Bacterial cellulose and bacterial cellulose/polycaprolactone composite as tissue substitutes in rabbits' cornea / Celulose bacteriana e composto de celulose bacteriana/policaprolactone para substituto tissular na córnea de coelho

In order to test the performance of bacterial cellulose/polycaprolactone composite (BC/PCL) and pure bacterial cellulose (BC) as tissue substitutes in rabbits' cornea, a superficial ulcer containing 5mm in diameter and 0.2mm deep was made in the right cornea of 36 rabbits, then a interlayer pocket was created from the basis of this ulcer. Twelve rabbits received BC/PCL membrane and 12 were treated with BC membranes, both membranes with 8mm in diameter. The remaining rabbits received no membrane constituting the control group. The animals were clinically followed up for 45 days. Three animals of each group were euthanized at three, seven, 21, and 45 days after implantation for histological examination of the cornea along with the implant. Clinical observation revealed signs of moderate inflammatory process, decreasing from day 20th in the implanted groups. Histology showed absence of epithelium on the membranes, fibroplasia close to the implants, lymph inflammatory infiltrate with giant cells, collagen disorganization, with a predominance of immature collagen fibers in both groups with implants. Although inflammatory response is acceptable, the membranes used does not satisfactorily played the role of tissue substitute for the cornea during the study period.(AU)

Com objetivo de testar o desempenho do compósito celulose bacteriana/policaprolactona (CB/PCL) e da celulose bacteriana pura (CB) como substitutos teciduais em córnea de coelhos, foi realizada uma úlcera superficial de 5 mm de diâmetro e 0,2 mm de profundidade na córnea direita de 36 coelhos, criando-se um bolso interlamelar a partir da base dessa úlcera. Doze animais receberam a membrana do compósito CB/PCL e 12 foram tratados com membranas de CB, ambas com 8 mm de diâmetro, os coelhos restantes não receberam nenhuma membrana, constituindo o grupo controle. Os animais foram acompanhados clinicamente até 45 dias. Três animais de cada grupo sofreram eutanásia aos três, sete, 21 e 45 dias após o implante das membranas para análise histológica da córnea juntamente com o implante. À observação clínica, houve sinais de processo inflamatório moderado, diminuindo a partir do 20º dia nos grupos implantados. A histologia demonstrou ausência de epitélio sobre as membranas, fibroplasia próxima aos implantes, infiltrado inflamatório linfo-histiocitário com células gigantes, desorganização do colágeno, com predominância de fibras imaturas de colágeno em ambos os grupos com implantes. Embora a resposta inflamatória seja aceitável, as membranas utilizadas não desempenharam satisfatoriamente o papel de substituto tecidual para a córnea, no período estudado.(AU)

Minerals consumption by Acetobacter xylinum on cultivation medium on coconut water

The objective of this work is to verifying the consume of the minerals K, Na, Fe, Mg, P, S-SO4-2,B,N Total Kjedahl (NTK), NO3--N, and NH4+-N in the production of bacterial cellulose by Acetobacter xylinum, according to the medium and the manner of cultivation. The fermentative process was in ripe and green coconut water. K and Na were determined by flame emission photometry, Mg and Fe by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, P by molecular absorption spectrophotometry, S-SO4-2 by barium sulphate turbidimetry, B by Azomethin-H method, NTK by Kjeldahl method, N-NO3-and N-NH4+ by vapor distillation with magnesium oxide and Devarda's alloy, respectively. In Fermentation of ripe coconut water there were higher consumption of K (69%), Fe (84,3%), P (97,4%), S-SO2-2 (64,9%), B (56,1%), N-NO3 (94,7%) and N-NH4+ (95,2%), whereas coconut water of green fruit the most consumed ions were Na (94,5%), Mg (67,7%) and NTK (56,6%). The cultivation under agitation showed higher mineral consumption. The higher bacterial cellulose production, 6 g.L-1, was verified in the coconut water fermentative in ripe fruit, added KH2PO4, FeSO4 and NaH2PO4 kept under agitation.

