A study of prodigiosin extracted from Serratia marcescens and its purification using the preparative-HPLC technique

Aims@#The aim of this study was to determine which natural and inexpensive materials induced the highest production of prodigiosin pigment in local Serratia marcescens isolates. Furthermore, this study focused on purifying and identifying a single red pigment among several pigments in the crude extract of S. marcescens by HPLC. @*Methodology and results@#Two isolates of S. marcescens (S1 and S2) were isolated from urine and a urinary catheter. Isolates were identified based on the red color of colonies when growing on nutrient agar medium incubated at 28 °C, which gave an adverse reaction to Gram stain; the diagnosis was completed with several biochemical tests. The highest yield of this pigment was investigated using Luria-Bertani (LB) medium supplemented with available materials (sesame, peanut, and coconut meat seed powders). Results showed that LB containing sesame powder medium induced the highest prodigiosin production in S1 and S2 isolates (179.398 and 107.280 unit/cell, respectively). On the other hand, S1 and S2 isolates on LB supplemented with peanut medium produced 150.492 and 93.970 units/cell of prodigiosin, respectively. However, coconut meat supplement through LB failed to induce bacteria to synthesize the pigment. The pigment was identified in a retention time equal to 2.2 min through crude extraction and prodigiosin (with red color) was purified successfully by the preparative-HPLC technique.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This study successfully showed that natural and inexpensive products were able to induce prodigiosin pigment production from local S. marcescens isolates. Results showed that sesame seed powder was the best carbon source that induced prodigiosin, followed by peanut seed powder. Prodigiosin was identified and purified successfully by the preparative-HPLC technique. Research findings suggest that low-cost materials could be used to reduce the cost of prodigiosin production.

Effect of fermentation time on exopolysaccharide production by Weissella confusa isolated from peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) milk

Aims@#The aim of this study was to identify an isolate B, an exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing lactic acid bacteria and determine the fermentation time effect on EPS production. @*Methodology and results@#Isolate B, an EPS producer, was isolated from peanut milk containing commercial sugar, which was fermented spontaneously for 24 h. Isolate B was identified biochemically using API 50 CH and molecularly based on 16S rDNA. The effect of fermentation time on EPS production by isolate B with variations of the fermentation time were 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h. Isolate B was able to produce EPS qualitatively by producing mucoid colonies on solid media containing sucrose. The identification revealed that this isolate was Weissella confusa both biochemically using API 50 CH and molecularly based on 16S rDNA sequence homology-based method. The fermentation time significantly affected EPS production (P<0.05). Isolate B (W. confusa) produced the highest EPS (10.41 g/L) at 36 h with a cell viability of 6.5 × 108 CFU/mL. Furthermore, the FTIR results of EPS showed absorption bands characteristic of carbohydrates, including O-H, C-H, C=O, C-O-C and α-1,6 glycosidic groups. The EPS in this study was most likely a dextran type.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The yield of EPS production was influenced by fermentation time. Results suggest that W. confusa isolated from peanut milk had a good ability for EPS production. Therefore, it can be considered further to apply this strain for the production of EPS. However, further research is required.

Production and Physicochemical Analysis of Glycerol Produced from the Transesterification Reaction of Locally Processed Fatty Acids

The study uses the transesterification reaction method to extract glycerol from three locally processed fatty acids namely; palm oil, palm kernel and shea butter. The glycerols extracted from the three fatty acids were subjected to physicochemical tests to determine if their properties are in conformity with the reported standard values. Results of the physical properties of the substances tested show that the values were in close agreement with the results of the standard values and the results reported impervious literatures. As such, the investigation concluded that the three fatty acids contain appreciable quantities of crude glycerol and can thus serve as a source for natural glycerol whose properties can be compared with standard glycerin products.

