09-01-2012 12:21 2011 ASCB Workshop Offered by the Women in Cell Biology (WICB) Committee Moderator: Harvey Lodish, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research Supported by a grant from the Office of Research on Women's Health, NIH, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund A panel of five cell biologists working in different areas of biotech and pharma will share their experiences in a nonacademic world.
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2011 WICB Workshop Biotechnology.wmv - Video
Background:
Improving the hydrolytic performance of hemicellulases on lignocellulosic biomass is of considerable importance for second generation biorefining. To address this problem, and also to gain greater understanding of structure-function relationships, especially related to xylanase action on complex biomass, we have implemented a combinatorial strategy to engineer the GH11 xylanase (Tx-Xyn) from Thermobacillus xylanilyticus.
Results:
Following in vitro enzyme evolution and screening on wheat straw, nine best-performing clones were identified, which display mutations at positions 3, 6, 27 and 111. All of these mutants showed increased hydrolytic activity on wheat straw, and solubilised arabinoxylans that were not modified by the parental enzyme. Compared to the wild type enzyme, the most active mutants, S27T and Y111T, increased the solubilisation of arabinoxylans from depleted wheat straw 2.3-fold and 2.1-fold respectively. In addition, five mutants, S27T, Y111H, Y111S, Y111T and S27T-Y111H increased total hemicellulose conversion of intact wheat straw from 16.7%tot. xyl (wild-type Tx-Xyn) to 18.6 - 20.4%tot. xyl. Also, all five mutant enzymes exhibited a better ability to act in synergy with a cellulase cocktail (Accellerase 1500), thus procuring increases in overall wheat straw hydrolysis.
Conclusions:
Analysis of the results allows us to hypothesize that the increased hydrolytic ability of the mutants is linked to i) improved ligand binding in a putative secondary binding site, ii) the diminution of surface hydrophobicity, and/or iii) the modification of thumb flexibility, induced by mutations at position 111. Nevertheless, the relatively modest improvements that were observed also underline the fact that enzyme engineering alone cannot overcome the limits imposed by the complex organisation of the plant cell wall and the lignin barrier.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/
05-01-2012 13:13 Introduction video for the 4-H BioTech Training Orientation
19-09-2011 03:30 Biochemical Engineering by Dr. Rintu Banerjee,Department of Agricultural
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Mod-01 Lec-01 Fundamental of Biology
06-01-2012 10:21 Learn about the role of biotechnology in the on-going fight against HIV from three awesome individuals: a researcher, a patient, and an advocate.
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HIV/AIDS and Biotechnology - Video
Background:
The ascomycete fungus, Trichoderma reesei (anamorph of Hypocrea jecorina), represents a biotechnological workhorse and is currently one of the most proficient cellulase producers. While strain improvement was traditionally accomplished by random mutagenesis, a detailed understanding of cellulase regulation can only be gained using recombinant technologies.
Results:
Aiming at high efficiency and high throughput methods, we present here a construction kit for gene knock out in T. reesei. We provide a primer database for gene deletion using the pyr4, amdS and hph selection markers. For high throughput generation of gene knock outs, we constructed vectors using yeast mediated recombination and then transformed a T. reesei strain deficient in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) by spore electroporation. This NHEJ-defect was subsequently removed by crossing of mutants with a sexually competent strain derived from the parental strain, QM9414.
Conclusions:
Using this strategy and the materials provided, high throughput gene deletion in T. reesei becomes feasible. Moreover, with the application of sexual development, the NHEJ-defect can be removed efficiently and without the need for additional selection markers. The same advantages apply for the construction of multiple mutants by crossing of strains with different gene deletions, which is now possible with considerably less hands-on time and minimal screening effort compared to a transformation approach. Consequently this toolkit can considerably boost research towards efficient exploitation of the resources of T. reesei for cellulase expression and hence second generation biofuel production.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/
Background:
The model bacterium Clostridium cellulolyticum efficiently degrades crystalline cellulose and hemicellulose, using cellulosomes to degrade lignocellulosic biomass. Although it imports and ferments both pentose and hexose sugars to produce a mixture of ethanol, acetate, lactate, H2 and CO2, the proportion of ethanol is low, which impedes its use in consolidated bioprocessing for biofuels production. Therefore genetic engineering will likely be required to improve the ethanol yield. Plasmid transformation, random mutagenesis and heterologous expression systems have previously been developed for C. cellulolyticum, but targeted mutagenesis has not been reported for this organism, hindering genetic engineering.
