Efficient uranium sequestration ability and mechanism of live and inactivated strain of Streptomyces sp. HX-1 isolated from uranium wastewater.

Prokaryotes are effective biosorbents for the recovery of uranium and other heavy metals. However, the potential mechanism of uranium bioaccumulation by filamentous strain (actinobacteria) remains unclear. This study demonstrates the potential for and mechanism of uranium bioaccumulation by living (L-SS) and inactivated (I-SS) Streptomyces sp. HX-1 isolated from uranium mine waste streams. Uranium accumulation experiments showed that L-SS and I-SS had efficient uranium adsorption potentials, with removal rates of 92.93 and 97.42%, respectively. Kinetic and equilibrium data indicated that the bioaccumulation process was consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic, Langmuir, and Sips isotherm models. FTIR indicated that the main functional groups of L-SS and I-SS binding uranium were uranyl, carboxyl, and phosphate groups. Moreover, the results of XRD, XPS, SEM-EDS, and TEM-EDS analyses revealed for the first time that L-SS has biomineralization and bioreduction capacity against uranium. L-SS mineralize U(VI) into NH4UO2PO4 and [Formula: see text] through the metabolic activity of biological enzymes (phosphatases). In summary, Streptomyces sp. HX-1 is a novel and efficient uranium-fixing biosorbent for the treatment of uranium-contaminated wastewater.

Bioremediation of uranium (â ¥) using a native strain Halomonas campaniensis ZFSY-04 isolated from uranium mining and milling effluent: Potential and mechanism.

A significant surge in the exploitation of uranium resources has resulted in considerable amounts of radioactive effluents. Thus, efficient and eco-friendly uranium removal strategies need to be explored to ensure ecological safety and resource recovery. In this study, we investigated the resistance of Halomonas campaniensis strain ZFSY-04, isolated from an evaporation pool at a uranium mine site, and its potential mechanism of uranium (Ⅵ) removal. The results showed that the strain exhibited unique uranium tolerance and its growth was not significantly inhibited under a uranium concentration of 700 mg/L. It had a maximum loading capacity of 865.40 mg/g (dry weight), achieved following incubation under uranium concentration of 100 mg/L, pH 6.0, and temperature 30 °C, for 2 h, indicating that the removal of uranium by the strain was efficient and rapid. Combined with kinetic, isothermal, thermodynamic, and microspectral analyses, the mechanism of uranium loading by strain ZFSY-04 was metabolism-dependent and diverse, including, physical and chemical adsorption on the cell surface, extracellular biomineralisation, intracellular bioaccumulation, and biomineralisation. Our results highlight the unique properties of indigenous strains, including high resistance, high efficiency, rapid uranium removal, and various uranium removal strategies, which make it suitable as a new tool for in situ bioremediation and uranium-contaminated environmental resource recovery.

Equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics of biosorption of U(VI) by Jonesia quinghaiensis strain ZFSY-01 isolated from the wastewater of a uranium mine.

The adsorption ability of a native Jonesia quinghaiensis strain ZFSY-01, a microorganism isolated from uranium tailing wastewater, to U(VI) in wastewater under different conditions was studied in this work. The results showed that 391.5 mg U/g and 78.3% of adsorption capacity and efficiency were achieved under an optimum adsorption condition, respectively. Especially, the adsorption capacity of this strain reached the maximum (Q=788.9 mg U/g) under 100 mg/L of strain dosage. Simultaneously, the linear regression coefficients for the used isothermal sorption model indicate that the biosorption process is compatible with the Freundlich isotherm, the Temkin isotherm and the Halsey isotherm model. Based on the fitted kinetic parameters, the data from the experiments fit well with models of pseudo-second-order kinetics and intraparticle diffusion, suggesting that the strain ZFSY-01 immobilized U(VI) by physical and chemical adsorption. In addition, thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the sequestration of U(VI) by the strain is spontaneous and endothermic. Based on the above analysis, strain ZFSY-01 can effectively remove U(VI) ions from high- or low-concentration uranium-containing wastewater and is expected to become a promising biological adsorbent.

Remedial effect and operating status of a decommissioned uranium mill tailings (UMT) repository: A micro-ecological perspective based on bacterial community.