Evaluation of Quality Characteristics and Storage Stability of Peanut Beverage Added Ginger, Moringa Leaf Powder and Lime

Peanut seeds were roasted at 800C for 20 min milled and blended with ginger (GI),with moringa leaf powder (MP), with lime (LI) with moringa leaf powder and ginger (MG) with lime and moringa leaf powder (LM) with lime and ginger (LM) into paste. Heated water (at 800C) was added to the paste while stirring for 30 min. The mixture was further heated in a boiling bath and filtered with muslin cloth cooled to obtain a drink which was flavored with pineapple, banana and milk flavor and sucrose was also added. The results showed moisture content of GI ranged from 79.87 – 83.95 %, with sample LI having the highest value was not significantly different () from MO, MG, LM and LG but sample GI having the lowest value, which was significantly () difference form LI, MG and LG. The ash content ranged from 1.92 – 2.41 %, with sample GI having the highest value which was significantly () different from LI and MG but not significantly () different from other samples. The crude fat content ranged from 2.92 -3.07 %, of which sample GI having the highest value and sample LI having the lowest value which are not significantly () different from one another. The crude protein ranged from 4.01 – 4.74 % of which sample GI having the highest value and sample LG having the least value which are not significantly () different from one another. The carbohydrate contents ranged from 3.49 – 6.49 % with sample LI had the highest value which was not significantly () different from sample GI and MO and sample MG having the lowest value which was significantly () difference from other sample except LG. pH of beverages decreased from 7.90 MG week 1 to 3.21 in LM in week 3.Total titretable acidity present in the beverages were GI in week 1; (0.13), MO(0.17), LI(0.18), MG(0.12), LM(0.19) and LG(0.16).At week 3, GI(0.18), MO(0.23), LI(O.24), MG(0.82), LM(0.24) and LG(0.24). The beverages contained low number of total plate counts (1.9 x 102 - 2.8 x 104) and fungi/yeasts counts (1.2 x 104- 4.2 X 106). Overall acceptability was high for all samples.

Effect of ACC oxidase gene AhACOs on salt tolerance of peanut / 生物工程学报

ACC oxidase (ACO) is one of the key enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of ethylene. Ethylene is involved in salt stress response in plants, and salt stress seriously affects the yield of peanut. In this study, AhACO genes were cloned and their functions were investigated with the aim to explore the biological function of AhACOs in salt stress response, and to provide genetic resources for the breeding of salt-tolerant varieties of peanut. AhACO1 and AhACO2 were amplified from the cDNA of salt-tolerant peanut mutant M29, respectively, and cloned into the plant expression vector pCAMBIA super1300. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into Huayu22 by pollen tube injection mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. After harvest, the small slice cotyledon was separated from the kernel, and the positive seeds were screened by PCR. The expression of AhACO genes was analyzed by qRT-PCR, and the ethylene release was detected by capillary column gas chromatography. Transgenic seeds were sowed and then irrigated with NaCl solution, and the phenotypic changes of 21-day-seedings were recorded. The results showed that the growth of transgenic plants were better than that of the control group Huayu 22 upon salt stress, and the relative content of chlorophyll SPAD value and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of transgenic peanuts were higher than those of the control group. In addition, the ethylene production of AhACO1 and AhACO2 transgenic plants were 2.79 and 1.87 times higher than that of control peanut, respectively. These results showed that AhACO1 and AhACO2 could significantly improve the salt stress tolerance of transgenic peanut.

Nutritional and Functional Properties of Wheat-Defatted Peanut-Orange Peel Composite Flour