Results:
The first targeted gene inactivation system was developed for C. cellulolyticum, based on a mobile group II intron originating from the Lactococcus lactis L1.LtrB intron. This markerless mutagenesis system was used to disrupt both the paralogous L-lactate dehydrogenase (Ccel_2485; ldh) and L-malate dehydrogenase (Ccel_0137; mdh) genes, distinguishing the overlapping substrate specificities of these enzymes. Both mutations were then combined in a single strain, resulting in a substantial shift in fermentation toward ethanol production. This double mutant produced 8.5-times more ethanol than wild-type cells growing on crystalline cellulose. Ethanol constituted 93% of the major fermentation products, corresponding to a molar ratio of ethanol to organic acids of 15, versus 0.18 in wild-type cells. During growth on acid-pretreated switchgrass, the double mutant also produced four-times as much ethanol as wild-type cells. Detailed metabolomic analyses identified increased flux through the oxidative branch of the mutant's TCA pathway.
Conclusions:
The efficient intron-based gene inactivation system produced the first non-random, targeted mutations in C. cellulolyticum. As a key component of the genetic toolbox for this bacterium, markerless targeted mutagenesis enables functional genomic research in C. cellulolyticum and rapid genetic engineering to significantly alter the mixture of fermentation products. The initial application of this system successfully engineered a strain with high ethanol productivity from cellobiose, cellulose and switchgrass.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/
30-12-2011 17:24 Goals for this lesson: 1. Define a DNA fingerprint 2. Describe a restriction fragment length polymorphism 3
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TEA Advanced Biotechnology 2.2 - Analysis of DNA Molecules - Video
30-12-2011 17:09 Goals for this lesson: 1. Describe how agarose gel electrophoresis separates nucleic acids 2.
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TEA Advanced Biotechnology 2.1 - Recombinant DNA Technology - Video
02-01-2012 15:57 biotechnology version of addicted
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Addicted to Biotechnology - Video
superb dance performance by girls of biotechnology department!! n trust dem... dey r biotechnologists 😉
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biotechnology dance - Video
Video Abstract from Manfred Zinn on his recently published B
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Biotechnology and Bioengineering: Putting cells under pressure... (Manfred Zinn) - Video
Goals for this lesson: 1. Define therapeutic protein 2. Describe model organisms available for protein expression 3
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TEA Advanced Biotechnology 2.3 - Therapeutic Proteins - Video
Background:
Due to the complexity of lignocellulosic materials, a complete enzymatic hydrolysis into fermentable sugars requires a variety of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes. Addition of xylanases has been shown to significantly improve the performance of cellulases and to increase cellulose hydrolysis by solubilising xylans in lignocellulosic materials. The goal of this work was to investigate the effect of acetyl xylan esterase (AXE) originating from Trichoderma reesei on xylan solubilisation and enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose.
Results:
The solubilisation of xylan in pretreated wheat straw and giant reed (Arundo donax) by xylanolytic enzymes and the impact of the sequential or simultaneous solubilisation of xylan on the hydrolysis of cellulose by purified enzymes was investigated. The results showed that the removal of acetyl groups in xylan by AXE increased the accessibilty of xylan to xylanase and improved the hydrolysis of xylan in pretreated wheat straw and giant reed. Solubilisation of xylan led to an increased accessibility of cellulose to cellulases (CEL) and thereby increased the hydrolysis extent of cellulose. A clear synergistic effect between CEL and xylanolytic enzymes was observed. The highest hydrolysis yield of cellulose was obtained with a simultaneous use of CEL, xylanase (XYL) and AXE, indicating the presence of acetylated xylan within the cellulose matrix. Acetylated xylobiose and acetylated xylotriose were produced from xylan without AXE as confirmed by atmospheric pressure matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization ion trap mass spectrometer (AP-MALDI-ITMS).