From a radioecological perspective, increasing attention has been paid to the long-term stabilisation of decommissioned uranium mill tailings (UMT) repositories. However, little is known about the evaluation of decommissioning and remedial effects of UMT repositories from a microecological perspective based on bacterial communities. Here, we analysed the distribution and structure of soil community assemblies along different vertical soil profiles in a decommissioned UMT repository and explored the impact of soil properties, including physicochemical parameters, metal(loid)s, and radionuclides, on the bacterial assemblage. We found that the α diversity of the bacterial community was unaffected by variations in different soil profiles and taxa were classified at the phylum level with small significant differences. In contrast, the bacterial community structure in and around the UMT repository showed significant differences; however, this difference was significantly affected by soil metal(loid)s and physicochemical properties rather than soil radionuclides. In addition, seven bacterial genera with significant differences between the inner and surrounding regions of the repository could be used as potential indicators to further investigate the remedial effects on soil environmental quality. These findings provide novel insights into the construction of an assessment system and in situ biomonitoring of UMT repositories from a microecological perspective based on bacterial communities.

Response of soil microbial communities to natural radionuclides along specific-activity gradients.

Understanding the response of soil microbial community to abnormal natural radionuclides is important to maintain soil ecological function, but the underlying mechanism of tolerance and survival of microbes is poorly studied. The effects of natural radionuclides on the topsoil microbial communities in anomalous natural radiation area were investigated in this work, and it was found that microbial community composition was significantly influenced by the specific-activities of natural radionuclides. The results revealed that relative abundances of 10 major microbial phyla and genera displayed different patterns along specific-activity gradients, including decreasing, increasing, hump-shaped, U-shaped, and similar sinusoidal or cosine wave trends, which indicated that the natural radionuclides were the predominant driver for change of microbial community structure. At the phylum and genus level, microbial communities were divided into two special groups according to the tolerance to natural radionuclides, such as 238U and 232Th, including tolerant and sensitive groups. Taken together, our findings suggest that the high specific-activities of natural radionuclides can obviously drive changes in microbial communities, providing a possibility for future studies on the microbial tolerance genes and bioremediation strains.

Assessment of natural radioactivity and consequent radiological hazard in different brands of commercialized bottled mineral water produced in China.

As one of the drinking water quality parameters, natural radioactivity parameters are recommended to prevent a potential health threat to the public. In this study, the gross-α and gross-ß activity concentrations in 15 different brands of commercial bottled mineral water consumed in China were analyzed to evaluate the quality and corresponding health impact on the population. The activity concentrations of gross-α and gross-ß in different samples varied from 4.4 to 130.6 and 17.3-320.3 mBq L-1, respectively. The values of the annual effective dose equivalent rate (AED) for infants, children and adults ranged from 1.3 to 21.6, 2.9-52.5 and 5.5-97.8 µSv y-1, respectively. The average excess lifetime cancer risk caused by the consumption of bottled mineral water samples was estimated as 6.0 × 10-5. These results show that all the measured gross-α and gross-ß are found to be obviously less than the guidance level by WHO and the domestic standard. The values of AED are below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limit of 0.1 mSv y-1. Combined with the lifetime cancer risk assessment, it is concluded that there is no significant risk for consumption of the observed brands of bottled mineral water and it can be consumed safely.

Four novel antimicrobial peptides derived from human C8α-MACPF.

Antimicrobial peptides are active against a diverse spectrum of microorganisms. Using a bioinformatics method, six potential novel antimicrobial peptides, A1, C1, A2, A3, C2 and A4, were identified in the C8α complement component. The corresponding genes were then cloned into a new vector as fusions with the self-cleavage protein N(pro) protein mutant EDDIE gene. The expressed or synthetic peptides, A1, A2, A3 and A4, showed antimicrobial activities against several bacteria, while peptides C1 and C2 did not. Peptides A1 to A4 showed no hemolytic activities over 3 h when at 500 µg/ml. Thus, A1, A2, A3 and A4, derived from the C8α complement system, are novel antimicrobial peptides.

Myceligenerans halotolerans sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from a salt lake, and emended description of the genus Myceligenerans.

