Journal Description
BioTech
BioTech
- formerly High-Throughput - is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on biotechnology, published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), Scopus, PubMed, PMC, Inspec, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 18.2 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 4.5 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
2.7 (2023)
Latest Articles
Chemical, Textural and Antioxidant Properties of Oat-Fermented Beverages with Different Starter Lactic Acid Bacteria and Pectin
BioTech 2024, 13(4), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13040038 - 25 Sep 2024
Abstract
Currently, starter cultures for fermenting plant-based beverages are not widely available commercially, but producers can use starter cultures for dairy products. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical, rheological, antioxidant and sensory properties of oat beverages with/without pectin fermented
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Currently, starter cultures for fermenting plant-based beverages are not widely available commercially, but producers can use starter cultures for dairy products. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical, rheological, antioxidant and sensory properties of oat beverages with/without pectin fermented by four different dairy starter cultures. The use of a mono-starter with Lactobacillus bulgaricus or Sreptococcus thermophilus allows for the efficient use of glucose, and more lactic acid is accumulated. The beverage with L. bulgaricus is characterised by high adhesion, syneresis and low cohesiveness, and it has high antioxidant activity and a low sensory profile. Using starter with L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus and some Lactococcus for fermentation yields a product with high sensory capacity, forming a high-viscosity beverage matrix with low syneresis, high water retention, chewy texture and stickiness. It has been observed that the absence of lactococci and the presence of Lactobacillus casei, L. Rhamnosus and L. paracasei in the starter yields a product with high antioxidant activity, especially in the presence of pectin. The use of pectin significantly improves the viscosity and textural properties of oat yoghurt, enhancing the drink’s flavour and giving it body. For many reasons, the use of different commercial starters in the dairy industry results in different viscosities of oat fermented beverages, forming a matrix with different textural, sensory and antioxidant properties.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural and Food Biotechnology)
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The Elimination of Viroids through In Vitro Thermotherapy and a Meristem Tip Culture from a New Limonime Hybrid (Citrus x limon var. limon (L.) Burm. f. x Citrus latifolia var. latifolia)
by
Virginia Sarropoulou, Katerina Grigoriadou, Varvara I. Maliogka, Chrysoula-Lito Sassalou and Vasileios Ziogas
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030037 - 23 Sep 2024
Abstract
Viruses and viroids pose a significant challenge in citriculture, and their control is crucial for plant health. This study evaluated the effectiveness of in vitro thermotherapy combined with a meristem tip culture for eliminating citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) and hop stunt viroid (HSVd)
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Viruses and viroids pose a significant challenge in citriculture, and their control is crucial for plant health. This study evaluated the effectiveness of in vitro thermotherapy combined with a meristem tip culture for eliminating citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd) and hop stunt viroid (HSVd) from a new limonime hybrid (Citrus x limon var. limon x Citrus latifolia var. latifolia). The elimination success was confirmed by RT-PCR assays. The in vitro elimination rate for CEVd during the shoot proliferation stage (43%) was higher than for HSVd (21%). Accordingly, in the subsequent rooting stage, the in vitro elimination rate for CEVd (50%) was higher than for HSVd (33%). Successful CEVd and HSVd eradication at a 100% rate was confirmed in the ex vitro acclimatized plants in the greenhouse. The study also established an efficient micropropagation protocol. The optimal treatment for in vitro shoot induction was 0.5–2 mg L−1 benzyladenine (BA) + 0.5 mg L−1 gibberellic acid (GA3) + 0.25 mg L−1 naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), while for shoot elongation, it was 0.5 mg L−1 BA + 0.5 mg L−1 kinetin (KIN) + 0.5 mg L−1 GA3 + 0.25 mg L−1 NAA. Rooting was best promoted by 1 mg L−1 NAA. This study provides valuable insights for the mass production of viroid-free propagation material in this new lemon x lime hybrid, contributing to the conservation of genetic resources in citrus breeding programs through the combined application of in vitro thermotherapy and an in vitro meristem tip culture, a novel and highlighted achievement reported for the first time in this study.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural and Food Biotechnology)
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Open AccessArticle
Clinical Evaluation of AMNIODERM+® Wound Dressing Containing Non-Viable Human Amniotic Membrane: Retrospective-Perspective Clinical Trial
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Iveta Schmiedova, Petr Slama, Alena Dembickaja, Beata Kozova, Vendula Hyneckova, Sona Gogolkova, Elen Stastna, Michal Zahradnicek, Stefan Savic, Arash Davani, Edward Hulo and Emil Martinka
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030036 - 19 Sep 2024
Abstract
Chronic wounds result from the body’s inability to heal, causing pain, pathogen entry, limited treatment options, and societal burden. Diabetic foot ulcers are particularly challenging, often leading to severe complications like leg amputation. A clinical study tested AMNIODERM+®, a new device