The need to improve and enhance the nutritional quality of locally made foods (bakery and confectionaries) cannot be overemphasized. This study set out to meet this need by producing composite flours from wheat, defatted peanut and orange peel flour blends which will serve an even greater issue of reducing the cost of wheat importation and use. The samples were coded as follows: A-100:0:0, B-90:5:5, C-85:10:5, D-80:15:5, E-75:20:5 of wheat flour: Defatted peanut flour: orange peel flour. The flours produced were analyzed for functional, anti-nutrient, proximate, minerals, and phytochemical properties. The functional properties of flours; bulk density, swelling capacity, OAC, WAC, and Foaming capacity ranged from 0.43 to 0.93 g/ml, 0.89 to 5.67%, 0.47 to 2.55 g/L, 1.75 to 4.35ml/g, 0.52 to 10.56% respectively. The anti-nutritional properties: phytates, tannins, and trypsin inhibitor content of flours ranged from 0.0352 to 0.0845%, 0.040 to 0.600%, and 0.011 to 0.048mg/g respectively. The proximate composition of the flour samples, Moisture, Protein, fats, crude fibre, ash, carbohydrates, and energy values ranged from 5.58 to 9.55%, 6.33 to 15.64%, 1.06 to 3.51%, 0.24 to 4.07%, 1.42 to 2.65%, 85.37 to 64.58% and 376.34 to 352.47kcal/100g respectively. The mineral composition in the samples ranged from 232.05 to 394.62mg/100g for Ca, 76.09 to 122.27mg/100g for Mg, 6.71 to 29.42 mg/100g for Fe, 108.78 to 256.47mg/100g for K, 10.09 to 25.75 mg/100g for Zn. The phytochemical composition of the samples was as follows; 0.067-0.153%, for saponins; 0.043-1.457%, for alkaloids; 1.03-13.77mgGAE/g, for Total phenolics; 3.07-29.31mg/QE, for Total Flavonoids respectively. The composite flour herein produced demonstrates great potential for its use in the development of functional foods given its great nutrients and improved functional characteristics. However sample E with 75%wheat: 20%DPF: 5%OPF surpassed all other samples in terms of the quality attributes and therefore was the best of the formulations.

Impact of Cyanobacterial Inoculant on Growth and Productivity of Peanut Plants in Sandy Soil

During the summer growing seasons of 2021 and 2022, two field experiments were conducted at Ismailia Agricultural Research Center Station(Latitude 30? 35? 41.901? N and Longitude 32? 16? 45. 843?E) to study the effect of cyanobacterial inoculation (Anabaena oryzae (A. oryzae) and Nostoc mascarum (N. mascarum)) on peanut yield, quality and certain soil biological activities under various nitrogen fertilization conditions and three types of applications, thefirst treatment was carried out as coating seeds with powder of individual of each cyanobacterial strain and the before planted, second treatment seeds were drenched withsuspension of eachcyanobacterial strain individually andthe last treatment was by foliar doses after 15, 45 and 60 days from seeds planting. Results showed that applying cyanobacteria inoculation to peanut plants generally enhanced peanut plant growth, leading to significantly higher yields of peanut and grains than uninoculated treatments. Treatment of N. mascarum + 75% N recorded the highest peanut yield and plant characteristics followed by N. mascarum+ 75% N in soil drench application compared to other tested treatments and types of applications. Cyanobacteria enhanced the amount of N, P, Kand Ca in peanut plants overall. By increasing the total chlorophyl, carotenoids, dehydrogenase, urease activities and nutrients in the peanut rhizosphere, cyanobacteria inoculation had a favorable impact on soil fertility. In general, cyanobacteria inoculation with 75% nitrogen amounts can benefit under peanut growth in sandy soil conditions.

Determination of six heavy metals in peanuts using microwave-assisted digestion-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with an octopole reaction system / 预防医学

Objective @#To establish a microwave-assisted digestion-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with an octopole reaction system for simultaneous determination of six heavy metals in peanuts, including Cr, Ni, As, Cd, Pb, Hg. @*Methods @#Peanut samples were shelled and crushed evenly, and 0.350 0 g was accurately weighed and digested with 5 mL nitric acid and 1 mL hydrogen peroxide in a digestion tank. Following microwave-assisted digestion, pure water was used to quantify the samples, and internal standards and an octopole reaction system were used to remove the interference. Then, the contents of six heavy metals were determined in peanuts by ICP-MS. The accuracy and precision of ICP-MS were evaluated using national criteria ( GBW 10013 and GBW 10044 ) and spike-and-recovery testing. @*Results @#The six heavy metals showed good linearity at the selected linear range ( r≥0.999 8 ). The detection limits of ICP-MS ranged from 0.001 4 to 0.023 8 ng/mL, and the spike-and-recovery rates ranged from 94.7% to 98.8%, with the relative standard deviations ranging from 0.7% to 3.6%. In addition, the determination results of the standard reference materials were all within the normal reference range. The detection of six heavy metals was 100.0% in 60 peanut samples, and the contents of six heavy metals were all low.@*Conclusion @#The established ICP-MS assay is feasible for simultaneous determination of multiple heavy metals in peanuts.