A halotolerant actinomycete strain, designated XJEEM 11063(T), was isolated from a salt lake in Xinjiang province, north-western China. Strain XJEEM 11063(T) grew at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimal growth at pH 7.0), between 10 and 40 °C (optimal growth at 28-37 °C) and at salinities of 0-10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimal growth at 0-5 %, w/v). The peptidoglycan type was A4α, and the whole-cell hydrolysates contained glucose, mannose and arabinose. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0). MK-9(H(4)) was the predominant menaquinone and the polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides, two unknown phospholipids and three unknown glycolipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 71.8 mol%. The chemotaxonomic properties supported the affiliation of strain XJEEM 11063(T) to the genus Myceligenerans. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the organism was most closely related to Myceligenerans xiligouense XLG9A10.2(T) (98.3 %) and Myceligenerans crystallogenes DSM 17134(T) (97.0 %). However, it had relatively low values for DNA-DNA relatedness with the above strains (56.0 % and 47.5 %, respectively). Thus, on the basis of the results from this study, a novel species, Myceligenerans halotolerans sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is XJEEM 11063(T) ( = DSM 21949(T) = CCTCC AA 208063(T)).

[Biodiversity and enzyme screening of actinomycetes from Hami lake].

OBJECTIVE: In order to study the biodiversity of actinomycetes isolated from salt lakes in Hami, Xinjiang, and the characteristics of enzymes thereof. METHODS: Soil samples in salt lakes Hami were isolated with 4 isolation media containing 5% and 10% NaCl (w/v) by dilution-plate method. The activities of lipase, galactosidase, amylase, esterase and cellulose from isolated strains were qualitatively detected by using five selective media. Based on morphological characteristics, test of salt tolerance, antibacterial activitity, enzymatic characters and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene, strains were selected for phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 63 actinomycetes were isolated from salt lake in Hami, of which 47 strains were halophilic actinomycetes. The antibacterial activity results showed that 23 strains had antibacterial activity toward Bacillus subtilis and other pathogens. Three strains produced proteinase, 46 strains produced amylase, 14 strains produced esterase, 34 strains produced galactosidase, and 5 strains produced cellulase. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated relatively rich genotypic diversity among these actinomycetes. CONCLUSION: There were abundant actinomycetes resources in the salt lakes in Hami, Xinjiang. The strains had very promising enzyme activities.

Paracoccus saliphilus sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium isolated from a saline soil.

A Gram-negative, coccoid to short rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain YIM 90738T, was isolated from a salt lake in Xinjiang province, north-west China, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The strain was non-motile and grew at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimal growth at pH 7.0), 10-55 degrees C (optimal growth at 37 degrees C) and salinities of 1-15% NaCl (w/v, optimal growth at 8% NaCl). Ubiquinone 10 was detected as the major respiratory quinone. The cellular fatty acid profile had C18:1omega7c (80.4% of the total) as the major component, similar to those of members of the genus Paracoccus. The nearest phylogenetic neighbour of strain YIM 90738T was the type strain of Paracoccus homiensis, as determined by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis (97.5% similarity). The level of DNA-DNA relatedness between P. homiensis DSM 17862T and strain YIM 90738T was 51.5%. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain YIM 90738T was 60.3 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic data and its genotypic distinctiveness, strain YIM 90738T (=CCTCC AB 206074T=KCTC 22163T) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, Paracoccus saliphilus sp. nov.

Marinococcus luteus sp. nov., a halotolerant bacterium isolated from a salt lake, and emended description of the genus Marinococcus.

A Gram-positive, aerobic, motile, coccoid, orange-pigmented bacterium, designated strain YIM 91094(T), was isolated from a salt lake sample collected from Barkol Lake in Xinjiang Province, north-west China. The strain was able to grow at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimal growth at pH 7.0), at 10-37 degrees C (optimal growth at 28 degrees C) and in the presence of 0-25 % (w/v) NaCl [optimal growth in the presence of 10-15 % (w/v) NaCl]. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 91094(T) was affiliated with the genus Marinococcus and exhibited levels of sequence similarity of 99.2 % to Marinococcus halotolerans YIM 70157(T) and 99.7 % to Marinococcus halophilus DSM 20408(T). However, it showed moderately low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness with the above type strains (56.0 and 57.5 %, respectively). The peptidoglycan type of strain YIM 91094(T) was A1gamma, with meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. MK-7 was the predominant menaquinone and anteiso-C(15 : 0) (49.9 % of the total) and anteiso-C(17 : 0) (29.6 %) were the major cellular fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 48.7 mol%. Strain YIM 91094(T) possessed chemotaxonomic markers that were consistent with its classification in the genus Marinococcus. On the basis of the data presented, strain YIM 91094(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Marinococcus, for which the name Marinococcus luteus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 91094(T) (=KCTC 13214(T)=CCTCC AA 208014(T)). An emended description of the genus Marinococcus is provided.