Bioprospecting thermophiles for cellulase production: a review

Most of the potential bioprospecting is currently related to the study of the extremophiles and their potential use in industrial processes. Recently microbial cellulases find applications in various industries and constitute a major group of industrial enzymes. Considerable amount of work has been done on microbial cellulases, especially with resurgence of interest in biomass ethanol production employing cellulases and use of cellulases in textile and paper industry. Most efficient method of lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis is through enzymatic saccharification using cellulases. Significant information has also been gained about the physiology of thermophilic cellulases producers and process development for enzyme production and biomass saccharification. The review discusses the current knowledge on cellulase producing thermophilic microorganisms, their physiological adaptations and control of cellulase gene expression. It discusses the industrial applications of thermophilic cellulases, their cost of production and challenges in cellulase research especially in the area of improving process economics of enzyme production.

Utilização experimental de hidroxiapatita sintética em alvéolos dentários de gatos domésticos (Felis catus): estudo clínico, radiográfico e histomorfométrico / Experimental application of hydroxyapatite in feline (Felis catus) dental sockets: clinic, radiographic, histologic and histomorphometric studies

A fim de avaliar a resposta biológica da hidroxiapatita sintética (HAP-91) nos alvéolos de felinos domésticos, este biomaterial foi implantado após extração do terceiro pré-molar inferior direito em 12 gatos e mantida por meio de uma membrana de celulose bacteriana. No lado esquerdo, os alvéolos foram apenas recobertos com a membrana de celulose bacteriana, formando o grupo-controle. Observou-se, durante a avaliação clínica, que todos os animais voltaram a comer normalmente ração úmida, sem apresentarem sinais de dor ou desconforto após a recuperação anestésica. A cicatrização da ferida cirúrgica ocorreu de forma satisfatória, sendo que a membrana de celulose bacteriana evitou a saída precoce da hidroxiapatita. Radiograficamente, aos 50 dias, todos os animais apresentaram radiopacidade óssea homogênea em ambos os lados. À análise histomorfométrica, observou-se adiantamento do processo de reparo do osso alveolar nos oito primeiros dias do grupo-tratado quando comparado ao grupo-controle, bem como atraso aos 30 dias, porém, aos 50 dias, ambos os grupos apresentavam porcentagem de tecido ósseo semelhante e morfologicamente normal. Os resultados sugerem que a hidroxiapatita é biocompatível, integra-se ao tecido ósseo alveolar e pode ser utilizada em felinos.

The biocompatibility of a material depends on its characteristics, as well as the species and the environment recipient. In order to evaluate the biological response of the synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAP-91) in feline dental alveoli, it was implanted in the right inferior third premolar after extraction in 12 cats and maintained through a bacterial cellulose membrane. On the left side the alveoli was covered with a bacterial cellulose membrane (control group). During clinical evaluations it was observed that the animals started to eat after the anesthetic recovery time, without clinical signs of pain. There was a satisfactory cicatrization of the surgical wound and the bacterial cellulose membrane aided in repairing the gum, avoiding the loss of the hydroxyapatite. Radiographs taken 50 days post surgery presented homogeneous bone radiopacity on both sides. The histological and histomorfometrical analysis showed a positive progress of the alveolar repair in the first 8 days in the treated group when compared to the control group and a delay at 30 days, however at 50 days both presented a similar and morphologically normal percentage of bone tissue. These findings suggest that HAP-91 is biocompatible and integrates into the feline alveolar bone.

Alkali pretreated of wheat straw and its enzymatic hydrolysis

The efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose can be improved by various pretreatments of the substrate. In order to increase the efficiency of enzymatic saccharification of the wheat straw, we determined the effect of different pretreatments on the physical structure, chemical components and enzymatic saccharification of wheat straw. Our results showed that combination of grinding and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment had high effect on the enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straws. The optimal pretreatment condition was to grind the wheat straws into the sizes of 120 meshes followed by treatment with 1.0% NaOH for 1.5 h (121°C/15psi). Under this condition, the cellulose content of wheat straw was increased by 44.52%, while the content of hemicellulose and lignin was decreased by 44.15% and 42.52%, respectively. Scanning Electronic Microscopy and infrared spectrum analyses showed that significant changes occurred in the structure of wheat straws after pretreatment, which is favorable for the hydrolysis and saccharification. Cellulase produced by Penicillium waksmanii F10-2 was used to hydrolyze the pretreated wheat straw and the optimal condition was determined to be 30 h of enzymatic reaction under the temperature of 55°C, pH 5.5 and substrate concentration of 3%.