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Chronic wounds result from the body’s inability to heal, causing pain, pathogen entry, limited treatment options, and societal burden. Diabetic foot ulcers are particularly challenging, often leading to severe complications like leg amputation. A clinical study tested AMNIODERM+®, a new device with a lyophilized human amniotic membrane (HAM), on chronic diabetic foot ulcers. Participants had diabetic neuropathic or neuroischemic leg wounds (2–16 cm2) unhealed by 20% after six weeks of standard care. This study showed significant wound healing improvements with AMNIODERM+®. The median wound size reduction after 12 weeks was 95.5%, far exceeding the null hypothesis of 20% change. Additionally, 65% of patients achieved complete ulceration healing, surpassing the 50% efficacy requirement. The median time to full closure was 11.4 weeks, with the proportion of completely healed patients rising progressively, reaching 55% by week 11. These findings, from the clinical trial “Freeze-dried amniotic membrane in the treatment of nonhealing wounds”, suggest AMNIODERM+® as a promising future treatment for chronic diabetic foot ulcers. The published results were obtained as part of a clinical trial entitled “Freeze-dried amniotic membrane in the treatment of nonhealing wounds: a single-arm, retrospectively-perspective clinical trial”, EUDAMED Nr. CIV-SK-22-10-041146.
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(This article belongs to the Section Medical Biotechnology)
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Open AccessArticle
Simultaneous Production of Biogas and Electricity from Anaerobic Digestion of Pine Needles: Sustainable Energy and Waste Management
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Deepak Sharma, Rishi Mahajan, Vikas Baghel, Saurabh Bansal, Vishal Ahuja and Gunjan Goel
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030035 - 5 Sep 2024
Abstract
Power scarcity and pollution can be overcome with the use of green energy forms like ethanol, biogas, electricity, hydrogen, etc., especially energy produced from renewable and industrial feedstocks. In hilly areas, pine needles are the most abundant biomass that has a low possibility
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Power scarcity and pollution can be overcome with the use of green energy forms like ethanol, biogas, electricity, hydrogen, etc., especially energy produced from renewable and industrial feedstocks. In hilly areas, pine needles are the most abundant biomass that has a low possibility of valorization due to high lignin content. On the other hand, anaerobic digestion (AD) of lignin and animal waste has low biogas yield due to poor conductivity. This study focuses on the simultaneous production of biogas and electricity through the co-digestion of cow dung and pine needles. The digester was initially established and stabilized in the lab to ensure a continuous supply of inoculum throughout the experiment. The optimization process involved the determination of an ideal cow dung-to-water ratio and selecting the appropriate conductive material that can enhance the energy generation from the feedstock. Afterward, both batch and continuous anaerobic digestion experiments were conducted. The results revealed that the addition of powdered graphite (5 mM), activated charcoal (15 mM), and biochar (25 mM) exhibited maximum voltage of 0.71 ± 0.013 V, 0.56 ± 0.013 V, and 0.49 ± 0.011 V on the 30th, 25th and 20th day of AD, respectively. The batch experiment showed that 5 mM graphite powder enhanced electron transfer in the AD process and generated a voltage of 0.77 ± 0.014 V on the 30th day, indicating an increase of ~1.5-fold as compared to the control (0.56 ± 0.019 V). The results from the continuous AD process showed that the digester with cow dung, pine needle, and a conductive material in combination exhibited the maximum voltage of 0.76 ± 0.012 V on the 21st day of AD, while the digester with cow dung only exhibited a maximum voltage of 0.62 ± 0.015 V on the 22nd day of AD, representing a 1.3-fold increase over the control. Furthermore, the current work used discarded plastic items and electrodes from spent batteries to emphasize waste management and aid in attaining sustainable energy and development goals.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Biotechnology)
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Open AccessReview
Data Management in Biobanking: Strategies, Challenges, and Future Directions
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Ramez Alkhatib and Karoline I. Gaede
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030034 - 2 Sep 2024
Abstract
Biobanking plays a pivotal role in biomedical research by providing standardized processing, precise storing, and management of biological sample collections along with the associated data. Effective data management is a prerequisite to ensure the integrity, quality, and accessibility of these resources. This review
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Biobanking plays a pivotal role in biomedical research by providing standardized processing, precise storing, and management of biological sample collections along with the associated data. Effective data management is a prerequisite to ensure the integrity, quality, and accessibility of these resources. This review provides a current landscape of data management in biobanking, discussing key challenges, existing strategies, and potential future directions. We explore multiple aspects of data management, including data collection, storage, curation, sharing, and ethical considerations. By examining the evolving technologies and methodologies in biobanking, we aim to provide insights into addressing the complexities and maximizing the utility of biobank data for research and clinical applications.