Kocuria halotolerans sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from a saline soil in China.

A Gram-positive actinobacterium, designated strain YIM 90716(T), was isolated from a saline soil sample collected from Ganjiahu Suosuo Forest National Nature Reserve in Xinjiang Province, north-west China. The new isolate contained lysine, glutamic acid and alanine with peptidoglycan type Lys-Ala(3) (variation A3alpha). The major phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant menaqinone was MK-7(H(2)). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0). The DNA G+C content of strain YIM 90716(T) was 68.0 mol%. Chemotaxonomic properties supported the affiliation of strain YIM 90716(T) to the genus Kocuria. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the organism was related most closely to Kocuria kristinae DSM 20032(T) (96.8 % similarity) and showed lower levels of 16S rRNA gene similarity (<96.5 %) with the type strains of other species of the genus Kocuria. The results of fatty acid analysis and physiological and biochemical tests allowed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain YIM 90716(T) from its closest relatives. On the basis of data from the present polyphasic study, strain YIM 90716(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Kocuria, for which the name Kocuria halotolerans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 90716(T) (=DSM 18442(T)=KCTC 19172(T)=CCTCC AB 206069(T)).

Gracilibacillus saliphilus sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a salt lake.

A novel Gram-positive-staining, aerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain YIM 91119(T), was isolated from Ebinur Lake in Xinjiang Province, north-west China. Cells were motile, produced terminal endospores and grew at pH 6.0-8.0 (optimally at pH 7.0), 4-45 degrees C (optimally at 28-37 degrees C) and 1-22 % (w/v) NaCl, (optimally at 10-15 %, w/v). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain YIM 91119(T) belongs to the genus Gracilibacillus, exhibiting the highest sequence similarity with respect to the type strain of Gracilibacillus orientalis (97.8 %); the next most similar 16S rRNA gene sequences were those of the type strains of Gracilibacillus boraciitolerans (96.8 %), Gracilibacillus dipsosauri (96.5 %) and Gracilibacillus halotolerans (95.8 %). DNA-DNA hybridization with G. orientalis AS 1.4250(T) showed a relatedness of 55 %. The major fatty acids of strain YIM 91119(T) were anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0). The peptidoglycan type was A1gamma (directly cross-linked meso-diaminopimelic acid). The genomic DNA G+C content was 40.1 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. On the basis of the evidence from this polyphasic study, strain YIM 91119(T) represents a novel species of the genus Gracilibacillus, for which the name Gracilibacillus saliphilus sp. nov. is proposed, with YIM 91119(T) (=DSM 19802(T) =CCTCC AA 208015(T)) as the type strain.

Transfer of Ephedra genomic DNA to yeasts by ion implantation.

The genomic DNA from Ephedra glauca was randomly transferred to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Hansenula anomala by argon and nitrogen ion implantation. Through repeated subculturing and using reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography analysis to quantify the concentrations of the secondary metabolites, l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine, 12 recombinant strains of genetically stable yeast were obtained, each using glucose as a carbon source, NaNO3 as a nitrogen source and producing l-ephedrine and/or d-pseudoephedrine. After culturing in liquid medium for 72 h, extracellular l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine concentrations of 18.85 and 4.11 mg/L, respectively, were detected. Using l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine as the target products, the transformation efficiencies of the genomic DNA from E. glauca transferred to S. cerevisiae and H. anomala were 1.15% (1/87) and 2.13% (8/376), respectively. The addition of the amino acid, L-Phe, to culture media substantially changed the amount of l-ephedrine and/or d-pseudoephedrine produced by the recombined yeasts. However, the change in metabolite production was not consistent among strains, rising in some, while dropping to nondetectable levels in others. After random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, four RAPD primers were obtained from the initial 100 RAPD primers, each amplifying different fragments with the recombined yeast Ar_Han0458 genome. Using one primer as polymerase chain reaction primer, the result showed that the recombined yeast Ar_Han0458 genome matched E. glauca genomic DNA at 150 bp, indicating a successful transfer of genetic information, facilitated by ion implantation.