Effect of silicification on the water sorption properties of microcrystalline cellulose II

The aim of this study was to investigate the water sorption behavior of cellulose II:SiO2 composites and to determine the influence of silicification on this property. These composites were prepared by spray-drying at a cellulose II:SiO2 ratio of 98:2, 95:5, 90:10 and 80:20. The nonlinear models of Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB), Generalized D'Arcy and Watt (GDW) and Hailwood & Horrobin (HH), were used for the characterization and analysis of the isotherms. The infrared and powder X-rays characterization showed no signs of chemical modification or change in the polymorphic form of cellulose II by SiO2. The parameters derived from these models indicated that only a 20 percent level of silicification was able to hinder the water sorption properties of cellulose. Silicon dioxide was the most hydrophobic material since it had a lower ability to form hydrogen bonds with water than cellulose II. This finding was reflected in a delayed compact disintegration time when high levels of silicification (20 percent) and compression pressures higher than 120 MPa were used.

O objetivo deste estudo é investigar o comportamento de sorção de água a partir de misturas de celulose II e SiO2 e determinar a influência da silicificação nesse processo. Estas misturas foram preparadas por nebulização (spray-drying) usando misturas de celulose II e SiO2 nas proporções de 98:2, 95:5, 90:10 e 80:20. Os modelos não-lineares de Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB), "Generalized" D'Arcy e Watt (GDW) e Hailwood & Horrobin (HH) foram utilizados para caracterização e análise das isotermas. As misturas foram caracterizadas por infravermelho e raio-X e os resultados não mostraram indicativo de modificação química ou polimórfica da celulose II em combinação com SiO2. Os parâmetros derivados desses modelos indicaram que as propriedades de sorção de água da celulose foram prejudicadas apenas quando empregado um nível de silicificação de 20 por cento. O dióxido de silício foi o material mais hidrofóbico, provavelmente por possuir uma menor capacidade de formar pontes de hidrogênio com a água quando comparado com a celulose II. Este resultado foi refletido em redução no tempo de desintegração, especialmente quando altos níveis de silicificação (20 por cento) e força de compressão (acima de 120 Mpa) foram utilizados.

Quantitative changes in the biochemical composition of lignocellulosic residues during the vegetative growth of Lentinula edodes

The chemical changes in barley-straw (BS), wheat-straw (WS) and vineyard-pruning (VP) substrates were determined during colonization of Lentinula edodes mycelia (during primordium development) in solid state fermentation. Primordia appeared 39-50 days after inoculation. VP appeared to promote early sporophore initiation. The concentration of hemicellulose in BS and VP decreased gradually from 25.5 percent to 15.6 percent and from 15.8 percent to 12.3 percent, respectively. However in WS, hemicellulose decreased from 27.2 percent to 9.5 percent. Lignin broke down continuously in BS and WS, with 31.8 percent and 34.4 percent degradation, respectively; higher than that of cellulose. During the pinning stage, the C:N ratio decreased in VP and BS, but not in WS. On all substrates the phenols decreased notably throughout the first week of mycelial growth. The time elapsed (days) to pinning was positively correlated with cellulose content (r=0.89), total sugar (r=0.85) and inversely correlated to lignin (r=-1.00) and phenol content (r=-0.55).