Characterization of AhLea-3 and its enhancement of salt tolerance in transgenic peanut plants

BACKGROUND: Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins were reported to be related to adversity stress and drought tolerance. Lea-3 from Arachis hypogaea L. (AhLea-3) was previously found to be related to salt tolerance according to the result of transcriptome profiling and digital gene expression analysis. So, AhLea-3 was cloned and the salt tolerance was validated by transgenic peanut plants. RESULTS: AhLea-3 was isolated from M34, a salt-resistant mutant of peanut, with its cDNA as the template. AhLea-3 contains one intron and two extrons, and the full-length cDNA sequence contains 303 bp. AhLea3 was ligated to pCAMBIA1301 to obtain the overexpression vector pCAMBIA1301-AhLea-3, which was then transferred into peanut variety Huayu23. The expression level of AhLea-3, as determined by qRTPCR analysis, was >10 times higher in transgenic than in non-transgenic plants. Five days after they were irrigated with 250 mM NaCl, the transgenic plants showed less severe leaf wilting, higher activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase), and lower malonic dialdehyde content than non-transgenic plants. Relative to non-transgenic plants, the transgenic plants had a higher photosynthetic net rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate, and a lower intercellular CO2 concentration after salt stress treatment (250 mM NaCl). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that overexpression of AhLea-3 increased the salt tolerance of transgenic peanut plants. AhLea-3 might become a useful gene resource for the variety breeding of salinity tolerance in peanut.

Current status of aflatoxin pollution and risk assessment of peanut and related products in China / 预防医学

@#Peanuts, corn and other food products are prone to aflatoxins (AF). AF was listed as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), especially aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), as it is considered the most prevalent and toxic. China is a big peanut producer, so carrying out pollution investigation and risk assessment in peanuts and their products is crucial to formulate prevention measures, protect export trade and maintain health. This paper summarizes the AF pollution of peanuts and their products in the Huang-Huai-Hai Basin, Yangtze River Basin, Southeast Coast and Northeast region of China from 2015 to 2021, and the application of dietary AF exposure risk assessment methods, providing a basis for strengthening the supervision of AF pollution in peanuts and their products, and ensuring food safety.

Progress of peanut allergy in children / 国际儿科学杂志

Epidemiology suggests an increasing incidence of peanut allergy and is usually associated with severe allergic reactions.A variety of inflammatory mechanisms are involved in peanut allergy.The specific diagnosis of peanut allergy is particularly difficult due to the co-sensitization between peanut and other components, but the use of component-resolved diagnostic can greatly improve the diagnostic level, especially the distinction between primary and secondary peanut allergy.Basophil activation tests are also thought to be helpful in diagnosis.In terms of treatment, instead of avoiding all nuts, specific immunotherapy and the introduction of peanuts early in life have been proposed.This paper reviews the latest research progress on peanut allergy in children.

