Use of free and immobilized Pseudomonas putida cells for the reduction of a thiophene derivative in organic media

The potential of cloud point system as a novel two-phase partitioning system for biotransformation

Although the extractive biotransformation in two-phase partitioning systems have been studied extensively, such as the water-organic solvent two-phase system, the aqueous two-phase system, the reverse micelle system, and the room temperature ionic liquid, etc., this has not yet resulted in a widespread industrial application. Based on the discussion of the main obstacles, an exploitation of a cloud point system, which has already been applied in a separation field known as a cloud point extraction, as a novel two-phase partitioning system for biotransformation, is reviewed by analysis of some topical examples. At the end of the review, the process control and downstream processing in the application of the novel two-phase partitioning system for biotransformation are also briefly discussed.

Microbial synthesis of ethyl (R)-4,4,4-trifluoro-3-hydroxybutanoate by asymmetric reduction of ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoroacetoacetate in an aqueous-organic solvent biphasic system

In this study, whole cells of Saccharomyces uvarum SW-58 were applied in an aqueous-organic solvent biphasic system for the asymmetric reduction of ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoroacetoacetate to ethyl (R)-4,4,4-trifluoro-3-hydroxybutanoate [(R)-2]. The results of reduction in different aqueous-organic solvent biphasic systems showed that dibutylphthalate provided the best compromise between the biocompatibility and the partition of substrate and product among the solvents tested. To optimize the reaction, several factors such as reaction pH, temperature, shaking speed, volume ratio of the aqueous phase to the organic phase and ratio of biomass/substrate were investigated. It was found that the change of these factors obviously influenced the conversion and initial reaction rate, and had a minor effect on the enatiomeric excess of the product. Under the optimal conditions, 85.0% of conversion and 85.2% of enatiomeric excess were achieved. The bioconversion in the biphasic system was more efficient compared with that in the monophasic aqueous system, and product concentration as high as 54.6 g/L was reached in the organic phase without addition of co-enzyme.

Isolation and characterization of a bio-agent antagonistic to diatom, Stephanodiscus hantzschii

AIMS

Identification of bacterium HYK0203-SK02 and its lysis of Stephanodiscus hantzschii.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In an effort to identify a bio-agent capable of controlling S. hantzschii blooms, we used the algal lawn method to identify 76 bacteria in relevant water samples. Of these, the seven isolate showed algicidal activity against S. hantzschii; isolate HYK0203-SK02 exhibited the strongest algicidal activity, and was used for further analysis. 16S rDNA sequencing of this isolate allowed us to identify HYK0203-SK02 as a strain of Pseudomonas putida (99.2%). Growth of S. hantzschii was strongly suppressed by bacteria in all growth phases, with the strongest algicidal activity noted against diatoms in the exponential stage (5-18 days). Host range assays revealed that isolate HYK0203-SK02 also strongly inhibited the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa, but stimulated growth of the diatom Cyclotella sp., which has a similar structure to that of S. hantzschii. Biochemical assays revealed that the algicidal substance seemed to be localized in the cytoplasmic membrane of this newly identified algicidal bacterium.

CONCLUSION

The algicidal bacteria P. putida HYK0203-SK02 caused cell lysis and death of not only diatom S. hantzschii but also cyanobacteria M. aeruginosa, dramatically. Algicidal substance might be located at the compartment of cytoplasmic membrane.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Taken together, our results indicate that P. putida HYK0203-SK02 may be a potential bio-agent for future use in controlling freshwater diatomic blooms.

Mycobacterium sp., Rhodococcus erythropolis, and Pseudomonas putida behavior in the presence of organic solvents

This work aimed at studying the behavior and tolerance of Mycobacterium sp. NRRL B-3805, Rhodococcus erythropolis DCL14 and Pseudomonas putida S12 cells in the presence of various concentrations of water miscible (ethanol, butanol, and dimethylformamide, up to 50% v/v) and water immiscible solvents (dodecane, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and toluene, up to 5% v/v). When incubated in the presence of these solvents, the cells were found to have lower tolerance to butanol and toluene than to the remaining solvents. Nevertheless, the concentrations of solvents endured by the tested strains show that they are quite solvent-tolerant, confirming their potential as biocatalysts in nonconventional systems. Microscopic observation of samples showed that the hydrophobic Mycobacterium sp. and R. erythropolis cells were able to aggregate to protect the population under stress conditions. Comparison of the results obtained at the single cell level by fluorescence microscopy and colony development on agar plates indicated that the primary effects of most solvents tested were on the cell membrane and replicating capability of the cells.

Biodesulfurization using Pseudomonas delafieldii in magnetic polyvinyl alcohol beads

AIMS

To immobilize Pseudomonas delafieldii R-8 cells in magnetic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) beads for biodesulfurization.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Magnetic PVA beads were prepared by a freezing-thawing technique under liquid nitrogen. The beads have distinct super-paramagnetic properties and their saturation magnetization is 8.02 emu g(-1). The desulfurization rate of the immobilized cells could reach 40.2 mmol kg(-1) h(-1). Desulfurization patterns of dibenzothiophene in model oil with the immobilized and free cells were represented by the Michaelis-Menten equation. The Michaelis constant for both immobilized and free cells was 1.3 mmol l(-1).

CONCLUSIONS

The cells immobilized in magnetic PVA beads could be stably stored and be repeatedly used over 12 times for biodesulfurization. The immobilized cells could be easily separated by magnetic field.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Magnetic PVA beads are easy to prepare. The immobilization process in the paper is to increase the efficiency of cells and to decrease the cost of operations.