Screening for ligninolytic enzymes from autochthonous fungi and applications for decolorization of Remazole Marine Blue / Triagem de enzimas ligninolíticas de fungos autóctones e aplicações para descoloramento de Remazole Marine Blue

This study presents new and alternative fungal strains for the production of ligninolytic enzymes which have great potential to use in industrial and biotechnological processes. Thirty autochthonous fungal strains were harvested from Bornova-Izmir in Turkiye. In the fresh fruitbody extracts laccase, manganese peroxidase and lignin peroxidase activities, which are the principal enzymes responsible for ligninocellulose degradation by Basidiomycetes, were screened. Spores of some of the basidiomycetes species such as Cortinarius sp., Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus, Abortiporus biennis, Lyophyllum subglobisporium, Ramaria stricta, Ganoderma carnosum, Lactarius delicious ve Lepista nuda were isolated and investigated optimum cultivation conditions in submerged fermentation for high yields of ligninolytic enzyme production. In addition, isolated fungal strains were monitored on agar plates whether having the capability of decolorization of a textile dye Remazol Marine Blue.

Este estudo apresenta novas cepas de fungos produtores de enzimas ligninolíticas com potencial de aplicação em processos industriais e biotecnológicos. Trinta cepas de fungos autóctones foram obtidos em Bornova-Izmir, Turquia. Os extratos frescos dos corpos de frutificação foram submetidos à triagem de atividade de lacase, manganês peroxidase e lignina peroxidase, que são as principais enzimas de degradação de ligninocelulose pelos Basidiomycetes. Foram isolados esporos de Cortinarius sp, Tramnetes versicolor, Pleorotus ostreatus, Abortiporus biennis, Lyophyllum subglobisporium, Ramaria stricta, Ganoderma carnosum, Lactarius delicius ve Lepista desnuda, investigando-se as condições ótimas de cultivo em fermentação submersa para produção de enzimas ligninolíticas com elevado rendimento. Além disso, as cepas fúngicas isoladas foram monitoradas em placas de ágar quanto a capacidade de descoloramento do corante têxtil Remazole Marine Blue.

Evaluation of pasture soil productivity in the semi-arid zone of Brazil by microbial analyses / Avaliação da produtividade de um solo de pastagem na zona do semi-árido através de análises microbianas

The productivity of a pasture soil (caatinga) located in the region of São João do Cariri, PB, Brazil was evaluated based an the following microbiological parameters: biomass (measured by fumigation-incubation method), activity (estimated from basal respiration and cellulose decomposition rate), qCO2, and Cmic : Corg ratio. This analysis demonstrated that livestock management in the 'caatinga' is probably causing environment damage by affecting the soil properties, reducing the microbial biomass and soil respiration and increasing the qCO2, affecting the recovery of this ecosystem.

A produtividade de um solo de pastagem (caatinga) na região de São João do Cariri, PB, Brasil foi avaliado através dos seguintes parâmetros microbiológicos: biomassa (medidas pelo método de fumigação incubação), atividade (estimada com base na respiração basal e taxa de decomposição de celulose), qCO2 e a razão Cmic : Corg. Estas análises demonstraram que o manejo de rebanhos na caatinga pode causar danos a este ambiente devido a modificações das propriedades do solo como diminuição da biomassa microbiana e da atividade e aumento do qCO2, afetando a recuperação deste ecossistema.

Chemical components of heartwood and sapwood of common Yew (Taxus baccata L.).

Cell-wall components and solubility characteristics of the heartwood and sapwood of Taxus baccata L. were determined by methods of wood analysis and the differences between heartwood and sapwood were established. When we observe the data obtained, it is seen that the amount of extractive material found in the heartwood is substantially higher than the sapwood. The extractive material in Taxus baccata L. is originated from the hidden epithelial cells surrounded by resin canals.

Evaluación de materiales útiles en la aplicación de Mitomicina C durante la cirugía filtrante / Evaluation of usefuls materials in the application of Mitomycin C during filtration surgery

Fueron determinadas las capacidades de absorción y liberación de 30 muestras de 4 tipos diferentes de materiales utilizados en la aplicación de Mitomicina C (MMC) durante la cirugía filtrante. Las microesponjas de celulosa (Grupo I) mostraron una capacidad de absorción y liberación mas uniforme y reproducible (coeficiente de variación de 6,4 y 7,7 respectivamente), lo que hace mas confiable el método de aplicación de MMC, utilizando éste material