Conclusions:
The results in this paper demonstrate that supplementation of xylanase with acetyl xylan esterase enhances the solubilisation of xylan to some extent and consequently, increases the following hydrolysis of cellulose. Highest hydrolysis yield was, however, obtained by simultaneous hydrolysis of xylan and cellulose, indicating a layered structure of cellulose and xylan chains in the cell wall substrate. AXE had an important role in the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials containing acetylated xylan.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/
New York State Senator Joseph A. Griffo and Clarkson University President Tony Collins toured Clarkson University's new Nanoengineering and Biotechnology Laboratories, on December 19, 2011 Clarkson is in the final stages of completing this new construction and starting to move several research groups into the new labs. This "sneak peak" with the Senator provided an interesting view of the work that goes into creating new laboratories and the intended impact
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NYS Senator Joseph A. Griffo Visits Clarkson University Nanoengineering
hi, this is a Bloomberg West innovators segment aired on the 20 dec 2011. It reports on the ongoing phase II trial of antigen express's ae37 cancer vaccine, after strong results posted at the Sabcs 2011 a week ago...... antigen express in owned by Generex biotechnology better days 🙂
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Generex Biotechnology Ae37 cancer vaccine - Video
Learn more about our School of Environmental Studies and Biotechnology here: http://www.canadorecollege.ca Want more information? Want to book a tour?
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School of Environmental Studies and Biotechnology - Canadore College - Video
Background:
Contamination of bacteria in large scale yeast fermentations is a serious problem and threat to the development of successful biofuel production plants. Huge research efforts have been spent in order to solve this problem, but additional ways must still be found to keep bacterial contaminants from thriving in these environments. The aim of this project was to develop process conditions that would inhibit bacterial growth while giving yeast a competitive advantage.
Results:
Lactic acid bacteria are usually considered to be the most common contaminants in industrial yeast fermentations. Our observations support this view but also suggest that acetic acid bacteria, although not so numerous, could be a much more problematic obstacle to overcome. Acetic acid bacteria showed a capacity to drastically reduce the viability of yeast. In addition, they consumed the previously formed ethanol. Lactic acid bacteria did not show this detrimental effect on yeast viability. It was possible to combat both types of bacteria by a combined addition of NaCl and ethanol to the wood hydrolysate medium used. As a result of NaCl + ethanol additions the amount of viable bacteria decreased and yeast viability was enhanced concomitantly with an increase in ethanol concentration. The successful result obtained via addition of NaCl and ethanol was also confirmed in a real industrial ethanol production plant with its natural inherent yeast/bacterial community.
Conclusions:
It is possible to reduce the number of bacteria and offer a selective advantage to yeast by a combined addition of NaCl and ethanol when cultivated in lignocellulosic medium such as wood hydrolysate. However, for optimal results, the concentrations of NaCl + ethanol must be adjusted to suit the challenges offered by each hydrolysate.Source:
http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/rss/
The creation of genetically modified ingredients along with other gardening biotechnology solutions has produced substantial public argument. The potential of creating food boosted regarding health improvements as well as growing harvest yields seemed to be tantalizing, but there seemed to be likewise popular concern about the technology’s health and the environmental dangers. The Pew Effort with Meals along with Biotechnology showcased insurance policy issues due to these kinds of discussion posts along with functioned as a trustworthy, straightforward brokerage, combining people who have differing sides to check the particular prospects in addition to problems involving garden medical.
By way of it’s reviews, reality blankets, forms along with conventions, this undertaking dished up being a highly regarded information supply upon farming biotechnology in addition to relevant coverage problems pertaining to legislators, educators, the public along with the mass media in the usa along with around the world. Although project determined it’s operate in 3 years ago, the source of information supplies remain available in this article.