[Diversity of halophilic Actinomycetes from mud volcano in Xinjiang].

OBJECTIVE: To know halophilic actinomycetes and their enzyme-producing ability from mud volcano in Usu County, Xinjiang, China. METHODS: Soil samples in mud volcano were isolated with five isolation media containing 5% and 10% NaCl (w/v) with dilution-plate method. The activities of lipase, galactosidase, amylase, esterase and cellulase from isolated strains were qualitatively detected by using five selective media. Base on morphological characteristics, test of salt tolerance, screening of enzymatic characters and sequencing of 16S rDNA gene, strains were selected for phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 43 halophilic actinomycetes and 3 extreme halophilic actinomycetes were obtained. Screening results for enzyme activity showed that 4 halophilic actinomycetes produced lipase, 30 strains produced galactosidase, 27 strains produced amylase, 6 strains produced esterase, 4 strains produced cellulose and 1 strain produced 4 enzymes simultaneously. According to 16S rDNA sequence analysis, 24 of 25 detected sequences were affiliated with Nocardiopsis, and the other one was Streptomyces. In the phylogenetic tree, strain 10006 producing 2 enzymes and Nocardiopsis exhalans (AY03600) showed 96.64% similarity (less than 97%), which indicated that strain 10006 was a possible new species. CONCLUSION: There are plenty of galactosidase or amylase-producing halophilic actinomycetes and higher enzyme-producing diversity of Nocardiopsis in Usu mud volcano. In addition, there are potential microbial resources in this extreme environment.

Microbulbifer halophilus sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium from north-west China.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain YIM 91118(T), motile with a single polar flagellum, was isolated from Xinjiang province in north-west China and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain YIM 91118(T) grew optimally at 37 degrees C, pH 7.0-8.0 and 10% NaCl (w/v). Its major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(15:0), iso-C(17:0), C(16:0) and iso-C(17:1)omega9c. The predominant lipoquinone was Q-8. The DNA G+C content was 63.2 mol%. All of these chemotaxonomic data supported the assignment of the new isolate to the genus Microbulbifer. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 91118(T) belongs to the genus Microbulbifer and it formed a distinct subclade with Microbulbifer maritimus KCCM 41774(T). The levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of Microbulbifer species were in the range 93.5-95.0%. The mean level of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain YIM 91118(T) and M. maritimus KCCM 41774(T) was 45.8%. On the basis of phenotypic properties, phylogeny and genomic data, strain YIM 91118(T) represents a novel species of the genus Microbulbifer, for which the name Microbulbifer halophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 91118(T) (=CCTCC AB 206094(T) =KCTC 12848(T)). Furthermore, it is necessary to emend the description of the genus Microbulbifer.

Halomonas lutea sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a salt lake.

A Gram-negative, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated YIM 91125(T), was isolated from a salt lake in Xinjiang province, north-west China. The isolate grew at salinities in the range 1-20% (w/v) and at 4-45 degrees C. Optimal growth occurred at 37 degrees C, pH 7.5 and 5-10% (w/v) NaCl. Cells were short rods motile by means of single polar flagella. The major fatty acids were C(18:1)omega7c, C(16:0), C(19:0) cyclo omega8c and C(12:0) 3-OH. The DNA G+C content was 60.8 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was Q-9. A comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed its relationship to Halomonas species, its closest neighbours being Halomonas pantelleriensis (95.9% similarity to the type strain) and Halomonas muralis (95.4 % similarity). On the basis of chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, strain YIM 91125(T) represents a novel member of the genus Halomonas, for which the name Halomonas lutea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 91125(T) (=KCTC 12847(T) =CCTCC AB 206093(T)).

The mutagenic properties of BrdUTP in a random mutagenesis process.

