Research

21 pages, 3304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tissue Microarray Lipidomic Imaging Mass Spectrometry Method: Application to the Study of Alcohol-Related White Matter Neurodegeneration

by Isabel Gameiro-Ros, Lelia Noble, Ming Tong, Emine B. Yalcin and Suzanne M. de la Monte

Appl. Biosci. 2023, 2(2), 173-193; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci2020013 - 04 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1869

Abstract

Central nervous system (CNS) white matter pathologies accompany many diseases across the lifespan, yet their biochemical bases, mechanisms, and consequences have remained poorly understood due to the complexity of myelin lipid-based research. However, recent advances in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) have [...] Read more.

Central nervous system (CNS) white matter pathologies accompany many diseases across the lifespan, yet their biochemical bases, mechanisms, and consequences have remained poorly understood due to the complexity of myelin lipid-based research. However, recent advances in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) have minimized or eliminated many technical challenges that previously limited progress in CNS disease-based lipidomic research. MALDI-IMS can be used for lipid identification, semi-quantification, and the refined interpretation of histopathology. The present work illustrates the use of tissue micro-arrays (TMAs) for MALDI-IMS analysis of frontal lobe white matter biochemical lipidomic pathology in an experimental rat model of chronic ethanol feeding. The use of TMAs combines workload efficiency with the robustness and uniformity of data acquisition. The methods described for generating TMAs enable simultaneous comparisons of lipid profiles across multiple samples under identical conditions. With the methods described, we demonstrate significant reductions in phosphatidylinositol and increases in phosphatidylcholine in the frontal white matter of chronic ethanol-fed rats. Together with the use of a novel rapid peak alignment protocol, this approach facilitates reliable inter- and intra-group comparisons of MALDI-IMS data from experimental models and could be extended to human disease states, including using archival specimens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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21 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Are There Wheat Cultivars Allowing Enhanced Carbon Allocation to Soils?

by Vincent Chaplot, Isack Mathew, Alistair Clulow and Hussein Shimelis

Appl. Biosci. 2023, 2(1), 115-135; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci2010010 - 20 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1478

Abstract

The transfer of atmospheric carbon (C) in soils is a possible strategy for climate change mitigation and for restoring land productivity. While some studies have compared the ability of existing crops to allocate C into the soil, the genetic variations between crop genotypes [...] Read more.

The transfer of atmospheric carbon (C) in soils is a possible strategy for climate change mitigation and for restoring land productivity. While some studies have compared the ability of existing crops to allocate C into the soil, the genetic variations between crop genotypes have received less attention. The objective of this study was to compare the allocation to the soil of atmospheric C by genetically diverse wheat genotypes under different scenarios of soil water availability. The experiments were set up under open-field and greenhouse conditions with 100 wheat genotypes sourced from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre and grown at 25% (drought stressed) and 75% (non-stressed) field capacity, using an alpha lattice design with 10 incomplete blocks and 10 genotypes per block. The genotypes were analyzed for grain yield (GY), plant shoot and root biomass (SB and RB, respectively) and C content, and stocks in plant parts. Additionally, ¹³C pulse labeling was performed during the crop growth period of 10 selected genotypes for assessing soil C inputs. The average GY varied from 75 to 4696 g m⁻² and total plant biomass (PB) from 1967 to 13,528 g m⁻². The plant C stocks ranged from 592 to 1109 g C m⁻² (i.e., an 87% difference) under drought condition and between 1324 and 2881 g C m⁻² (i.e., 117%) under well-watered conditions. Atmospheric C transfer to the soil only occurred under well-drained conditions and increased with the increase in the root to shoot ratio for C stocks (r = 0.71). Interestingly, the highest transfer to the soil was found for LM-26 and LM-47 (¹³C/¹²C of 7.6 and 6.5 per mille, respectively) as compared to LM-70 and BW-162 (0.75; 0.85). More is to be done to estimate the differences in C fluxes to the soil over entire growing seasons and to assess the long-term stabilization of the newly allocated C. Future research studies also need to identify genomic regions associated with GY and soil C transfer to enable the breeding of “carbon-superior” cultivars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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13 pages, 2327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochar Extracts Can Modulate the Toxicity of Persistent Free Radicals in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

by Xuchao Zhang, Nadine Saul, Thora Lieke, Yi Chen, Min Wu, Bo Pan and Christian E. W. Steinberg

Appl. Biosci. 2023, 2(1), 71-83; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci2010007 - 28 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1716

Abstract

As an effective soil amendment, biochars require a comprehensive ecological evaluation before they can be widely used in agriculture because endogenous contaminants, such as environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), certainly pose an ecological risk to soil invertebrates. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans ( [...] Read more.

