1. Biotechnology

Category Archives: Biotechnology

Bio-oil based biorefinery strategy for the production of succinic acid

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Background:
Succinic acid is one of the key platform chemicals which can be produced via biotechnology process instead of petrochemical process. Biomass derived bio-oil have been investigated intensively as an alternative of diesel and gasoline fuels. Bio-oil could be fractionized into organic phase and aqueous phase parts. The organic phase bio-oil can be easily upgraded to transport fuel. The aqueous phase bio-oil (AP-bio-oil) is of low value. There is no report for its usage or upgrading via biological methods. In this paper, the use of AP-bio-oil for the production of succinic acid was investigated.
Results:
The transgenic E. coli strain could grow in modified M9 medium containing 20 v/v% AP-bio-oil with an increase in OD from 0.25 to 1.09. And 0.38 g/L succinic acid was produced. With the presence of 4 g/L glucose in the medium, succinic acid concentration increased from 1.4 to 2.4 g/L by addition of 20 v/v% AP-bio-oil. When enzymatic hydrolysate of corn stover was used as carbon source, 10.3 g/L succinic acid was produced. The obtained succinic acid concentration increased to 11.5 g/L when 12.5 v/v% AP-bio-oil was added. However, it decreased to 8 g/L when 50 v/v% AP-bio-oil was added. GC-MS analysis revealed that some low molecular carbon compounds in the AP-bio-oil were utilized by E. coli.
Conclusions:
The results indicate that AP-bio-oil can be used by E. coli for cell growth and succinic acid production.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/6/1/74

Structure and regulation of the cellulose degradome in Clostridium cellulolyticum

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Background:
Many bacteria efficiently degrade lignocellulose yet the underpinning genome-wide metabolic and regulatory networks remain elusive. Here we revealed the "cellulose degradome" for the model mesophilic cellulolytic bacterium Clostridium cellulolyticum ATCC 35319, via an integrated analysis of its complete genome, its transcriptomes under glucose, xylose, cellobiose, cellulose, xylan or corn stover and its extracellular proteomes under glucose, cellobiose or cellulose.
Results:
Proteins for core metabolic functions, environment sensing, gene regulation and polysaccharide metabolism were enriched in the cellulose degradome. Analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed a "core" set of 48 CAZymes required for degrading cellulose-containing substrates as well as an "accessory" set of 76 CAZymes required for specific non-cellulose substrates. Gene co-expression analysis suggested that Carbon Catabolite Repression (CCR) related regulators sense intracellular glycolytic intermediates and control the core CAZymes that mainly include cellulosomal components, whereas 11 sets of Two-Component Systems (TCSs) respond to availability of extracellular soluble sugars and respectively regulate most of the accessory CAZymes and associated transporters. Surprisingly, under glucose alone, the core cellulases were highly expressed at both transcript and protein levels. Furthermore, glucose enhanced cellulolysis in a dose-dependent manner, via inducing cellulase transcription at low concentrations.
Conclusion:
A molecular model of cellulose degradome in Ccel was proposed, which revealed the substrate-specificity of CAZymes and the transcriptional regulation of core cellulases by CCR where the glucose acts as a CCR inhibitor instead of a trigger. These features represent a distinct environment-sensing strategy for competing while collaborating for cellulose utilization, which can be exploited for process and genetic engineering of microbial cellulolysis.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/6/1/73

Enhanced characteristics of genetically modified switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) for high biofuel production

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Background:
Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most promising renewable and clean energy resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. However, the resistance to accessibility of sugars embedded in plant cell walls (so-called recalcitrance) is a major barrier to economically viable cellulosic ethanol production. A recent report from the US National Academy of Sciences indicated that, "absent technological breakthroughs", it was unlikely that the US would meet the congressionally mandated renewable fuel standard of 35 billion gallons of ethanol-equivalent biofuels plus 1 billion gallons of biodiesel by 2022. We here describe the properties of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) biomass that has been genetically engineered to increase the cellulosic ethanol yield by more than 2-fold.
Results:
We have increased the cellulosic ethanol yield from switchgrass by 2.6-fold through overexpression of the transcription factor PvMYB4. This strategy reduces carbon deposition into lignin and phenolic fermentation inhibitors while maintaining the availability of potentially fermentable soluble sugars and pectic polysaccharides. Detailed biomass characterization analyses revealed that the levels and nature of phenolic acids embedded in the cell-wall, the lignin content and polymer size, lignin internal linkage levels, linkages between lignin and xylans/pectins, and levels of wall-bound fucose are all altered in PvMYB4-OX lines. Genetically engineered PvMYB4-OX switchgrass therefore provides a novel system for further understanding cell wall recalcitrance.
Conclusions:
Our results have demonstrated that overexpression of PvMYB4, a general transcriptional repressor of the phenylpropanoid/lignin biosynthesis pathway, can lead to very high yield ethanol production through dramatic reduction of recalcitrance. MYB4-OX switchgrass is an excellent model system for understanding recalcitrance, and provides new germplasm for developing switchgrass cultivars as biomass feedstocks for biofuel production.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/6/1/71