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(This article belongs to the Section Biotechnology Regulation)
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Open AccessArticle
From Sequence to Solution: Intelligent Learning Engine Optimization in Drug Discovery and Protein Analysis
by
Jamal Raiyn, Adam Rayan, Saleh Abu-Lafi and Anwar Rayan
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030033 - 1 Sep 2024
Abstract
This study introduces the intelligent learning engine (ILE) optimization technology, a novel approach designed to revolutionize screening processes in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, and a range of other scientific fields. By focusing on the efficient and precise identification of candidates with desirable characteristics, the ILE
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This study introduces the intelligent learning engine (ILE) optimization technology, a novel approach designed to revolutionize screening processes in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, and a range of other scientific fields. By focusing on the efficient and precise identification of candidates with desirable characteristics, the ILE technology marks a significant leap forward in addressing the complexities of candidate selection in drug discovery, protein classification, and beyond. The study’s primary objective is to address the challenges associated with optimizing screening processes to efficiently select candidates across various fields, including drug discovery and protein classification. The methodology employed involves a detailed algorithmic process that includes dataset preparation, encoding of protein sequences, sensor nucleation, and optimization, culminating in the empirical evaluation of molecular activity indexing, homology-based modeling, and classification of proteins such as G-protein-coupled receptors. This process showcases the method’s success in multiple sequence alignment, protein identification, and classification. Key results demonstrate the ILE’s superior accuracy in protein classification and virtual high-throughput screening, with a notable breakthrough in drug development for assessing drug-induced long QT syndrome risks through hERG potassium channel interaction analysis. The technology showcased exceptional results in the formulation and evaluation of novel cancer drug candidates, highlighting its potential for significant advancements in pharmaceutical innovations. The findings underline the ILE optimization technology as a transformative tool in screening processes due to its proven effectiveness and broad applicability across various domains. This breakthrough contributes substantially to the fields of systems optimization and holds promise for diverse applications, enhancing the process of selecting candidate molecules with target properties and advancing drug discovery, protein classification, and modeling.
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(This article belongs to the Section Computational Biology)
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Open AccessArticle
Auxin-Producing Bacteria Used as Microbial Biostimulants Improve the Growth of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Seedlings in Hydroponic Systems
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Livia Pappalettere, Susanna Bartolini and Annita Toffanin
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030032 - 21 Aug 2024
Abstract
Seven auxin-producing endophytic bacterial strains (Azospirillum spp., Methylobacterium symbioticum, Bacillus spp.), and two different combinations of these strains were used to verify their influence on tomato during germination and development in hydroponic conditions where, as a novelty for Canestrino di Lucca
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Seven auxin-producing endophytic bacterial strains (Azospirillum spp., Methylobacterium symbioticum, Bacillus spp.), and two different combinations of these strains were used to verify their influence on tomato during germination and development in hydroponic conditions where, as a novelty for Canestrino di Lucca cultivar, endophytic bacteria were inoculated. To emphasize the presence of bacterial auxins in roots and stems of seedlings, both in situ staining qualitative assessment and quantitative analysis were carried out. Moreover, hypogeal and epigeal growth of the plantlets were measured, and correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the amount of indolacetic acid (IAA) produced by the bacterial strains and root and stem parameters. Plantlets treated with microbial inoculants showed a significant increase in the survival rate compared to the control treatment. The best results as IAA producers were from Azospirillum baldaniorum Sp245 and A. brasilense Cd, which also induced significant root growth. On the other hand, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B. licheniformis induced the best rates in stem growth. These findings highlight the potential for using endophytic bacterial strains in a hydroponic co-cultivation system that enables inoculating plantlets, at an early stage of growth (5 days old).