To explore the mutagenic properties of the nucleotide analogue bromodeoxyuridine triphosphate (BrdUTP), the wild type alpha-amylase (xamy) gene from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris 8004 was used as a mutational target. It was mutated using PCR techniques to partially replace deoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP) with BrdUTP. A total of 18 mutants were selected for DNA sequencing from the mutagenesis libraries by their ability to hydrolyze the starch. The results showed that 70% of the total mutations were single base-pair substitutions; BrdUTP also induced deletion and insertion mutation types. Among single base-pair substitutions, the predominant mutation type is transition (84%), but three kinds of transversions (16%) were also detected. It thus mainly induces A:T --> G:C and T:A --> C:G transitions. This result indicated that when bromouracil is present as a deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate substrate it mainly paired with dAMP, and when it is present as a template base it could pair with free dGTP. Three mutational hot spots induced by BrdUTP were revealed in this work.

[Production of l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine in recombined yeasts obtained by argon ion implantation mediated Ephedra genome DNA transformation].

The genome DNA from Ephedra glauca was randomly transferred into Hansenula anomala, respectively, by argon ion bombardment. Then, after screening by the motheds of bromothymol blue indicator selection, slant cultivation, l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine copper chromic salt qualitative test and RP-HPLC determination, 3 strains, producing recombined yeasts were obtained, which can use glucose as a carbon source, NaNO3 as nitrogen source and be genetically stable. After cultivated in liquid medium for 72 hours and analyzed by the RP-HPLC, the recombined strains can produce l-ephedrine 11.87 mg/L and d-pseudoephedrine 4.11 mg/L excellular, d-pseudoephedrine 294.86 mg/g dry cell incellular, but l-ephedrine not detected incellular. The transformation efficiency of Ephedra genome DNA transferred into yeasts via argon ion bombardment was 0.65%. The effects of Ephedra genome DNA macromolecule integrity on yeast transformation system were discussed. The results shown that DNA macromolecule with integrated structure used as exogenous donor can obtain higher transformation efficiency than DNA macromolecule random fragments by ion implantation mediated DNA transformation. It was inferred that biosynthesis of l-ephedrine and the d-pseudoephedrin were controlled by linked together genes or gene clusters.

Streptomonospora alba sp. nov., a novel halophilic actinomycete, and emended description of the genus Streptomonospora Cui et al. 2001.

A halophilic actinomycete, strain YIM 90003(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Xinjiang Province, China, by using starch-casein agar with a salt concentration of 20 % (w/v), pH 7.0. The strain grew well on most media tested. No diffusible pigment was produced. Aerial mycelium and substrate mycelium were well developed on most media. The aerial mycelium formed short spore chains, bearing non-motile, straight to flexuous spores with wrinkled surfaces. The cell walls of strain YIM 90003(T) contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. Cell-wall hydrolysates contained galactose and arabinose. Menaquinone composition varied with the medium used for cell cultivation; on glucose-yeast extract medium supplemented with 10 % NaCl, the major menaquinone was MK-9(H(4)), while, on vitamin-enriched ISP 2 medium, the major menaquinones were MK-10(H(2)), MK-9(H(8)) and MK-10(H(4)). Phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, diphosphatidyl glycerol, methylphosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine and an unidentified phospholipid. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed Streptomonospora salina as the closest phylogenetic neighbour. On the basis of these analyses, strain YIM 90003(T) is a member of the genus Streptomonospora, though its properties do not match the generic description fully with respect to the menaquinone composition and peptidoglycan amino acid. Analyses of mechanically disrupted cell walls of the type species, Streptomonospora salina DSM 44593(T), and strain YIM 90003(T), purified by tryptic digestion and subsequent SDS treatment, revealed the exclusive presence of meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid of peptidoglycan. Thus, the genus description of Streptomonospora, indicating the presence of several amino acids usually not found in the peptidoglycan moiety, is therefore emended. DNA-DNA hybridization and comparison of physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics demonstrated strain YIM 90003(T) to be different from Streptomonospora salina. The name Streptomonospora alba sp. nov. is proposed, with strain YIM 90003(T) (=CCTCC AA001013(T)=DSM 44588(T)) as the type strain.