Dieselzymes: development of a stable and methanol tolerant lipase for biodiesel production by directed evolution

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Background:
Biodiesels are methyl esters of fatty acids that are usually produced by base catalyzed transesterification of triacylglyerol with methanol. Some lipase enzymes are effective catalysts for biodiesel synthesis and have many potential advantages over traditional base or acid catalyzed trasesterification. Natural lipases are often rapidly inactivated by the high methanol concentrations used for biodiesel synthesis, however, limiting their practical use. The lipase from Proteus mirabilis is a particularly promising catalyst for biodiesel synthesis as it produces high yields of methyl esters even in the presence of large amounts of water and expresses very well in Escherichia coli. However, since the Proteus mirabilis lipase is only moderately stable and methanol tolerant, these properties need to be improved before the enzyme can be used industrially.
Results:
We employed directed evolution, resulting in a Proteus mirabilis lipase variant with 13 mutations, which we call Dieselzyme 4. Dieselzyme 4 has greatly improved thermal stability, with a 30-fold increase in the half-inactivation time at 50[degree sign]C relative to the wild-type enzyme. The evolved enzyme also has dramatically increased methanol tolerance, showing a 50-fold longer half-inactivation time in 50% aqueous methanol. The immobilized Dieselzyme 4 enzyme retains the ability to synthesize biodiesel and has improved longevity over wild-type or the industrially used Brukholderia cepacia lipase during many cycles of biodiesel synthesis. A crystal structure of Dieselzyme 4 reveals additional hydrogen bonds and salt bridges in Dieselzyme 4 compared to the wild-type enzyme, suggesting that polar interactions may become particularly stabilizing in the reduced dielectric environment of the oil and methanol mixture used for biodiesel synthesis.
Conclusions:
Directed evolution was used to produce a stable lipase, Dieselzyme 4, which could be immobilized and re-used for biodiesel synthesis. Dieselzyme 4 outperforms the industrially used lipase from Burkholderia cepacia and provides a platform for still further evolution of desirable biodiesel production properties.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/6/1/70

Engineering cyanobacteria to improve photosynthetic production of alka(e)nes

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Background:
Cyanobacteria can utilize solar energy and convert carbon dioxide into biofuel molecules in one single biological system. Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is a model cyanobacterium for basic and applied research. Alkanes are the major constituents of gasoline, diesel and jet fuels. A two-step alkane biosynthetic pathway was identified in cyanobacteria recently. It opens a door to achieve photosynthetic production of alka(e)nes with high efficiency by genetically engineering cyanobacteria.
Results:
A series of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 mutant strains have been constructed and confirmed. Overexpression of both acyl-acyl carrier protein reductase and aldehyde-deformylating oxygenase from several cyanobacteria strains led to a doubled alka(e)ne production. Redirecting the carbon flux to acyl- ACP can provide larger precursor pool for further conversion to alka(e)nes. In combination with the overexpression of alkane biosynthetic genes, alka(e)ne production was significantly improved in these engineered strains. Alka(e)ne content in a Synechocystis mutant harboring alkane biosynthetic genes over-expressed in both slr0168 and slr1556 gene loci (LX56) was 1.3% of cell dry weight, which was enhanced by 8.3 times compared with wildtype strain (0.14% of cell dry weight) cultivated in shake flasks. Both LX56 mutant and the wildtype strain were cultivated in column photo-bioreactors, and the alka(e)ne production in LX56 mutant was 26 mg/L (1.1% of cell dry weight), which was enhanced by 8 times compared with wildtype strain (0.13% of cell dry weight).
Conclusions:
The extent of alka(e)ne production could correlate positively with the expression level of alkane biosynthetic genes. Redirecting the carbon flux to acyl-ACP and overexpressing alkane biosynthetic genes simultaneously can enhance alka(e)ne production in cyanobacteria effectively.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/6/1/69

Dragon’s Den science: Biotechnology YES 2012 (Young Entrepreneurs Scheme) – Video

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Dragon #39;s Den science: Biotechnology YES 2012 (Young Entrepreneurs Scheme)
You are free to share this video in its entirety with due credit to BBSRC. See more details here: http://bit.ly/12fDpjj and here: http://www.biotechnologyyes.co.uk/ A team of aspiring biotechnolo...