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural and Food Biotechnology)
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Open AccessArticle
Principle Investigation and Method Standardization of Inhibition Zone Assay Based on Antimicrobial Peptides Extracted from Black Soldier Fly Larvae
by
Wenyue Shen, Ranxia Xue, Yanxia Liu, Shibo Sun, Xi Chen, Dongye Sun, Han Ouyang, Yuxin Li, Jianqiang Xu, Xiaoying Dong, Fengyun Ji and Weiping Xu
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030031 - 9 Aug 2024
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The black soldier fly is a valuable resource insect capable of transforming organic waste while producing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The inhibition zone assay (IZA) is a method used to demonstrate the antimicrobial activity of AMPs. This study aimed to examine the experimental principles
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The black soldier fly is a valuable resource insect capable of transforming organic waste while producing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The inhibition zone assay (IZA) is a method used to demonstrate the antimicrobial activity of AMPs. This study aimed to examine the experimental principles and establish a standardized IZA method. Results indicated that the AMPs extract consisted of proteins ranging in molecular weights from 0 to 40 kDa. The AMPs diffused radially on an agar plate through an Oxford cup. The diffusion radius was influenced by the concentration and volume of the AMPs but ultimately determined by the mass of the AMPs. The swabbing method was found to be effective for inoculating bacteria on the agar plate. Among the conditions tested, the plate nutrient concentration was the most sensitive factor for the IZA, followed by bacterial concentration and incubation time. Optimal conditions for the IZA included a nutrient plate of 0.5× TSA, a bacterial concentration of 106 CFU/mL, and an incubation time of 12 h, with oxytetracycline (OTC) at 0.01 mg/mL serving as the positive control. The antimicrobial-specific activity of AMPs could be standardized by the ratio of inhibition zone diameters between AMPs and OTC. These findings contribute to the standardization of the IZA method for profiling the antimicrobial activity of AMPs.
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Open AccessArticle
CleanUpRNAseq: An R/Bioconductor Package for Detecting and Correcting DNA Contamination in RNA-Seq Data
by
Haibo Liu, Kai Hu, Kevin O’Connor, Michelle A. Kelliher and Lihua Julie Zhu
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030030 - 3 Aug 2024
Abstract
RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has become a standard method for profiling gene expression, yet genomic DNA (gDNA) contamination carried over to the sequencing library poses a significant challenge to data integrity. Detecting and correcting this contamination is vital for accurate downstream analyses. Particularly, when
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RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has become a standard method for profiling gene expression, yet genomic DNA (gDNA) contamination carried over to the sequencing library poses a significant challenge to data integrity. Detecting and correcting this contamination is vital for accurate downstream analyses. Particularly, when RNA samples are scarce and invaluable, it becomes essential not only to identify but also to correct gDNA contamination to maximize the data’s utility. However, existing tools capable of correcting gDNA contamination are limited and lack thorough evaluation. To fill the gap, we developed CleanUpRNAseq, which offers a comprehensive set of functionalities for identifying and correcting gDNA-contaminated RNA-seq data. Our package offers three correction methods for unstranded RNA-seq data and a dedicated approach for stranded data. Through rigorous validation on published RNA-seq datasets with known levels of gDNA contamination and real-world RNA-seq data, we demonstrate CleanUpRNAseq’s efficacy in detecting and correcting detrimental levels of gDNA contamination across diverse library protocols. CleanUpRNAseq thus serves as a valuable tool for post-alignment quality assessment of RNA-seq data and should be integrated into routine workflows for RNA-seq data analysis. Its incorporation into OneStopRNAseq should significantly bolster the accuracy of gene expression quantification and differential expression analysis of RNA-seq data.
