH of both two recombinant ACs was 10.0.This is the first report of the halophilic Class III ACs,which could make new contributions to explore and study ACs for further associated investigations.

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.

In vitro Mutagenesis for the Improvement of Agave Genus

Biotechnological techniques provide a viable alternative to help improve and increase the production of plant species of agricultural and economic importance,which have been affected over the years by climate change,increasing their susceptibility to pests and/or diseases,generating losses in production as well as a decrease in their regenerative and genetic diversity.The application of biotechnological techniques such as in vitro mutagenesis offers a viable option for the generation of crops that are resistant to the different factors caused by abiotic and biotic stress.In vitro mutagenesis has been used in an efficient way to generate genetic changes in different plant species.However,these methods have not been studied thoroughly in crops of agro-industrial interest,such as agave,which represents an economic resource of national importance and are considered as endemic species of Mexico.Therefore,this literary review aimed to focus on the studies that have been used for the genetic improvement of this species via mutagenesis techniques in plants in the agave genus.Therefore,the objective was to set a precedent for future genetic studies that aim to obtain more productive regenerants for various industries,such as food and pharmaceutical.It is also of great interest to compile information from basic research that helps understand and elucidate a model of possible defense mechanisms that are activated in the Agave genus.

Biotechnology ofα-linolenic acid in oilseed rape(Brassica napus)using FAD2 and FAD3 from chia(Salvia hispanica)

α-Linolenic acid(ALA,18:3Δ9,12,15)is an essential fatty acid for humans since it is the precursor for the biosynthesis of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids(LC-PUFA).Modern people generally suffer from deficiency of ALA because most staple food oils are low or lack ALA content.Biotechnological enrichment of ALA in staple oil crops is a promising strategy.Chia(Salvia hispanica)has the highest ALA content in its seed oil among known oil crops.In this study,the FAD2 and FAD3 genes from chia were engineered into a staple oil crop,oilseed rape(Brassica napus),via Agrobaterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of their LP4-2A fusion gene construct driven by the seed-specific promoter P_(NapA).In seeds of T0,T1,and T2 lines,the average ALA contents were 20.86,23.54,and 24.92%,respectively,which were 2.21,2.68,and 3.03 folds of the non-transformed controls(9.42,8.78,and 8.22%),respectively.The highest seed ALA levels of T0,T1,and T2 plants were 38.41,35.98,and 39.19%respectively,which were 4.10-4.77 folds of the respective controls.FA-pathway enzyme genes(BnACCD,BnFATA,BnSAD,BnSCD,BnDGAT1,BnDGAT2,and BnDGAT3)and positive regulatory genes(BnWRI1,BnLEC1,BnL1L,BnLEC2,BnABI3,BnbZIP67,and BnMYB96)were all significantly up-regulated.In contrast,BnTT1,BnTT2,BnTT8,BnTT16,BnTTG1,and BnTTG2,encoding negative oil accumulation regulators but positive secondary metabolism regulators,were all significantly down-regulated.This means the foreign ShFAD2-ShFAD3 fusion gene,directly and indirectly,remodeled both positive and negative loci of the whole FA-related network in transgenic B.napus seeds.

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.

Understanding Saudi Public’s Awareness, Perception, and Attitudes towards Genetically Modified Foods

Introduction: Recent technological developments have enabled many scientists to produce a wide variety of foods that meet consumers’ desires for diversity and quality. Genetically modified (GM) foods have long been a controversial topic, and consumer reliance on these foods depends on their trust in biotechnology institutions due to their lack of knowledge about the risks and benefits. This study aimed to assess the awareness, attitude, and perception of GM foods among the Saudi population, as well as to identify the association between age, gender, and education level in the studied population and their awareness level towards genetically modified foods. Method: Data was collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire drawn from previous studies, after obtaining written consent. The questionnaire included three sections focusing on personal data, general knowledge of GM foods, and perception, attitudes, and beliefs towards GM foods. Our study included 500 responses. Results: The majority of the participants were female, located in the central region, and had a university education. Most participants provided a correct definition of GM foods and indicated that they had heard about them, but were unsure if they had eaten these foods in the past. Their knowledge of these foods was good. Regarding opinions and attitudes towards these foods, the majority of participants were neutral. They approved of using GM foods because it produces more food, tastes better, and can be stored for a long time. In conclusion, the study highlights the urgent necessity to raise awareness and knowledge regarding genetically modified foods among the Saudi population. It emphasizes the importance of educating consumers about the potential advantages and risks associated with consuming such foods, enabling them to make informed decisions. It is crucial to integrate awareness and education about genetically modified foods into the technological and agricultural advancements in Saudi Arabia.