As an effective soil amendment, biochars require a comprehensive ecological evaluation before they can be widely used in agriculture because endogenous contaminants, such as environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), certainly pose an ecological risk to soil invertebrates. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used as a model organism to investigate the neurotoxicity of two rice straw biochars pyrolyzed at 500 and 700 °C. After 24 h exposure to unwashed biochar, washed biochar, and leaching fluids (supernatants), the neurobehavioral parameters of C. elegans were determined in a liquid toxicity test. The results showed that the washed 700 °C biochar particles significantly impaired locomotion and prolonged the defecation interval at a biochar concentration of 4 g·well⁻¹, while the unwashed biochar and supernatants caused no apparent impairment. Supporting this, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results showed that the intensity of EPFRs in unwashed 700 °C biochar was stronger than that of the corresponding washed particles. This indicates that, in the liquid test, the EPR signal alone is not indicative of particle toxicity. The accessibility and activity of the EPFRs should be considered. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) was observed in the leaching fluids. The neurotoxic activity of the washed biochar was alleviated after the re-addition of leaching fluids to the washed biochar, suggesting that the dissolved organic materials modulate the reactivity of the EPFRs in the liquid phase. This study suggests that the leaching process may increase the risk of biochar when used in the field environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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8 pages, 668 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Analysis of the Bacterial Community of Metal Scrap Using an Enrichment Culture Approach

by Hironaga Akita, Yoshiki Shinto and Zen-ichiro Kimura

Appl. Biosci. 2023, 2(1), 23-30; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci2010004 - 29 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1520

Abstract

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of metal alloys is promoted by biofilms formed on metal surfaces. In the marine environment, MIC causes serious metal infrastructure problems, which lead to significant economic losses. In this study, we used an enrichment culture approach to examine the [...] Read more.

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of metal alloys is promoted by biofilms formed on metal surfaces. In the marine environment, MIC causes serious metal infrastructure problems, which lead to significant economic losses. In this study, we used an enrichment culture approach to examine the bacterial community that grows on metal surface at levels below the detection limit as a preliminary study for developing guidelines to prevent biofilm formation. An enrichment culture approach was employed to analyze the bacterial community on metal surface without biofilms and corrosion. Genomic DNA was extracted from culture sample after incubation in the enrichment culture with a metal piece, and then the V3–V4 variable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were amplified using the extracted genomic DNA as the template. Subsequently, using a next-generation sequencing approach, the amplified V3–V4 regions were sequenced, and the bacterial community was analyzed using the QIIME 2 microbiome bioinformatics platform. Using this enrichment culture approach, more than 80 bacterial genera were detected with Sphingomonas bacteria exhibiting the highest relative abundance (44%). These results demonstrated that this method could be useful for bacterial community analysis for bacteria below detection limits, and will serve as a basis for the development of the guidelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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7 pages, 1421 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Sedimentation Rate of Dunaliella salina in Dark Conditions

by Angelica Naka and Midori Kurahashi

Appl. Biosci. 2023, 2(1), 14-20; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci2010002 - 10 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1551

Abstract

Microalgae are a source of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Thus, they can be considered as raw material to transition from current fossil fuel-based refineries to biorefineries. Microalgae harvesting is considered a major challenge in biomass production. There are several harvesting techniques, but the [...] Read more.