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(This article belongs to the Section Computational Biology)
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Molecular Insight into the Response of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Bile Acids
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Caren N. Moreno, Jorge N. Gomez, María P. Taranto, Ana E. Ledesma and Ana Y. Bustos
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030029 - 2 Aug 2024
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) are the main endogenous modulators of the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota. In the present work, the effect of conjugated (glycodeoxycholic, glycocholic, taurodeoxycholic, taurocholic acids) and free BAs [cholic acid (CA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA)] on the
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Bile acids (BAs) are the main endogenous modulators of the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota. In the present work, the effect of conjugated (glycodeoxycholic, glycocholic, taurodeoxycholic, taurocholic acids) and free BAs [cholic acid (CA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA)] on the survival, biological molecules, and structural and surface properties of two potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was evaluated. For this, viability assays, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and zeta potential (ZP) measurements were employed. Our results evidenced that free BAs were more toxic than conjugates, with CA being significantly more harmful than deoxycholic acid (DCA). RAMAN studies show that BAs modify the bands corresponding to proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and DNA. SEM showed that BAs cause surface distortions with depressions and fold formation, as well as incomplete cell division. DCA was the one that least altered the ZP of bacteria when compared to CA and taurodeoxycholic acid, with gradual changes towards more positive values. In general, the magnitude of these effects was different according to the BA and its concentration, being more evident in the presence of CA, even at low concentrations, which would explain its greater inhibitory effect. This work provides solid evidence on the effects of BAs on LAB that will allow for the development of strategies by which to modulate the composition of the microbiota positively.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural and Food Biotechnology)
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Removal of Cadmium (II) from Aqueous Solution Using Galdieria sulphuraria CCMEE 5587.1
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Hari Lal Kharel, Lina Jha, Melissa Tan and Thinesh Selvaratnam
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030028 - 1 Aug 2024
Abstract
The release of cadmium into the environment is a significant global concern due to its toxicity, non-biodegradability, and persistence in nature. There is an urgent need for effective, eco-friendly, and cost-effective systems for removing Cd because of the many drawbacks of conventional physicochemical
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The release of cadmium into the environment is a significant global concern due to its toxicity, non-biodegradability, and persistence in nature. There is an urgent need for effective, eco-friendly, and cost-effective systems for removing Cd because of the many drawbacks of conventional physicochemical techniques. This study investigated the ability of the extremophile red microalgal strain Galdieria sulphuraria CCMEE 5587.1 to tolerate and remove Cd (II) ions at acidic pH in a controlled laboratory environment. Three distinct concentrations of Cd (1.5 mg L−1, 3 mg L−1, and 6 mg L−1) were introduced to the cyanidium medium, and G. sulphuraria cells were introduced in the medium and grown for ten days. Four distinct aspects were identified regarding Cd removal: time course Cd removal, total Cd removal, extracellular Cd removal, and intracellular Cd removal. The inhibitory effects of Cd on G. sulphuraria growth were observed using a daily growth profile. Initial incubation days showed an inhibition of G. sulphuraria growth. In addition, increasing the Cd concentration in the medium decreased the growth rate of G. sulphuraria. Rapid Cd removal occurred on the first day of the experiment, followed by a steady removal of Cd until the last day. The highest total removal efficiency occurred in a medium containing 3 mg L−1 of Cd ions, which was 30%. In contrast, the highest sorption capacity occurred in a medium containing 6 mg L−1 of Cd ions, which was 1.59 mg g−1 of dry biomass. In all media compositions, a major fraction (>80%) of Cd removal occurred via adsorption on the cell surface (extracellular). These results showed that G. sulphuraria cells can remove Cd ions from aqueous solution, which makes them a potential bioremediation option for heavy metal removal.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Biotechnology)
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Open AccessFeature PaperReview
Hydroponics with Microalgae and Cyanobacteria: Emerging Trends and Opportunities in Modern Agriculture
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Prabhaharan Renganathan, Edgar Omar Rueda Puente, Natalia V. Sukhanova and Lira A. Gaysina
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030027 - 22 Jul 2024
Abstract
The global population is expected to reach 9.5 billion, which means that crop productivity needs to double to meet the growing population’s food demand. Soil degradation and environmental factors, such as climate events, significantly threaten crop production and global food security. Furthermore, rapid
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The global population is expected to reach 9.5 billion, which means that crop productivity needs to double to meet the growing population’s food demand. Soil degradation and environmental factors, such as climate events, significantly threaten crop production and global food security. Furthermore, rapid urbanization has led to 55% of the world’s population migrating to cities, and this proportion is expected to increase to 75% by 2050, which presents significant challenges in producing staple foods through conventional hinterland farming. Numerous studies have proposed various sustainable farming techniques to combat the shortage of farmable land and increase food security in urban areas. Soilless farming techniques such as hydroponics have gained worldwide popularity due to their resource efficiency and production of superior-quality fresh products. However, using chemical nutrients in a conventional hydroponic system can have significant environmental impacts, including eutrophication and resource depletion. Incorporating microalgae into hydroponic systems as biostimulants offers a sustainable and ecofriendly approach toward circular bioeconomy strategies. The present review summarizes the plant growth-promoting activity of microalgae as biostimulants and their mechanisms of action. We discuss their effects on plant growth parameters under different applications, emphasizing the significance of integrating microalgae into a closed-loop circular economy model to sustainably meet global food demands.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Microbial Biotechnology Products and Biocatalysis Processes for a Sustainable Bioeconomy)
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Open AccessArticle
Strategies for Increasing the Throughput of Genetic Screening: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic within a University Community
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Fernanda Miguel, A. Raquel Baleizão, A. Gabriela Gomes, Helena Caria, Fátima N. Serralha and Marta C. Justino
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030026 - 11 Jul 2024
Abstract
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Polytechnic University of Setúbal (IPS) used its expertise in molecular genetics to establish a COVID-19 laboratory, addressing the demand for community-wide testing. Following standard protocols, the IPS COVID Lab received national accreditation in October 2020 and was registered
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Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Polytechnic University of Setúbal (IPS) used its expertise in molecular genetics to establish a COVID-19 laboratory, addressing the demand for community-wide testing. Following standard protocols, the IPS COVID Lab received national accreditation in October 2020 and was registered in February 2021. With the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and safety concerns for students and staff, the lab was further challenged to develop rapid and sensitive diagnostic technologies. Methodologies such as sample-pooling extraction and multiplex protocols were developed to enhance testing efficiency without compromising accuracy. Through Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis, the effectiveness of sample pooling was validated, proving to be a clear success in COVID-19 screening. Regarding multiplex analysis, the IPS COVID Lab developed an in-house protocol, achieving a sensitivity comparable to that of standard methods while reducing operational time and reagent consumption. This approach, requiring only two wells of a PCR plate (instead of three for samples), presents a more efficient alternative for future testing scenarios, increasing its throughput and testing capacity while upholding accuracy standards. The lessons learned during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic provide added value for future pandemic situations.