Efficacy of Eosin Dye Removal by Peanut Shell Agrowaste Adsorbent

Abstract Peanut shell (PS) which is an excessive waste-product from agricultural processes, it can be recycled to a natural adsorbent for example it uses as removal dyes. Synthetic dye effluent without improperly discharged from industries to the river cause wastewater and damage to living organisms, especially, anionic dyes are difficult removed by conventional treatments such as biological, chemical, oxidation, and physical-filtration. However, an adsorption treatment is widely used for decolorization of dyes and give the best results for removal of various types of dissolved coloring materials. This research was used Eosin Y (EO) for the anionic model of dyeing wastewater and used PS for agrowaste adsorbent. The purpose of this study was investigated the efficiency adsorption of EO removal by PS. This efficiency adsorption was measured by different PS dosages, contact times, adsorbate concentration and equilibrium data. The results can be concluded that the PS had the efficiency adsorption of EO removal due to the equilibrium adsorption capacity (qe) and the highest dose of PS were balanced to adsorption of dye. The highest EO removal percentage was found in 87.7%, the qe was 0.351 mg g-1 and can adsorb from 10 mg L-1 to 1.23 mg L-1 in 25 g L-1 of PS dose at 30 minutes. In addition, the PS structure was found in multi-layer and many porous which is suitable for adsorbent. The morphological examination of PS was shown before and after adsorption that not changed. Therefore, PS might be an alternative choice for removal dye, and be used for the recycle adsorbent agrowaste as a commercial product for adding their values.

Genome-wide development of polymorphic microsatellite markers and their application in peanut breeding program

BACKGROUND: Cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea. L) represents one of the most important oil crops in the world. Although much effort has been expended to characterize microsatellites or Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) in peanut, the quantity and quality of the markers in breeding applications remain limited. Here, genome-wide SSR characterization and marker development were performed using the recently assembled genome of the cultivar Tifrunner. RESULTS: In total, 512,900 microsatellites were identified from 2556.9-Mb genomic sequences. Based on the flanking sequences of the identified microsatellites, 7757 primer pairs (markers) were designed, and further evaluated in the assembled genomic sequences of the tetraploid Arachis cultivars, Tifrunner and Shitouqi, and the diploid ancestral species, A. duranensis and A. ipaensis. In silico PCR analysis showed that the SSR markers had high amplification efficiency and polymorphism in four Arachis genotypes. Notably, nearly 60% of these markers were single-locus SSRs in tetraploid Arachis species, indicating they are more specific in distinguishing the alleles of the A and B sub-genomes of peanut. In addition, two markers closely related with purple testa color and 27 markers near to FAD2 genes were identified, which could be used for breeding varieties with purple testa and high-oleic acid content, respectively. Moreover, the potential application of these SSR markers in tracking introgressions from Arachis wild relatives was discussed. CONCLUSIONS: This study reported the development of genomic SSRs from assembled genomic sequences of the tetraploid Arachis Tifrunner, which will be useful for diversity analysis, genetic mapping and functional genomics studies in peanut

Foreign body aspiration in children

Background: Foreign Body (FB) aspiration is a life-threatening problem in children. Here the demographic pattern, clinical presentation, type of Foreign Body (FB) and outcome of FB aspiration was examined.Methods: An observational case series study done in Institute of child health and research centre, Government Rajaji hospital, Madurai during November 2015 to June 2018. After a detailed history and clinical examination, children with definite evidence of FB in tracheobronchial tree were subjected to rigid bronchoscopy and with doubtful evidence were subject to FFBS. They were followed up for complications.Results: Of the 136 children, 86.03% (n=117) were under 3 years of age. A positive history of FB aspiration was present only in 51.4% (n=70). Unilateral hyperinflation was seen in 48.53% (n=66) but was normal in 13.97% (n=19). Flexible Fiber Optic Bronchoscopy (FFBS) diagnosed FBs in 61.02% (n=83) which included children with acute onset breathlessness and persistent radiological features. Peanut was the most common FB 64.71% (n=44). FBs were found in the right side in 50% (n=34) and in the left in 38.2% (n=26).' 36% (n=49) developed complications due to the FBs and 2.9% (n=4) due to procedure.Conclusions: FB aspiration is most common in children less than 3 years of age. Positive history of aspiration was seen in only 51.4% and chest X-ray was normal in 13.97%. FFBS diagnosed FB in 61.02%. Peanut was the most common FB. Persistent pneumonitis is the most common complication.

