NOPR Collection:

Optimization of mycolytic enzymes (Chitinase, 1,3-Glucanase and Cellulase) production by Bacillus subtilis, a potential biocontrol agent using one-factor approach

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Optimization of mycolytic enzymes (Chitinase, 1,3-Glucanase and Cellulase) production by Bacillus subtilis, a potential biocontrol agent using one-factor approach Authors: Narasimhan, Ashwini; Bist, Deepak; Suresh, Samantha; Shivakumar, Srividya Abstract: This study presents one-factor approach for optimization of growth and physical parameters for increasing production of three mycolytic enzymes viz. chitinase, -1,3-glucanase and 1,4-glucanase (cellulase) by B.subtilis, a potent biocontrol agent. Maximum enzyme activity of all three enzymes was observed in the following physical parameters: pH 7.0, temperature of 30°C, and incubation period of 72h. Optimum nutritional parameters were found to be as follows: Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC, 10g/L); Corn steep liquor (CSL, 1g/L) or KNO₃ (1 g/L), CaCl₂ (5mM)and Triton X 100 (0.1% v/v). Using one factor approach, production of all three enzymes ignificantly increased for chitinase (5.49 folds); â-1,3-glucanase (7.39 folds) and cellulase (1.91 folds) respectively as compared to the un-optimized media containing Nutrient broth. The crude mycolytic enzymes had activity in acidic pH (4 - 6) and temperature (50 - 60°C) range with optima at pH 6.0 and 55°C, respectively. However, chitinase showed two pH optima at pH 6 and 11 indicating the possibility of having two isoforms. The enzymes showed varied response to metal ions. Identification of essential nutrients affecting co-production of three enzymes by a single strain would help to formulate a suitable medium for their concerted production. Moreover, low cost cellulosic materials can be used as carbon source for these enzymes production by the isolate for industrial and agricultural applications. Page(s): 172-178

Characterization of thermostable serine protease from Bacillus altitudinis strain BR1

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Characterization of thermostable serine protease from Bacillus altitudinis strain BR1 Authors: D’Costa, Brenda; Shamim, Kashif; Dubey, S. K. Abstract: This study is carried out for partially purified and characterized thermostable serine protease from alkaliphilic estuarine bacterium Bacillus altitudinis strain BR1 from Goa, India. The extracellular protease was stable at 50^o C and alkaline pH 9-11. Protease activity was maximum at pH 9 and 50^o C confirming it to be a thermostable, alkaline protease. Interestingly this bacterial strain possessed 5 distinct alkaline protease isozymes with approximate molecular mass of 17, 22, 43, 64 and 88 kDa which was clearly revealed by Zymogram. These isozymes are possibly encoded by five different genes. Phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) significantly inhibited protease suggesting it to be a serine protease. Interestingly protease production remained unaltered in presence of EDTA-Na₂ and b-mercaptoethanol. Significant morphological change as cell size reduction and transformation of rod shaped cells to oval cells at 50^o C without any adverse effect on protease activity may prove a protective mechanism to temperature stress. These results clearly demonstrated stability and activity of these serine protease isozymes at high temperature and alkalinity which is advantageous for various industrial applications. Page(s): 166-171

Light and Heavy Phases derived from waste polyethylene by thermal cracking and their usage as fuel in DI diesel engine

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Light and Heavy Phases derived from waste polyethylene by thermal cracking and their usage as fuel in DI diesel engine Authors: ÖZCANLI, Mustafa Abstract: Recycled fuels have been receiving great attention in order to supply energy recovery especially from waste products. An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the use of fuels produced from waste polyethylene (WPE) as an internal combustion engine fuel. Waste Polyethylene (WPE) was degraded thermally for conversion. The fuel collected at optimum conditions (414-480 ^°C range and 2 h reaction time) was fractionated at different temperatures and fuel property of the fractions was evaluated. The volatile fractions and the residue part of WPE final product are called as light phase (LP) and heavy phase (HP), respectively. Light Phase and Heavy Phase were blended with diesel fuel (D) at the volumetric ratios of 5%, 10%, 15%, %20 and 100%. Fuel properties of plastic oils and their blends with diesel fuel were stated. On the other hand, performance and emission characteristics of 5% waste fuel-Diesel fuel were evaluated. The WPE fuels were compared with the diesel fuel. Although the pour points of waste fuels have been concluded as a disadvantage, it is found that they can also be used as recycled-fuel in compression ignition engines by blending them with diesel fuel in order to reduce fossil fuel usage. Page(s): 198-202

Synthesis and Electrochemical behavior of 1-Ethyl-2-[4’- sulphonamoylphenyl] hydrazone-3-oxotanoates

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Synthesis and Electrochemical behavior of 1-Ethyl-2-[4’- sulphonamoylphenyl] hydrazone-3-oxotanoates Authors: Jain, Rajeev; Arya, Virendra Kumar; Karaiya, Shrinarayan; Yadav, Ramjilal Abstract: Electrochemical behaviour of 1-Ethyl-2-[4’-sulphonamoylphenyl] hydrazone-3-oxobutanoates (ESPHO) have been studies in the Britton-Robinson buffers of the 2.5-12.0 at dropping mercury electrode and glassy carbon electrode. This compound gives one four-electron wave corresponding to the reduction of hydrazono group at mercury electrode. On the basis of direct current polarographic, pulse polarographic, cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential electrolysis, IR, mass, and ¹H NMR spectral studied and product identification, a reaction mechanism is suggested to account for the reduction mechanism. Page(s): 160-165