Microalgae are a source of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Thus, they can be considered as raw material to transition from current fossil fuel-based refineries to biorefineries. Microalgae harvesting is considered a major challenge in biomass production. There are several harvesting techniques, but the majority of them are either expensive or not effective. The harvesting method that we propose is sedimentation-induced by light blockage, taking advantage of the motility characteristics of certain microalgae. In this research, the halophilic microalgae Dunaliella salina was selected. Experiments were conducted under light and dark conditions to compare the sedimentation rates. Sedimentation behavior was measured by collecting data on the optical density and cell count under both light and dark conditions. The results showed that, under light conditions, the cell count in the middle of the flask decreased from 1 × 10⁶ cell/mL to 5 × 10⁴ cell/mL after 50 days. Under dark conditions sedimentation took less than 10 days for complete settlement. Leaving Dunaliella salina under dark conditions may constitute a promising harvest method as this provides a high recovery rate and requires low energy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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10 pages, 746 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Boronium Salt as an Antiviral Agent against Enveloped Viruses Influenza A and SARS-CoV-2

by Terrence J. Ravine, Jonathan O. Rayner, Rosemary W. Roberts, James H. Davis, Jr. and Mohammad Soltani

Appl. Biosci. 2022, 1(3), 289-298; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci1030018 - 01 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1747

Abstract

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are routinely used as disinfectants in a variety of settings. They are generally effective against a wide range of microbes but often exhibit undesirable toxicity. Consequently, companies are constantly seeking alternatives to QACs that are just as effective but [...] Read more.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are routinely used as disinfectants in a variety of settings. They are generally effective against a wide range of microbes but often exhibit undesirable toxicity. Consequently, companies are constantly seeking alternatives to QACs that are just as effective but with reduced health and environmental hazards. Two boronium salt derivatives were tested against influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. One salt possessed a terminal benzyl group, while the other lacked the same terminal benzyl group. Both salts demonstrated virus inactivation similar to a commercial QAC disinfectant. The non-benzylated form exhibited the same cell toxicity profile as the QAC. However, the benzylated form displayed less cell toxicity than both the non-benzylated form and QAC. These results suggest that the boronium salts may be suitable for use as a disinfecting agent against enveloped viruses in lieu of using a QAC. Continued evaluation of the boronium salts is warranted to determine the lowest effective concentration capable of effectively controlling influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 viruses that also demonstrates low cytotoxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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8 pages, 1323 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Bacterial Community Analysis of Biofilm Formed on Metal Joint

by Hironaga Akita, Yoshiki Shinto and Zen-ichiro Kimura

Appl. Biosci. 2022, 1(2), 221-228; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci1020014 - 06 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1844

Abstract

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is caused by biofilms formed on metal surfaces, and MIC of metal alloys on marine infrastructure leads to severe accidents and great economic losses. Although bacterial community analyses of the biofilms collected from corroded metal have been studied, the [...] Read more.

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is caused by biofilms formed on metal surfaces, and MIC of metal alloys on marine infrastructure leads to severe accidents and great economic losses. Although bacterial community analyses of the biofilms collected from corroded metal have been studied, the analyses of biofilms collected from uncorroded metal are rarely reported. In this study, a biofilm formed on an uncorroded metal joint attached to a metal dock mooring at Akitsu Port was used as a model for bacterial community analysis. The bacterial community was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing of the V3–V4 variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Bacterial species contained in the biofilms were identified at the genus level, and Alkanindiges bacteria were the dominant species, which have been not reported as the dominant species in previous research on MIC. The genome sequences of known Alkanindiges bacteria do not have conserved gene clusters required to cause metal corrosion, which suggests that Alkanindiges bacteria do not corrode metals but act on the formation of biofilms. Those findings indicated that the bacterial community may change significantly during the process from biofilm formation to the occurrence of metal corrosion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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16 pages, 2364 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Enhancing the Thermal and Kinetic Stability of Ketol-Acid Reductoisomerase, a Central Catalyst of a Cell-Free Enzyme Cascade for the Manufacture of Platform Chemicals

by You Lv, Shan Zheng, Adi Goldenzweig, Fengjiang Liu, Yan Gao, Xiuna Yang, Ajit Kandale, Ross P. McGeary, Simon Williams, Bostjan Kobe, Mark A. Schembri, Michael J. Landsberg, Bin Wu, Thomas B. Brück, Volker Sieber, Mikael Boden, Zihe Rao, Sarel J. Fleishman, Gerhard Schenk and Luke W. Guddat

Appl. Biosci. 2022, 1(2), 163-178; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci1020011 - 10 Aug 2022

Viewed by 2766

Abstract

The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine and valine are synthesized via a common biosynthetic pathway. Ketol-acid reductoisomerase (KARI) is the second enzyme in this pathway. In addition to its role in BCAA biosynthesis, KARI catalyzes two rate-limiting steps that are key components [...] Read more.