In a very challenge to distinguish, road and also transfer desired alleles with QTLs for provide in addition to provide parts and also security also to make QTL bear isogenic outlines associated with grain, along with agronomic examination associated with BC2F4 Nearest Isogenic Introgressions Lines (NIILs) as many as 2 hundred BC2F5 progenies were being evaluated for your subsequent sequential 12 months for the duration of summer season ’06 inside multi-location tests.
Along with increasing environmental considerations, the one reliance on substance advices primarily based farming is being changed by bundled technique regarding conjunctive by using both organic and natural and inorganic solutions. In this context, biofertilizers are already received well being an affordable, cost-effective, renewable and also risk-free normal supply of vegetable nutritional requirements for you to sustain crop production. Moreover, along with new concentrate on organic/bio-dynamic gardening, your need for biofertilizers probably will increase with a considerably quicker rate compared to ahead of. Only at that point, we should recognize that microbe inoculants are generally ‘ecological inputs’, whoever side effects usually are ‘subtle but not dramatic’ like chemical substance inputs.
That’s why, inoculation along with good quality inoculants is a must and will always be handled as a possible insurance policies versus malfunction associated with nodulation. Your shelf life at a store and transportation has to be improved along with owing thing to consider to several ‘abiotic’ challenges. The particular quality-oriented creation and also marketing system will certainly make biofertilizers the workable organization intended for greatest customer care. Retaining most of these in view, programmes on progression of fruit juice biofertilizers and also biofertilizers-based Incorporated Source of nourishment supervision offers with regard to village plants and also medicinal flowers have already been developed. Furthermore biofertilizers pressures developed via transgenosis will likely be examined inside covered circumstances.
Really does conventional plant mating have consequences about health and the environment
In standard grow breeding, very little focus has been paid for to your achievable has an effect on of the latest place versions with meals safety or perhaps the natural environment. Conventional grow multiplying and synthetic selection can produce genecombinations that might hardly ever survive in nature. In a few scenarios, this kind of gene blends get induced uncomfortable side effects about people wellness. For instance, a developed variety of spud is discovered to consist of excessive amounts of natural toxins.
The possible influences connected with conventionally carefully bred herbs within the atmosphere or in farmers’ standard versions possess commonly not really been recently confronted with regulatory settings. Many of the worries regarding gene shift between tamed and outrageous vegetation who have arisen because of the arrival associated with genetically customized vegetation likewise pertain to traditional plants.Almost all of the earth’s food crops usually are not indigenous to his or her significant production specific zones; somewhat, they will arose in a number of distinct “centers involving origin” and have been utilized in completely new manufacturing locations by way of migration along with trade. Very tamed plants are developed worldwide as well as migration outside the house developed areas merely has hardly ever brought about a significant issue. Even though produced within their middle connected with origin, like with taters within South America or even maize within South america, hybrid cars among discriminating as well as outdoors variety have not been permanently recognized. There are several reviews regarding gene flow amongst cultivated plant life along with their outdoors relations playing with common this has not really also been
Modern-day biotechnology is restorative healing the entire world by means of taking nature’s individual resource as well as neurological operations. Throughout curing the world, biotechnology is decreasing the rates connected with contagious disease, overcoming life-threatening problems, generating customized treatments possible, in addition to preserving the particular lifestyles of these suffering with exceptional illnesses.Spotting the position of recent medical, this Department of Surroundings and also Natural Means (DENR) organised this special event with the “7th National Biotechnology Week” from November. 21 years old for you to Twenty six. This occasion coincided together with the Food items and also Substance Administration-led “National Consciousness Week Against Phony Medicines” using the assistance on the pharmaceutic market, along with medical in addition to para-medical specialized businesses.
This week-long celebration seemed to be supported by some other government departments involved in biotechnology study. Some other collaborating gov departments were this sections regarding Science and Technology, Health, and also Agriculture.