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(This article belongs to the Section Medical Biotechnology)
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Open AccessArticle
An Efficient and Rapid Protocol for Somatic Shoot Organogenesis from Juvenile Hypocotyl-Derived Callus of Castor Bean cv. Zanzibar Green
by
Danaya V. Demidenko, Nataliya V. Varlamova, Taisiya M. Soboleva, Aleksandra V. Shitikova and Marat R. Khaliluev
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030025 - 4 Jul 2024
Abstract
Aseptic seedlings of different ages derived from surface-sterilized mature seeds were applied as an explant source. Various explants such as 7- and 21-day-old hypocotyl fragments, 42-day-old nodal stem segments, and transverse nodal segments of stem, as well as leaf petioles, were cultured on
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Aseptic seedlings of different ages derived from surface-sterilized mature seeds were applied as an explant source. Various explants such as 7- and 21-day-old hypocotyl fragments, 42-day-old nodal stem segments, and transverse nodal segments of stem, as well as leaf petioles, were cultured on the agar-solidified Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L IAA, 5 mg/L AgNO3 and different types and concentrations of cytokinin (1 mg/L zeatin, 0.25 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ), and 5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP)). Consequently, it was found that 7- and 21-day-old hypocotyl fragments, as well as nodal stem segments obtained from adult aseptic seedlings, are characterized by a high explant viability and callus formation capacity with a frequency of 79.7–100%. However, the success of in vitro somatic shoot organogenesis was significantly determined not only by the culture medium composition and explant type but also depending on its age, as well as on the size and explant preparation in cases of hypocotyl and age-matched nodal stem fragments, respectively. Multiple somatic shoot organogenesis (5.7 regenerants per explant) with a frequency of 67.5% was achieved during 3 subcultures of juvenile hypocotyl-derived callus tissue on MS culture medium containing 0.25 mg/L TDZ as cytokinin source. Castor bean regenerants were excised from the callus and successfully rooted on ½ MS basal medium without exogenous auxin (81%). In vitro plantlets with well-developed roots were adapted to ex vitro conditions with a frequency of 90%.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural and Food Biotechnology)
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Open AccessArticle
In Vitro: The Extraordinary Enhancement in Rutin Accumulation and Antioxidant Activity in Philodendron “Imperial Red” Plantlets Using Ti-Mo-Ni-O Nanotubes as a Novel Elicitor
by
Hanan S. Ebrahim, Nourhan M. Deyab, Basamat S. Shaheen, Ahmed M. M. Gabr and Nageh K. Allam
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030024 - 4 Jul 2024
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Rutin, a flavonoid phytochemical compound, plays a vital role in human health. It is used in treating capillary fragility and has anti-Alzheimer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. In this study, Ti-Mo-Ni-O nanotubes (NTs) were used, for the first time, in an unprecedented plant biotechnology
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Rutin, a flavonoid phytochemical compound, plays a vital role in human health. It is used in treating capillary fragility and has anti-Alzheimer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. In this study, Ti-Mo-Ni-O nanotubes (NTs) were used, for the first time, in an unprecedented plant biotechnology application, wherein in vitro Philodendron shoots (Philodendron erubescens) known as “Imperial Red” were targeted for rutin accumulation. The antioxidant responses and the accumulation of rutin were evaluated in treated Philodendron erubescens (P. erubescens) shoots using 5.0 mg/L of Ti-Mo-Ni-O NTs. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were estimated, and an ABTS+ assay, FRAP assay, and iron metal chelation assay were performed. The application of Ti-Mo-Ni-O NTs enhanced the rutin content considerably from 0.02 mg/g to 2.96 mg/g for dry-weight shootlet extracts. Therefore, the use of Ti-Mo-Ni-O NTs is proposed to be a superior alternative to elevate the rutin content. The aim of the current study is to target P. erubescens shoots grown in vitro for the accumulation of rutin compounds using Ti-Mo-Ni-O NT powder, to determine the quantitative and qualitative accumulation of rutin via HPLC–DAD analysis, and to estimate the antioxidant activity of P. erubescens shoot extract. This study presents a novel methodology for utilizing nano-biotechnology in the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites.