A 5-year retrospective review of children with peanut allergy in the largest paediatric hospital in Singapore

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of peanut allergy (PA) among children has increased significantly over the past decade. Even though the prevalence of PA in Singapore is considered low, peanut is the top trigger for food-induced anaphylaxis in Singaporean children.OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic characteristics and clinical features of children with PA.METHODS: This is a 5-year retrospective review of children diagnosed with PA based on clinical history coupled with a positive skin prick test to peanut or positive oral food challenge results.RESULTS: There were 269 patients (53.9% males) with a clinical diagnosis of PA. The median age at first allergic presentation for the PA group was 24 months old, with interquartile range of 13–39 months. The most common form of peanut introduced was roasted peanut. The rate of peanut anaphylaxis was 7.1%. Concomitant tree nut sensitization was found in 32.3% of this cohort, predominantly to cashew nut. Majority of them have a personal history of atopy – 75.8% with eczema, 63.6% with allergic rhinitis, and 19.7% with asthma.CONCLUSION: This is the first large review of peanut-allergic children in Singapore. Prospective population-based studies are needed to establish the true prevalence and risk factors associated with the development of this potentially life-threatening condition.

Peanut testa extracts enhance anticancer effect of cisplatin against human cholangiocarcinoma cells via modulation of histone deacetylase inhibitory activity

Objective: To investigate the effect of combination treatments of cisplatin and KK4 and ICG15042 peanut testa extracts against cholangiocarcinoma cells in vitro.Methods: The growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The levels of proteins involved in apoptosis were assessed using Western blotting assays. The caspase activity was assessed using a colorimetric caspase activity assay. Results: Cisplatin and peanut (KK4 and ICG15042) testa extracts inhibited the growth of cholangiocarcinoma cell lines (KKU-M214 and KKU-100 cells) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The combination treatments reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells more efficiently than single-drug treatments. Cancer cell death synergistically mediated by cisplatin and peanut testa extracts was observed in KKU-M214 cells (combination index < 1.0) but not in KKU-100 cells (combination index > 1.0). The combination treatments also increased the sub-G1 population and caused KKU-M214 cell cycle arrest at S and G2/M phases, which were the combined effects of cisplatin (S phase arrest) and peanut testa extracts (G2/M phase arrest). In addition, pERK1/2, Ac-H3, Bcl-2 and proteins related to apoptosis, including Bax and caspases 3, 8, 9, exhibited enhanced expression in KKU-M214 cells. The combination treatments caused down-regulation of p53, whereas the expression of p21 was fairly constant when compared with cisplatin single drug treatment. Conclusions: Peanut testa extracts in combination with cisplatin synergistically reduce cell viability and induce apoptosis through stimulation of caspases 3, 8 and 9 in KKU-M214 cells.

Peanut testa extracts enhance anticancer effect of cisplatin against human cholangiocarcinoma cells via modulation of histone deacetylase inhibitory activity

Objective: To investigate the effect of combination treatments of cisplatin and KK4 and ICG15042 peanut testa extracts against cholangiocarcinoma cells in vitro. Methods: The growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The levels of proteins involved in apoptosis were assessed using Western blotting assays. The caspase activity was assessed using a colorimetric caspase activity assay. Results: Cisplatin and peanut (KK4 and ICG15042) testa extracts inhibited the growth of cholangiocarcinoma cell lines (KKU-M214 and KKU-100 cells) in a dose- A nd time-dependent manner. The combination treatments reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells more efficiently than singledrug treatments. Cancer cell death synergistically mediated by cisplatin and peanut testa extracts was observed in KKU-M214 cells (combination index 1.0). The combination treatments also increased the sub-G1 population and caused KKU-M214 cell cycle arrest at S and G2/M phases, which were the combined effects of cisplatin (S phase arrest) and peanut testa extracts (G2/M phase arrest). In addition, pERK1/2, Ac-H3, Bcl-2 and proteins related to apoptosis, including Bax and caspases 3, 8, 9, exhibited enhanced expression in KKU-M214 cells. The combination treatments caused down-regulation of p53, whereas the expression of p21 was fairly constant when compared with cisplatin single drug treatment. Conclusions: Peanut testa extracts in combination with cisplatin synergistically reduce cell viability and induce apoptosis through stimulation of caspases 3, 8 and 9 in KKU-M214 cells.