The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine and valine are synthesized via a common biosynthetic pathway. Ketol-acid reductoisomerase (KARI) is the second enzyme in this pathway. In addition to its role in BCAA biosynthesis, KARI catalyzes two rate-limiting steps that are key components of a cell-free biofuel biosynthesis route. For industrial applications, reaction temperature and enzyme stability are key factors that affect process robustness and product yield. Here, we have solved the cryo-EM structure (2.94 Å resolution) of a homododecameric Class I KARI (from Campylobacter jejuni) and demonstrated how a triad of amino acid side chains plays a crucial role in promoting the oligomerization of this enzyme. Importantly, both its thermal and solvent stability are greatly enhanced in the dodecameric state when compared to its dimeric counterpart (apparent melting temperatures (Tm) of 83.1 °C and 51.5 °C, respectively). We also employed protein design (PROSS) for a tetrameric Class II KARI (from Escherichia coli) to generate a variant with improved thermal and solvent stabilities. In total, 34 mutations were introduced, which did not affect the oligomeric state of this enzyme but resulted in a fully functional catalyst with a significantly elevated Tm (58.5 °C vs. 47.9 °C for the native version). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

21 pages, 3249 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nature-Inspired Cellulose-Based Active Materials: From 2D to 4D

by Marta I. Magalhães and Ana P. C. Almeida

Appl. Biosci. 2023, 2(1), 94-114; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci2010009 - 15 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2518

Abstract

Multifunctional materials and devices with captivating properties can be assembled from cellulose and cellulose-based composite materials combining functionality with structural performance. Cellulose is one of the most abundant renewable materials with captivating properties, such as mechanical robustness, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Cellulose is a [...] Read more.

Multifunctional materials and devices with captivating properties can be assembled from cellulose and cellulose-based composite materials combining functionality with structural performance. Cellulose is one of the most abundant renewable materials with captivating properties, such as mechanical robustness, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Cellulose is a low-cost and abundant biodegradable resource, CO₂ neutral, with a wide variety of fibers available all over the world. Over thousands of years, nature has perfected cellulose-based materials according to their needs, such as function vs. structure. Mimicking molecular structures at the nano-, micro-, and macroscales existing in nature is a great strategy to produce synthetic cellulose-based active materials. A concise background of cellulose and its structural organization, as well as the nomenclature of cellulose nanomaterials, are first addressed. Key examples of nature-designed materials with unique characteristics, such as “eternal” coloration and water-induced movement are presented. The production of biomimetic fiber and 2D fiber-based cellulosic materials that have attracted significant attention within the scientific community are represented. Nature-inspired materials with a focus on functionality and response to an external stimulus are reported. Some examples of 3D-printed cellulosic materials bioinspired, reported recently in the literature, are addressed. Finally, printed cellulosic materials that morph from a 1D strand or 2D surface into a 3D shape, in response to an external stimulus, are reported. The purpose of this review is to discuss the most recent developments in the field of “nature-inspired” cellulose-based active materials regarding design, manufacturing, and inspirational sources that feature existing tendencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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13 pages, 708 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Citric Acid Production by Aspergillus niger Using Solid-State Fermentation of Agricultural Processing Coproducts

by Thomas P. West

Appl. Biosci. 2023, 2(1), 1-13; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci2010001 - 04 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5053

Abstract

The ability of Aspergillus niger strains to support citric acid production using solid-state fermentation of agricultural processing coproducts was examined in this review. Citric acid has been shown to have a number of commercial applications in the food and beverage industries. The A. [...] Read more.