“Essentials of Biotechnology”来华留学英语授课品牌课程建设纪实

经过十多年的建设,"Essentials of Biotechnology"已建设成为江南大学乃至江苏省来华留学生英语授课品牌课程。该课程针对来华留学生学科背景有较大差异,英语能力参差不齐和课程知识涉及面广,知识点较多,理论性强等问题,在原有双语课程教学的基础上,通过优化教材和教学内容,打造双向教学模式和建设多元评价体系并持续改进,构建了多层次启发式、互动、研讨相结合的复合教学体系,显著增强留学生专业基础知识水平和自主学习能力,为后续课程学习和研究工作的开展奠定了良好的基础。教学实践结果表明,该教学体系对提高该类课程的学习成效和课程质量,具有较为显著的示范效应。

Translating laboratory anti-aging biotechnology into applied clinical practice:Problems and obstacles

Although the use of biomedical technologies against ageing(rejuvenation biotechnologies) is considered by many as an effective way of controlling all age-related degeneration,in reality this belief cannot be justified. The human body is notoriously resistant to external perturbations and can respond in unpredictable or undesirable ways. Basic concepts of science,evolution and disease must also be considered. In this paper,I discuss some relevant problems associated with the application of any putative rejuvenation biotechnologies such as stem cell therapies,genetic engineering,tissue manipulation,as well as pharmacological approaches. I conclude that these and other biotechnologies will not be applicable to humans in the community. This is due to a wide spectrum of problems and obstacles,such as unpredictable therapeutic results,unrealistic expectations,lack of infrastructure,cellular network disruption,and many more. Even if some such technologies are developed,the totality of the problems,issues and side effects will prove an insurmountable final hurdle,rendering the development of such therapies,essentially and practically useless.

Artificial intelligence and the future of medicine: a multidimensional analysis

This multidimensional analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of medicine aims to give some clues on foreseen categories of applications as well as their societal implications in terms of risks/benefits.Artificial intelligence encompasses technologies recapitulating four dimensions of human intelligence,i.e.sensing,thinking,acting and learning.Intelligent machines are converging with advancing biotechnologies to shape the future of medicine,in synergy with continuous progress in our understanding of system biology,brain physiology,biology of aging,computational sciences and decision-making theories.Data-driven predictive models of health-related problems can be generated to inform decisions and actions,allowing to enhance productivity in new drug development,increase the cost-effectiveness of fully integrated health care systems and empower patients and healthy individuals to better manage their disease or their health,respectively.Consequently,the future will likely take the form of a computational precision medicine continuously informed by data capture and modeling to propose preventive measures or therapies precisely tailored to characteristics of each individual.

发展中国家畜牧业可持续发展

由兰州大学主办的第4届世界发展中国家畜牧业可持续发展大会（The 4th International Conference on Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries,SAADC2013）于2013年7月27-31日在兰州大学举行。来自26个国家和地区的250多名代表参加会议。会议收到论文187篇,其中包括2篇特邀报告,10篇大会报告,13篇主旨报告和162篇学术论文。

Research advances on the multiple uses of Moringa oleifera: a sustainable alternative for socially neglected population

Moringa oleifera Lam(Moringaceae) is a plant with high nutritional and medicinal value. Native to India, it is now widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its different parts are sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals and present different pharmacological and biotechnological potential. Moreover, M. oleifera seeds are widely used in water and effluent treatment, for their coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation properties, their ability of improving water quality, by reducing organic matter and microbial load, with special applicability in intensive animal production systems, such as aquaculture. In addition, due to its high nutritional value and several medicinal properties, this tree may act as a nutritional and medical alternative for socially neglected populations. In this context, this review gathers information on M. oleifera, emphasizing its chemical constituents, nutritional, pharmacological and antimicrobial properties, applications in the treatment of water effluents, and ecological and social aspects.