Enhanced production of prodigiosin by Serratia marcescens FZSF02 in the form of pigment pellets

Background: Prodigiosin has been demonstrated to be an important candidate in investigating anticancer drugs and in many other applications in recent years. However, industrial production of prodigiosin has not been achieved. In this study, we found a prodigiosin-producing strain, Serratia marcescens FZSF02, and its fermentation strategies were studied to achieve the maximum yield of prodigiosin. Results: When the culture medium consisted of 16.97 g/L of peanut powder, 16.02 g/L of beef extract, and 11.29 mL/L of olive oil, prodigiosin reached a yield of 13.622 ± 236 mg/L after culturing at 26 °C for 72 h. Furthermore, when 10 mL/L olive oil was added to the fermentation broth at the 24th hour of fermentation, the maximum prodigiosin production of 15,420.9 mg/L was obtained, which was 9.3-fold higher than the initial level before medium optimization. More than 60% of the prodigiosin produced with this optimized fermentation strategy was in the form of pigment pellets. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on this phenomenon of pigment pellet formation, which made it much easier to extract prodigiosin at low cost. Prodigiosin was then purified and identified by absorption spectroscopy, HPLC, and LCMS. Purified prodigiosin obtained in this study showed anticancer activity in separate experiments on several human cell cultures: A549, K562, HL60, HepG2, and HCT116. Conclusions: This is a promising strain for producing prodigiosin. The prodigiosin has potential in anticancer medicine studies.

A case report of mono-sensitization to peanut component Ara h6

Peanut is the most common food allergen in the US, affecting 1-2 % of the population and studies show that it is still on the rise.' Component testing has offered better insight into the likelihood of reactivity with exposure. Extensive literature shows Arachis hypogea (Ara h) 2 as being the most clinically significant component identified to correlate with reactivity with exposure to the peanut protein, however there is minimal research on the reactivity of Ara h6. This case report describes a patient with a clinical reaction to peanut as a toddler and subsequent positivity on annual skin testing with commercial peanut extract, likely confounded by positive birch with advancing age. Immuno CAP testing revealed a negative Ara h2 and positive Ara h6, describing mono-sensitization to Ara h 6 and high probability of clinical reactivity. The importance of this case is to raise awareness of other highly allergenic components in patients with peanut allergy.

Transcriptome and proteome analyses of resistant preharvest peanut seed coat in response to Aspergillus flavus infection

BACKGROUND: The infection of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed coat by the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus flavus has highly negative economic and health impacts. However, the molecular mechanism underlying such defense response remains poorly understood. This study aims to address this issue by profiling the transcriptomic and proteomic changes that occur during the infection of the resistant peanut cultivar J11 by A. flavus. RESULTS: Transcriptomic study led to the detection of 13,539 genes, among which 663 exhibited differential expression. Further functional analysis found the differentially expressed genes to encode a wide range of pathogenesis- and/or defense-related proteins such as transcription factors, pathogenesis-related proteins, and chitinases. Changes in the expression patterns of these genes might contribute to peanut resistance to A. flavus. On the other hand, the proteomic profiling showed that 314 of the 1382 detected protein candidates were aberrantly expressed as a result of A. flavus invasion. However, the correlation between the transcriptomic and proteomic data was poor. We further demonstrated by in vitro fungistasis tests that hevamine-A, which was enriched at both transcript and protein levels, could directly inhibit the growth of A. flavus. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the power of complementary transcriptomic and proteomic analyses in the study of pathogen defense and resistance in plants and the chitinase could play an important role in the defense response of peanut to A. flavus. The current study also constitutes the first step toward building an integrated omics data platform for the development of Aspergillus-resistant peanut cultivars