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Open AccessArticle
Systemic Effects of Photoactivated 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-3-yl) Porphyrin on Healthy Drosophila melanogaster
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Ana Filošević Vujnović, Sara Čabrijan, Martina Mušković, Nela Malatesti and Rozi Andretić Waldowski
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030023 - 3 Jul 2024
Abstract
Porphyrins are frequently employed in photodynamic therapy (PDT), a non-invasive technique primarily utilized to treat subcutaneous cancers, as photosensitizing agents (PAs). The development of a new PA with improved tissue selectivity and efficacy is crucial for expanding the application of PDT for the
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Porphyrins are frequently employed in photodynamic therapy (PDT), a non-invasive technique primarily utilized to treat subcutaneous cancers, as photosensitizing agents (PAs). The development of a new PA with improved tissue selectivity and efficacy is crucial for expanding the application of PDT for the management of diverse cancers. We investigated the systemic effects of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-3-yl)-porphyrin (TMPyP3) using Drosophila melanogaster adult males. We established the oral administration schedule and demonstrated that TMPyP3 was absorbed and stored higher in neuronal than in non-neuronal extracts. Twenty-four hours after oral TMPyP3 photoactivation, the quantity of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) increased, but exclusively in the head extracts. Regardless of photoactivation, TMPyP3 resulted in a reduced concentration of H2O2 after 7 days, and this was linked with a decreased capacity to climb, as indicated by negative geotaxis. The findings imply that systemic TMPyP3 therapy may disrupt redox regulation, impairing cellular signaling and behavioral outcomes in the process. To determine the disruptive effect of porphyrins on redox homeostasis, its duration, and the mechanistic variations in retention across various tissues, more research is required.
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(This article belongs to the Section Medical Biotechnology)
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Open AccessArticle
A Machine Learning-Based Web Tool for the Severity Prediction of COVID-19
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Avgi Christodoulou, Martha-Spyridoula Katsarou, Christina Emmanouil, Marios Gavrielatos, Dimitrios Georgiou, Annia Tsolakou, Maria Papasavva, Vasiliki Economou, Vasiliki Nanou, Ioannis Nikolopoulos, Maria Daganou, Aikaterini Argyraki, Evaggelos Stefanidis, Gerasimos Metaxas, Emmanouil Panagiotou, Ioannis Michalopoulos and Nikolaos Drakoulis
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030022 - 1 Jul 2024
Cited by 1
Abstract
Predictive tools provide a unique opportunity to explain the observed differences in outcome between patients of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to associate individual demographic and clinical characteristics with disease severity in COVID-19 patients and to highlight the importance
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Predictive tools provide a unique opportunity to explain the observed differences in outcome between patients of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to associate individual demographic and clinical characteristics with disease severity in COVID-19 patients and to highlight the importance of machine learning (ML) in disease prognosis. The study enrolled 344 unvaccinated patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data collected by integrating questionnaires and medical records were imported into various classification machine learning algorithms, and the algorithm and the hyperparameters with the greatest predictive ability were selected for use in a disease outcome prediction web tool. Of 111 independent features, age, sex, hypertension, obesity, and cancer comorbidity were found to be associated with severe COVID-19. Our prognostic tool can contribute to a successful therapeutic approach via personalized treatment. Although at the present time vaccination is not considered mandatory, this algorithm could encourage vulnerable groups to be vaccinated.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology of Human Disease)
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Open AccessArticle
Influence of Critical Parameters on the Extraction of Concentrated C-PE from Thermotolerant Cyanobacteria
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Ariadna H. Vergel-Suarez, Janet B. García-Martínez, German L. López-Barrera, Néstor A. Urbina-Suarez and Andrés F. Barajas-Solano
BioTech 2024, 13(3), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13030021 - 24 Jun 2024
Abstract
This work aimed to identify the influence of pH, molarity, w/v fraction, extraction time, agitation, and either a sodium (Na2HPO4·7H2O-NaH2PO4·H2O) or potassium buffer (K2HPO4-KH2
