Unexpected Properties of Micromonosporae from Marine Origin

Members of the genus Micromonospora show a complex life cycle which normally involves the presence of substrate or vegetative mycelia and sporulation with single spores born on the vegetative hyphae followed by the synthesis of a dark extracellular polysaccharide. Bergey’s Manual states that micromonosporae rarely produces aerial mycelia (AM) and if so, is considered “sterile”. During the characterisation of novel micromonosporae from the Sea of Cortes, it was observed that AM is produced reproducibly in the presence of certain carbon and/or nitrogen sources. Micromanipulation of the AM subcultured onto fresh media produced colonies;hence, this structure should not be called “sterile”. TEM of the AM producing isolates suggests that the spores also show activity as reported for bacilli of marine origin. This would be the first report of the presence of “inducible” AM in micromonosporae of marine sources and that the spores of this genus have a role other than just dispersal.

Flexible Polyimide Microelectrodes Array for Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation

The relationship between the parameters of Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation (TES) and its neuro-protective effect of TES on axotomised Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) is still unclear. This work discusses the design strategy of a new non conventional TES stimulator, the micro fabrication processes and characterization of an array of MEMS microelectrodes over a flexible polymer layer substrate to stimulate the human cornea. The micro-array of electrodes, over a flexible smooth biocompatible polyimide substrate, fine tunes the curvature of the cornea. This tool can help researchers to define the optimal electric stimulation parameters required in TES.

Geochemical elements in suspended particulate matter of Ensenada de La Paz Lagoon,Baja California Peninsula,Mexico:Sources,distribution,mass balance and ecotoxicological risks

The present study aimed to evaluate multi-element concentrations(Al,As,Ca,Cd,Co,Cr,Cu,Fe,Mg,Mn,Mo,Ni,Pb,Sr)in suspended particulate material(SPM)collected from Ensenada de La Paz(ELP)lagoon,Baja California Sur,Mexico in two different periods(September and May)to comprehend their origin,geochemical behavior,mass transfer and associated ecotoxicological risks.The 24 hr variation coefficient of volumetric SPM levels were found to be 51.7%in September and 40.5%in May,signifying the effects of oceanic waters.The calculated enrichment factor(EF)values for all the studied elements were of higher magnitude because of the high surface area and oxide nature of SPM,and in this study,Mo had the highest EF of 46.77 probably due to its origin from continental weathering.From the ecotoxicological perspective,the integrated toxic risk index revealed low toxic risk to the benthic community.However,the mean-ERM-Quotient calculated using the particulate concentrations of As,Cd,Cr,Cu,Ni,Pb indicated 9%probability of toxicity to biota.The comprehensive geochemical and ecotoxicological assessment of particulate metal concentrations in the ELP lagoon signify low to moderate contamination.

Potential of sea buckthorn-based ingredients for the food and feed industry-a review

Food industries seek to incorporate nutritious ingredients as they could bring added value to the final food products.One of the most interesting options is that sea buckthorn contains high concentrations of vitamin C,carotenoids,tocopherols,and other bioactive compounds,in addition to the unique lipid profile in the berry pulp,seed,and peel.This review summarizes the state-of-the-art of potential applications of sea buckthorn within the food and feed industry based on previously described applications.Products such as cheese,yoghurt or beverages already benefit from its application.Moreover,using sea buckthorn in feed products also derives into higher quality final products(e.g.meat quality,egg quality).Poultry,pig,and fish farming have been studied for that purpose.Despite all the accumulated articles depicted in the present review,the use of this fruit in food product formulation is nowadays scarce.New options for food product development with sea buckthorn are herein discussed.