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Dragon's Den science: Biotechnology YES 2012 (Young Entrepreneurs Scheme) - Video

Generex Biotechnology Subsidiary Olaregen Therapeutix Announces the Introduction of Excellagen Aesthetics – Yahoo Finance

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MIRAMAR, Fla., Jan. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Generex Biotechnology Corporation (www.generex.com) (GNBT) (http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/GNBT/quote) is pleased to announce that their subsidiary, Olaregen Therapeutix, Inc., is introducing an exciting new product, Excellagen Aesthetics for the cosmetic surgery and aesthetic dermatology market. FDA 510(k) cleared with an indication for the management of wounds, Excellagen Aesthetics is intended for use following facial rejuvenation procedures, including post-laser surgery, post-chemical peels, and post- skin ablation. Excellagen is a ready to use 3-dimensional wound conforming matrix that supports a favorable wound healing environment. It is designed to activate collagen, accelerate granulation, and promote new tissue growth by providing a structural scaffold for cellular migration and proliferation. Excellagen Aesthetics has been shown in vitro to trigger the localized release of endogenous growth factors including Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), a key biological mediator of wound healing.

Olaregen is rolling out Excellagen Aesthetics with a dedicated contract sales force uniquely positioned in major metropolitan areas across the United States where the majority of aesthetic dermatology procedures are clustered. Americans spent an estimated $8 billion on surgical and non-surgical aesthetic dermatology procedures in 2018 when there were over 340,000 facial rejuvenation performed.

Scott Emmens, Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Olaregen commented, We have been working closely with the aesthetic dermatology community, and Excellagen Aesthetics is being tested with some leading dermatologists who are conducting case studies to evaluate the efficacy of our cellular tissue product in wound management as measured by patient reported down-time as well as patient satisfaction with post-treatment care. We are enthusiastic about the early response from patients and doctors who have tried the product after facial rejuvenation procedures including micro-needling and laser skin resurfacing, two procedures that result in post-treatment pain and significant healing times that limit daily activities. We look forward to engaging with the dermatology community to introduce Excellagen Aesthetics and show how our FDA-cleared product can be used to the benefit of their patients and their practice.

About Generex Biotechnology Corp.

Generex Biotechnology is an integrated healthcare holding company with end-to-end solutions for patient centric care from rapid diagnosis through delivery of personalized therapies. Generex is building a new kind of healthcare company that extends beyond traditional models providing support to physicians in an MSO network, and ongoing relationships with patients to improve the patient experience and access to optimal care.

In addition to advancing a legacy portfolio of immune-oncology assets, medical devices, and diagnostics, the Company is focused on an acquisition strategy of strategic businesses that complement existing assets and provide immediate sources of revenue and working capital.

About Olaregen Therapeutix

Olaregen Therapeutix, Inc. is a regenerative medicine company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of products that fill unmet needs in the current wound care market. The company aims to provide advanced healing solutions that substantially improve medical outcomes while lowering the overall cost of care. Olaregen's first product introduction, Excellagen (flowable dermal matrix) is a topically applied product for dermal wounds and other indications. Excellagen is a FDA 510K cleared device for a broad array of dermal wounds, including partial and full thickness wounds, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, chronic vascular ulcers, tunneled/undermined wounds, surgical wounds (donor sites/ grafts, post-Mohs surgery, post-laser surgery, podiatric, wound dehiscence), trauma wounds (abrasions, lacerations, second-degree burns and skin tears) and draining wounds, enabling Olaregen to market Excellagen in multiple vertical markets. in bone and joint regeneration comprise the current pipeline. The company's mission is to become a significant force in regenerative medicine and advance the science of healing.

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release and oral statements made from time to time by Generex representatives in respect of the same subject matter may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by introductory words such as "expects," "plan," "believes," "will," "achieve," "anticipate," "would," "should," "subject to" or words of similar meaning, and by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements frequently are used in discussing potential product applications, potential collaborations, product development activities, clinical studies, regulatory submissions and approvals, and similar operating matters. Many factors may cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, including inaccurate assumptions and a broad variety of risks and uncertainties, some of which are known and others of which are not. Known risks and uncertainties include those identified from time to time in the reports filed by Generex with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which should be considered together with any forward-looking statement. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future results or events, and one should avoid placing undue reliance on such statements. Generex undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Generex claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements that is contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

Generex Contact:

Generex Biotechnology Corporation

Joseph Moscato 646-599-6222

Todd Falls 1-800-391-6755 Extension 222 investor@generex.com

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Generex Biotechnology Subsidiary Olaregen Therapeutix Announces the Introduction of Excellagen Aesthetics - Yahoo Finance

Yaso Biotechnology Inc. – 2013 HBS Alumni New Venture Competition Social Enterprise Track Winner – Video

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Yaso Biotechnology Inc. - 2013 HBS Alumni New Venture Competition Social Enterprise Track Winner
Yaso Biotechnology Inc. is a private biopharmaceutical company focused on improving women #39;s reproductive health by providing innovative products and educatio...

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Yaso Biotechnology Inc. - 2013 HBS Alumni New Venture Competition Social Enterprise Track Winner - Video


  1. Biotechnology