Statistical media and process optimization for biotransformation of rice bran to vanillin using Pediococcus acidilactici.

An isolate of P. acidilactici capable of producing vanillin from rice bran was isolated from a milk product. Response Surface Methodology was employed for statistical media and process optimization for production of biovanillin. Statistical medium optimization was done in two steps involving Placket Burman Design and Central Composite Response Designs. The RSM optimized vanillin production medium consisted of 15% (w/v) rice bran, 0.5% (w/v) peptone, 0.1% (w/v) ammonium nitrate, 0.005% (w/v) ferulic acid, 0.005% (w/v) magnesium sulphate, and 0.1% (v/v) tween-80, pH 5.6, at a temperature of 37 °C under shaking conditions at 180 rpm. 1.269 g/L vanillin was obtained within 24 h of incubation in optimized culture medium. This is the first report indicating such a high vanillin yield obtained during biotransformation of ferulic acid to vanillin using a Pediococcal isolate.

Follicular growth and kinetics in the Indian gerbil (Tatera indica ) ovary during oestrous cycle.

The growth of the follicle and oocyte in the Indian gerbil (Tatera indica) was a continuous process. The relationship between follicle and oocyte or its nucleus was log linear, represented by the equation log Y =a + b log X. A linear relationship (Y = a + bX) existed between the oocyte and its nucleus. The number of stages I and II follicles varied significantly during the oestrous cycle. Maximum percentage of stage I follicles was observed during oestrus and metoestrus, while stage II follicles were abundant during dioestrus, metoestrus and pro-oestrus. These follicles were significantly more in number than other types of the follicles. The occurrence of comparatively larger follicles during pro-oestrus and the presence of newly formed corpora lutea at oestrus, indicated ovulation in the early oestrus.