The ability of Aspergillus niger strains to support citric acid production using solid-state fermentation of agricultural processing coproducts was examined in this review. Citric acid has been shown to have a number of commercial applications in the food and beverage industries. The A. niger strains capable of elevated citric acid production are known to contain genetic mutations that stimulate overproduction of the organic acid likely involving citric acid cycle reactions. The agricultural processing coproducts previously examined for their ability to support citric acid production by A. niger solid-state fermentation include fruit processing wastes, sugarcane bagasse, starch vegetable processing wastes and cereal grain processing coproducts. A comparison of citric acid production by A. niger strains using solid-state fermentation demonstrated that certain agricultural processing coproducts were more effective in supporting a high level of acid synthesis. In particular, fruit processing wastes, such as apple pomace, banana peels, grape pomace and orange peels, supported high levels of citric acid by the fungal strains following solid-state fermentation. On the other hand, processing coproducts of cereal grains, such as brans and ethanol processing coproducts, supported low levels of citric acid production by the A. niger strains using solid-state fermentation. It appeared that the cereal processing coproducts provided less available sugar content to support citric acid production by the fungal strains. It was concluded that the level of citric acid produced by the A. niger strains during solid-state fermentation was dependent on the sugar content of the agricultural processing coproduct utilized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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15 pages, 2744 KiB

Open AccessReview

RNAi-Based Biocontrol of Pests to Improve the Productivity and Welfare of Livestock Production

by Pia S. Menezes, Yakun Yan, Yunjia Yang, Neena Mitter, Timothy J. Mahony and Karishma T. Mody

Appl. Biosci. 2022, 1(3), 229-243; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci1030015 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2476

Abstract

Insects and ectoparasites are causes for major concern throughout the world due to their economic and welfare impacts on livestock agriculture. Current control measures involve chemicals such as acaricides which pose challenges like chemical resistance and longer withholding periods. To enable more sustainable [...] Read more.

Insects and ectoparasites are causes for major concern throughout the world due to their economic and welfare impacts on livestock agriculture. Current control measures involve chemicals such as acaricides which pose challenges like chemical resistance and longer withholding periods. To enable more sustainable agriculture practices, it is important to develop technologies that combine targeted effectiveness with minimal environmental footprint. RNA interference (RNAi) is a eukaryotic process in which transcript expression is reduced in a sequence-specific manner. This makes it a perfect tool for developing efficient and effective biological control against pests and pathogens. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is the key trigger molecule for inducing RNAi; this concept is widely studied for development of RNA-based biopesticides as an alternative to chemical controls in crop protection for targeting pests and pathogens with accuracy and specificity. In this review, we discuss key advances made using RNAi technology and how they can be applied to improve health in livestock industries. This includes research focused on different delivery mechanisms of dsRNA, important developments in regulatory frameworks, and risk identification, that will enable the future adoption of RNAi technologies to improve animal health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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23 pages, 1029 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Bioencapsulation of Microbial Inoculants: Mechanisms, Formulation Types and Application Techniques

by Blanca Rojas-Sánchez, Paulina Guzmán-Guzmán, Luzmaria R. Morales-Cedeño, Ma. del Carmen Orozco-Mosqueda, Blanca C. Saucedo-Martínez, Juan M. Sánchez-Yáñez, Ayomide Emmanuel Fadiji, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, Bernard R. Glick and Gustavo Santoyo

Appl. Biosci. 2022, 1(2), 198-220; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci1020013 - 01 Sep 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6696

Abstract

The excessive use of agrochemicals in the field to increase production and counteract the negative effects caused by biotic and abiotic factors has led to a deterioration in soil fertility, plus an increment in negative impacts on the environment and human health. Therefore, [...] Read more.

