First report of the production of a potent biosurfactant with ,-trehalose by Fusarium fujikuroi under optimized conditions of submerged fermentation

Abstract Biosurfactants have many advantages over synthetic surfactants but have higher production costs. Identifying microorganisms with high production capacities for these molecules and optimizing their growth conditions can reduce cost. The present work aimed to isolate and identify a fungus with high biosurfactant production capacity, optimize its growth conditions in a low cost culture medium, and characterize the chemical structure of the biosurfactant molecule. The fungal strain UFSM-BAS-01 was isolated from soil contaminated with hydrocarbons and identified as Fusarium fujikuroi. To optimize biosurfactant production, a PlackettBurman design and a central composite rotational design were used. The variables evaluated were pH, incubation period, temperature, agitation and amount of inoculum in a liquid medium containing glucose. The partial structure of the biosurfactant molecule was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. F. fujikuroi reduced surface tension from 72 to 20 mN m1 under the optimized conditions of pH 5.0, 37 °C and 7 days of incubation with 190 rpm agitation. The partial identification of the structure of the biosurfactant demonstrated the presence of an ,-trehalose. The present study is the first report of the biosynthesis of this compound by F. fujikuroi, suggesting that the biosurfactant produced belongs to the class of trehalolipids.

First report of the production of a potent biosurfactant with α, ß-trehalose by Fusarium fujikuroi under optimized conditions of submerged fermentation

Abstract Biosurfactants have many advantages over synthetic surfactants but have higher production costs. Identifying microorganisms with high production capacities for these molecules and optimizing their growth conditions can reduce cost. The present work aimed to isolate and identify a fungus with high biosurfactant production capacity, optimize its growth conditions in a low cost culture medium, and characterize the chemical structure of the biosurfactant molecule. The fungal strain UFSM-BAS-01 was isolated from soil contaminated with hydrocarbons and identified as Fusarium fujikuroi. To optimize biosurfactant production, a Plackett-Burman design and a central composite rotational design were used. The variables evaluated were pH, incubation period, temperature, agitation and amount of inoculum in a liquid medium containing glucose. The partial structure of the biosurfactant molecule was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. F. fujikuroi reduced surface tension from 72 to 20 mN m−1 under the optimized conditions of pH 5.0, 37 °C and 7 days of incubation with 190 rpm agitation. The partial identification of the structure of the biosurfactant demonstrated the presence of an α,β-trehalose. The present study is the first report of the biosynthesis of this compound by F. fujikuroi, suggesting that the biosurfactant produced belongs to the class of trehalolipids.

Desinfestação superficial, germinação e regeneração in vitro a partir de sementes de calêndula / Superficial disinfestation, germination and regeneration in vitro from marigold seeds

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: desenvolver um protocolo de desinfestação superficial de sementes, selecionar uma metodologia de germinação in vitro, avaliar o potencial de regeneração no cultivo in vitro e a influência do tempo de cultivo no tipo de calo formado e na regeneração a partir de calos de calêndula. Para a desinfestação superficial, foram testados diferentes tempos de imersão em solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 2,5 por cento. Na germinação in vitro, foram testados: imersão em ácido sulfúrico absoluto; imersão em ácido clorídrico absoluto; retirada do tegumento e embebição das sementes; e embebição das sementes sem a retirada do tegumento. Para avaliar o potencial de regeneração in vitro, foram testadas diferentes concentrações de 6-benzilaminopurina (BAP) e ácido alfa-naftaleno acético (ANA) e tempos de cultivo. A imersão em solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 2,5 por cento por 30 minutos aliada à remoção do tegumento promove a germinação in vitro de sementes de calêndula, efetuando uma desinfestação superficial satisfatória. Para a regeneração de partes aéreas e raízes a partir de sementes de calêndula não é necessária a suplementação com fitorreguladores. Na presença de BAP, independentemente da presença ou não de ANA, calos primários induzem à formação de calos esponjosos e friáveis e de calos verdes e rígidos, estes em menor número; na ausência de BAP é induzida a formação de calos pequenos. Calos jovens são mais eficientes em regenerar partes aéreas em calêndula.

The aims of this paper were: to develop a protocol of superficial disinfestation of marigold seeds; to select a methodology of germination in vitro of marigold seeds; to evaluate the potential regeneration of in vitro culture of marigold; and the influence of in vitro culture time in the kind of callus formed. The superficial disinfestation was perfomed by different times of immersion in 2.5 percent sodium hypoclorite solution. The methodology was tested by immersion in sulfuric acid; immersion in chloridric acid; removal of tegument and soaking of seeds; and just seeds soaking. To evaluate the potential of in vitro regeneration were tested different concentrations of growth regulators and culture times. The immersion in 2.5 percent sodium hypochlorite solutions for 30min coupled with the removal of tegument promote the in vitro germination and superficial disinfestation of marigold seeds satisfactorily. Primary calli in BAP presence, with or without ANA, induce formation of spongy and friable calli and of green and hard calli, these are in least amount. Young calli are more efficient to regenerate aerial parts.

Melhoramento florestal: ênfase na aplicação da biotecnologia: [revisão] / Forestry improvement: emphasis on biotechnology application: [revision]

As espécies florestais possuem grande importância econômica, pois oferecem diversos produtos fundamentais para a sociedade. Técnicas de melhoramento podem aumentar a produtividade das florestas plantadas, oferecer características desejadas à indústria e reduzir impactos ambientais. No entanto, a baixa variabilidade existente em espécies florestais de crescimento rápido, o longo período para os ciclos reprodutivos e as dificuldades encontradas para a realização de cruzamentos controlados podem inviabilizar tais procedimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão sobre a contribuição do Melhoramento Genético em espécies perenes, relatando técnicas convencionais e dando especial ênfase à biotecnologia. A cultura de tecidos, a utilização de marcadores moleculares e a transformação genética oferecem soluções únicas para o melhoramento florestal. As principais características que vêm sendo melhoradas estão ligadas à produção de biomassa, alteração na composição de lignina, resistência a pragas, tolerância a herbicidas, macho-esterilidade e fitorremediação. Contribuições significativas para a indústria e o ambiente têm sido alcançadas por meio dessas técnicas.

Forest species have great economic importance due to the wide range of important products offered to society. Techniques improvement can increase the productivity of planted forests, providing the desired characteristics to industry, as well as, reducing environmental impacts. However, the low variability existing in fast-growing species, the long reproductive cycles period and the difficulties encountered when conducting controlled crossings may prevent such procedures. The aim of this research was to carry out a review on the contribution of genetic improvement in perennial species. Conventional techniques with special emphasis on biotechnology were reported. The tissue culture, the use of molecular markers and genetic transformation offer unique solutions to forestry improvement. The major features that have been improved are linked to production of biomass, changes in the composition of lignin, resistance to pests, tolerance to herbicides, male-sterility and phytoremediation. Significant contributions to industry and environment have been achieved through these techniques.