Natural hydroxyanthraquinoid pigments as potent food grade colorants:an overview

Natural pigments and colorants are widely used in the world in many industries such as textile dying,food processing or cosmetic manufacturing.Among the natural products of interest are various compounds belonging to carotenoids,anthocyanins,chlorophylls,melanins,betalains...The review emphasizes pigments with anthraquinoid skeleton and gives an overview on hydroxyanthraquinoids described in Nature,the first one ever published.Trends in consumption,production and regulation of natural food grade colorants are given,in the current global market.The second part focuses on the description of the chemical structures of the main anthraquinoid colouring compounds,their properties and their biosynthetic pathways.Main natural sources of such pigments are summarized,followed by discussion about toxicity and carcinogenicity observed in some cases.As a conclusion,current industrial applications of natural hydroxyanthraquinoids are described with two examples,carminic acid from an insect and Arpink red^(™)from a filamentous fungus.

Quantitative evaluation of DNA damage caused by atmospheric and room-temperature plasma (ARTP) and other mutagenesis methods using a rapid umu-microplate test protocol for microbial mutation breeding

Mutagenesis is an important technique for microbial mutation breeding.As the source of mutations,DNA damage extent is a key indicator for the effectiveness of mutagenesis.Therefore,a rapid and easy DNA damage quantification method is required for the comparison of mutagenesis effects and development of mutagenesis tools.Here,we used the umu-microplate test system to quantitatively compare the DNA damage strength caused by atmospheric and room-temperature plasma(ARTP)and other traditional mutagenesis methods including:ultraviolet radiation(UV),diethyl sulfate(DES)and 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide(4-NQO).The test strain of Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 was used to monitor the time-course profile of b-galactosidase activity induced by DNA damage caused by different mutagenesis methods using a microplate reader.The umu-microplate test results showed that ARTP caused higher extent of DNA damage than UV and chemical mutagens,which agrees well with the result obtained by SOS-FACS-based quantification method as reported previously.This umu-microplate test is accessible for broad researchers who are lack of the expensive FACS instruments and allows the quick quantitative evaluation of DNA damage among living cells for different mutagenesis methods in the study of the microbial mutation breeding.

Progress on Microgravity Sciences in China

The main progress of the research activities on microgravity fluid physics, combustion, biotechnology research and fundamental Physics in China are briefly summarized in the present paper. The major space missions and experimental results obtained on board the Chinese recoverable/nonrecoverable satellites and the Chinese manned spaceship named "Shen Zhou" are presented summarily. The recent main activities of the ground-based studies in China are introduced in brief.

生物技术(Biotechnology)在海水养殖业中的应用

作为人类开发和利用海洋生物资源的一种重要形式,海水养殖业正逐步成为我国海洋水产业的支柱产业,但目前面临着诸多问题的挑战。本文从持续发展的角度出发,针对严重影响我国海水养殖业稳定和持续发展的品种、病害和生态环境问题,探讨了应用海洋生物技术来解决这些“瓶颈”问题的作用及发展前景。

Food synthetic biology-driven protein supply transition: From animal-derived production to microbial fermentation

Animal-derived protein production is one of the major traditional protein supply methods,which continues to face increasing challenges to satisfy global needs due to population growth,augmented individual protein consumption,and aggravated environmental pollution.Thus,ensuring a sustainable protein source is a considerable challenge.The emergence and development of food synthetic biology has enabled the establishment of cell factories that effectively synthesize proteins,which is an important way to solve the protein supply problem.This review aims to discuss the existing problems of traditional protein supply and to elucidate the feasibility of synthetic biology in the process of protein synthesis.Moreover,using artificial bioengineered milk and artificial bioengineered eggs as examples,the progress of food protein supply transition based on synthetic biology has been systematically summarized.Additionally,the future of food synthetic biology as a potential source of protein has been also discussed.By strengthening and innovating the application of food synthetic biology technologies,including genetic engineering and high-throughput screening methods,the current limitations of artificial foods for protein synthesis and production should be addressed.Therefore,the development and industrial production of new food resources should be explored to ensure safe,high-quality,and sustainable global protein supply.