The excessive use of agrochemicals in the field to increase production and counteract the negative effects caused by biotic and abiotic factors has led to a deterioration in soil fertility, plus an increment in negative impacts on the environment and human health. Therefore, the application of beneficial microorganisms as bioinoculants is an eco-friendly alternative to agrochemicals. Plant growth-promoting bacteria and fungi have been effective in promoting plant growth and production, as well as reducing the action of pathogens in multiple crops. However, successful application of such beneficial microorganisms in the agricultural field has faced several difficulties, such as survival, colonization efficiency and short periods of shelf storage. Therefore, it is essential to explore novel ways to encapsulate, formulate and apply bioinoculants. To obtain the expected quality in bioencapsulated products, it is essential to determine the type of polymer, capsule size, encapsulation technique and use the correct chemical and physical cofactors involved in the production process. Thus, this review highlights the various formulation types and application techniques, as well as discussing the multiple advantages of using microbial encapsulates to have better results in agricultural production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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16 pages, 635 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Progress in Plant Genome Sequencing

by Robert J. Henry

Appl. Biosci. 2022, 1(2), 113-128; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci1020008 - 04 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6147

Abstract

The genome sequence of any organism is key to understanding the biology and utility of that organism. Plants have diverse, complex and sometimes very large nuclear genomes, mitochondrial genomes and much smaller and more highly conserved chloroplast genomes. Plant genome sequences underpin our [...] Read more.

The genome sequence of any organism is key to understanding the biology and utility of that organism. Plants have diverse, complex and sometimes very large nuclear genomes, mitochondrial genomes and much smaller and more highly conserved chloroplast genomes. Plant genome sequences underpin our understanding of plant biology and serve as a key platform for the genetic selection and improvement of crop plants to achieve food security. The development of technology that can capture large volumes of sequence data at low costs and with high accuracy has driven the acceleration of plant genome sequencing advancements. More recently, the development of long read sequencing technology has been a key advance for supporting the accurate sequencing and assembly of chromosome-level plant genomes. This review explored the progress in the sequencing and assembly of plant genomes and the outcomes of plant genome sequencing to date. The outcomes support the conservation of biodiversity, adaptations to climate change and improvements in the sustainability of agriculture, which support food and nutritional security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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12 pages, 874 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Multifilm Mass Transfer and Time Constants for Mass Transfer in Food Digestion: Application to Gut-on-Chip Models

by Timothy A. G. Langrish

Appl. Biosci. 2022, 1(2), 101-112; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci1020007 - 24 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2120

Abstract

This review highlights the involvement of mass transfer in animal food-digestion processes. There may be several mass-transfer steps during the dissolution of food components, starting from the food itself, moving into the digestive juices, then moving through the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. [...] Read more.

This review highlights the involvement of mass transfer in animal food-digestion processes. There may be several mass-transfer steps during the dissolution of food components, starting from the food itself, moving into the digestive juices, then moving through the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. These steps create a sequence of film resistances to mass transfer, where one film resistance often limits the overall mass-transfer process. Mass-transfer rates, mass-transfer coefficients, and the time scales and time constants for different parts of the food-digestion process are all interlinked, and the connections have been explained. In some parts of the food-digestion process, the time constants for the mass-transfer process are similar to the residence times for food digestion, emphasising the importance of mass transfer in these parts of food digestion, such as the duodenum. The mass-transfer and transport behaviour for in vivo human digestive systems and in vitro guts-on-a-chip may be very similar, suggesting that cells on the intestine walls, whether in vitro (guts-on-a-chip) or in vivo, may see similar transport behaviour for both nutrients towards the cells, and waste products away from them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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Other

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6 pages, 645 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Does Intestine Morphology Still Have Secrets to Reveal? A Proposal about the “Ghost” Layer of the Bowel

by Francesco Cappello, Dario Saguto, Stefano Burgio, Letizia Paladino and Fabio Bucchieri

Appl. Biosci. 2022, 1(1), 95-100; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci1010006 - 07 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2361

Abstract

In this brief Opinion paper, the term “muco-microbiotic layer” is introduced to describe the innermost layer of the intestinal wall. This layer may contribute not only to the overall health of the bowel, but also to that of extraintestinal organs. Its constituents, in [...] Read more.

In this brief Opinion paper, the term “muco-microbiotic layer” is introduced to describe the innermost layer of the intestinal wall. This layer may contribute not only to the overall health of the bowel, but also to that of extraintestinal organs. Its constituents, in terms of soluble molecules and nanovesicles, need to be studied further. Moreover, one can hypothesize the existence of an analogous layer in other organs, such as the airways or some parts of the genital tracts. Further studies on it are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the Inaugural Issue of Applied Biosciences)

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