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This work aimed to identify the influence of pH, molarity, w/v fraction, extraction time, agitation, and either a sodium (Na2HPO4·7H2O-NaH2PO4·H2O) or potassium buffer (K2HPO4-KH2PO4) used in the extraction of C-phycoerythrin (C-PE) from a thermotolerant strain of Potamosiphon sp. An experimental design (Minimum Run Resolution V Factorial Design) and a Central Composite Design (CCD) were used. According to the statistical results of the first design, the K-PO4 buffer, pH, molarity, and w/v fraction are vital factors that enhance the extractability of C-PE. The construction of a CCD design of the experiments suggests that the potassium phosphate buffer at pH 5.8, longer extraction times (50 min), and minimal extraction speed (1000 rpm) are ideal for maximizing C-PE concentration, while purity is unaffected by the design conditions. This optimization improves extraction yields and maintains the desired bright purple color of the phycobiliprotein.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Microbial Biotechnology Products and Biocatalysis Processes for a Sustainable Bioeconomy)
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Open AccessCommunication
Spectrofluorimetric Analysis of Riboflavin Content during Kombucha Fermentation
by
Mojca Čakić Semenčić, Adrianna Biedrzycka, Anna Kiczor, Sunčica Beluhan and Filip Šupljika
BioTech 2024, 13(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13020020 - 11 Jun 2024
Abstract
Kombucha is a traditional beverage obtained by the microbial fermentation of tea using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts. In addition to several documented functional properties, such as anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant activity, kombucha is often credited with high levels of vitamins,
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Kombucha is a traditional beverage obtained by the microbial fermentation of tea using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts. In addition to several documented functional properties, such as anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant activity, kombucha is often credited with high levels of vitamins, including riboflavin. To our knowledge, the vitamin B2 content in traditionally prepared kombucha has been determined in only two studies, in which the concentration measured by the HPLC technique ranged from 2.2 × 10−7 to 2.1 × 10−4 mol dm−3. These unexplained differences of three orders of magnitude in the vitamin B2 content prompted us to determine its concentration during the cultivation of kombucha under very similar conditions by spectrofluorimetry. The B2 concentrations during the 10-day fermentation of black tea ranged from 7.6 × 10−8 to 3.3 × 10−7 mol dm−3.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural and Food Biotechnology)
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Enhancing Bovine Embryo Development In Vitro Using Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsions as Specific Carriers for Essential Lipids
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Daniel López Angulo, Rodrigo Vinicius Lourenço, Alessandra Bridi, Matheus Andrade Chaves, Juliano Coelho da Silveira and Paulo José do Amaral Sobral
BioTech 2024, 13(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/biotech13020019 - 11 Jun 2024
Abstract
Worldwide meat consumption and production have nearly quintupled in the last 60 years. In this context, research and the application of new technologies related to animal reproduction have evolved in an accelerated way. The objective of the present study was to apply nanoemulsions
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Worldwide meat consumption and production have nearly quintupled in the last 60 years. In this context, research and the application of new technologies related to animal reproduction have evolved in an accelerated way. The objective of the present study was to apply nanoemulsions (NEs) as carriers of lipids to feed bovine embryos in culture media and verify their impact on the development of embryos produced in vitro. The NEs were characterized by particle size, polydispersity, size distribution, physical stability, morphology using atomic force microscopy (AFM), surface tension, density, pH, and rheological behavior. The NEs were prepared by the emulsification/evaporation technique. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to optimize the NE fabrication parameters. The three optimized formulations used in the embryo application showed an emulsion stability index (ESI) between 0.046 and 0.086, which reflects high stability. The mean droplet diameter analyzed by laser diffraction was approximately 70–80 nm, suggesting a possible transit across the embryonic zona pellucida with pores of an average 90 nm in diameter. AFM images clearly confirm the morphology of spherical droplets with a mean droplet diameter of less than 100 nm. The optimized formulations added during the higher embryonic genome activation phase in bovine embryos enhanced early embryonic development.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Advances in Application of Essential Oil and other Νatural Εxtracts in Food Industry)
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