Conteúdos de celulose, hemiceluloses e lignina no farelo de arroz fresco / Contents of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin in fresh rice bran

Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de se identificar o tipo e a quantidade de fibras presentes no farelo de arroz. Amostras em triplicata de farelo de arroz fresco, fornecido pela máquina de beneficiamento ARAWAL de Botucatu, foram analisadas pelos Métodos de Fibra Detergente ácido (FDA) e Fibra Detergente Neutro (FDN). As amostras analisadas apresentaram níveis elevados de FDN (27,4 por cento), predominando os conteúdos de hemiceluloses (17,3 por cento) e lignina (20,9 por cento). Por outro lado, o conteúdo de celulose (2,64 por cento) foi menor do que relatado na literatura. Os dados do presente estudo demonstram que o farelo de arroz possui alta concentraçäo de fibras, predominando as do tipo insolúvel como hemiceluloses e lignina, as quais atuam como protetoras no desenvolvimento de câncer de cólon.

Celulose fibrosa do bagaço da cana-de-açúcar: avaliaçäo da açäo aglutinante/desagregante em comprimidos contendo fármaco hidrossolúvel / Fibrous cellulose of sugar cane bagasse: valuation of the binder/disintegrating action in tablets that contain water-soluble drug

Uma celulose fibrosa obtida do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar foi analisada, no presente trabalho, quanto à sua açäo aglutinante/desagregante e quanto ao seu grau de interferência na liberaçäo de princípios ativos ("in vitro"), quando incorporada em um sistema compactado incluído de um fármaco hidrossolúvel. Empregou-se como fármaco referência o carbonato de lítio, considerando sua hidrossolubilidade e suas más qualidades de compressibilidade e escoamento. A celulose em questäo foi avaliada em estudo comparativo, envolvendo outra celulose fibrosa correntemente utilizada na obtençäo de comprimidos (Microcel 3E-200). Após a experimentaçäo em metodologias de granulaçäo a seco e a úmido, concluiu-se que as celuloses ensaiadas apresentam adequada eficiência aglutinante e desagregante e que säo equivalentes quanto a estes aspectos

Associaçöes de celuloses microfinas e microcristalina na compressäo direta: estudos preliminares / Microfine and microcrystalline cellulose associations on the direct compression: preliminary studies

Estudou-se o emprego de celuloses microfinas e microcristalina, isoladamente e em misturas, como excipientes para compressäo direta. As densidades aparentes livre e compactada, as velocidades de escoamento e a capacidade aglutinante dos materiais foram avaliadas. Os materiais foram analisados isolados e em misturas binárias. A celulose microcristalina apresentou o melhor conjunto de resultados, porém todas as celuloses estudadas apresentaram perfomances que lhes permitem atuar como excipientes para a compressäo direta

Dietary fiber analysis of cassava using gravimetric methods

We report the application of a method which combines digestion with pancreatin and neutral detergent treatment in the analytical study of dietary fiber from cassava. The use of pancreatin previous to the detergent extraction enabled rapid filtration, thus giving more reproducible results for neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, lignin and pectin were also determined. The values obtained for NDF (4.65 per cent ) and pectin (1.17 per cent ) are very important, considering their role in the digestive process

Celulose fibrosa microfina do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar: análise da aplicabilidade como excipiente aglutinante/desagregante de comprimidos / Microfine fibrous cellulose of sugar cane bagasse: analysis of applicability like binder/disintegrant excipient of tablets

Uma celulose fibrosa microfina, obtida a partir do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar, foi investigada quanto à sua aplicabilidade com excipiente aglutinante/desagregante de comprimidos. Utilizou-se, como parâmetro de comparaçäo, uma celulose de mercado designada pela marca Microcel 3E-200 (Cellulose fibrosa microfina). Do estudo comparativo concluiu-se que a celulose de cana possui características adequadas para aplicaçäo como excipiente aglutinante/desagregante. Os resultados demostraram que o produto em estudo apresenta, em relaçäo à celulose padräo, maior eficiência desagregante e menor poder aglutinante