L-glutaminase production by marine fungi

This study presents the L-Glutaminase Production by Marine Fungi. Enzymes are involved in all aspects of biochemical conversion from the simple enzyme or fermentation conversion to the complex techniques in genetic engineering. Enzyme industry is one among the major industries of the world and there exists a great market for enzymes in general. Food industry is recognized as the largest consumer for commercial enzymes (Lon sane and Ramakrishna, 1989). In industry, enzymes are frequently used for process improvement, for instance to enable the utilization of new types of raw materials or for improving the physical properties of a material so that it can be more easily processed. They are the focal point of biotechnological processe. The marine biosphere is one of the richest of the earth's innumerable habitats, yet is one of the least well characterized. The marine biosphere covers more than two third of the world's surface, our knowledge of marine microorganisms, in particular fungi, is still very limited (Molitoris and Schumann, 1986). The results obtained in the present study the following conclusions are drawn. Beauveria bassiana isolated form marine sediment has immense potential as an Industrial organism for production of L-glutaminase as an extracellular enzyme employing either submerged fermentnation or solid state fermentation

Studies on the Bioactive Natural Antioxidants From Oilseeds

Antioxidants are substances that when present at low concentrations compared to that of an oxidisable substrate significantly delays or inhibits oxidation of that substrate in food products or in living systems. Antioxidants are either endogenous to the body or derived from the diet. Several types of synthetic antioxidants like BHT, BHA, TBHQ etc. are also used in the food industry. However, findings and subsequent publicity has fostered significant consumer resistance to the use of synthetic food additives as antioxidants, colourants etc. and therefore food industry is in search of potential natural antioxidants from edible sources.The major dietary sources of antioxidant phytochemicals are cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, beverages, spices and herbs. In the present study, we have focused on rice bran and its byproducts. Rice is one of the oldest of food crops and has been a staple food in India from very ancient times. It is also the staple food for about 60% of the world's population. Rice bran is a byproduct of the rice milling industry and is a potential commercial source of a healthy edible oil viz. rice bran oil and a variety of bio-active phytochemicals.Defatted rice bran (DRB), a byproduct of rice bran oil extraction, is also a good source of insoluble dietary fiber, protein, phytic acid, inosito I, vitamin B and a variety of other phytochemicals. Though the antioxidant potential of DRB has been demonstrated, it still remained a relatively unexplored source material, which demanded further investigation especially with regard to its detailed phytochemical profile leading to practical application. The focus of the present investigation therefore has been on DRB primarily to establish its phytochemical status and feasibility of using it as a source of bio-active phytochemicals and natural antioxidants leading to value addition of DRB otherwise used as cattle feed. To gain a better understanding of the value of rice bran as a source of phytochemicals, five popular rice varieties of the region viz. PTB 50, PTB 39, PTB 38, JA Y A, and MO 10 and a wild variety (oryza nivara) that is mainly used for medicinal applications in traditional ayurvedic system were characterized along with commercial samples of rice bran. The present study also explains the feasibility of a process for the extraction, enrichment, and isolation of antioxidant compounds from DRB. The antioxidant potential of the extracts were evaluated both in bulk oils and in food relevant model emulsions, using standard in vitro models. Radical scavenging effects, indicative of possible biological effects, were also evaluated.

Studies on the isolation and characterization of flavones and triterpenoids from a few plants

In the present scenario, there is an increasing demand for natural products in food industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and agricultural sectors. In this context phytochemical study to identify newer chemicals has got great relevance. Phytochemical studies have become more reliable and encouraging with the development of modern analytical techniques.In the present work the leaves of Piper colubrinum (Piperaceae), aerial parts of Mussaenda fiondosa (Rubiaceae) and Humboldtia vahliana (Leguminosae) and the pericarp of fruits of Artocarpus heterophyllus (Moraceae) were investigated for their secondary metabolites. The major compounds isolated belong to the groups of flavonoids and triterpenoids.Naturally occurring flavonoids have been used widely in chemotaxonomic studies of plants. Flavones and flavonols constitute a group of biosynthetically related natural products. No universal function has been established for flavones and flavonols in plants. However, many functions in individual plants have been demonstrated. These include protection of plants from ultraviolet light, insects and pests; pollinator attractants; antioxidants; plant hormone controllers; enzyme inhibitors and allelopathic agents. Flavonoids are attracting the attention of medical scientists in recent years because of their anticarcinogenic, antiallergic and antiinflammatory properties. The recent discovery that flavonoids are involved in the process of nitrogen fixation in plants also opens the way for agricultural application of these constituents.Triterpenoids are another class of compounds that are ubiquitous in plants. Some triterpenoids present in the latex and resins of plants are believed to be involved in chemical defence against pathogens and herbivores. Triterpenoids possess various biological properties including anti-inflammatory, antifeedant, pesticidal, fungitoxic and antimicrobial activities. Triterpenoids with cytotoxic activity and inhibitory effect on seed germination are also known.

Studies on isolation, purification and properties of Endoglucanase from the hepatopancreas of Perna viridis

In the attempt to find out catalytic potency and properties of the endoglucanase of green mussel, it could be highlighted that the enzyme is efficient in degrading carboxymethylcellulose to reducing sugars. The immobilized enzyme will find applications in the food industry, paper and pulp industry, wood preservation, alcohol and pharmaceutical industry.The purification method employed i.e. Sephadex G100 chromatography employing affinity and exclusion principles simplify the purification procedure.Addition of Mg2+ and Co2+ at 10mM concentrations enhances endoglucanase activity of green mussel.The immobilized endoglucanase can be used for deinking mixed office waste paper. The endoglucanase if supplemented with exoglucanase and B-glucosidase under appropriate conditions would help in the recycling of paper.

Studies on exopolysaccharide production by probiotic Lactic acid bacteria

The thesis mainly discussed the isolation and identification of a probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum, fermentative production of exopolysaccharide by the strain, its purification, structural characterisation and possible applications in food industry and therapeutics. The studies on the probiotic characterization explored the tolerance of the isolated LAB cultures to acid, bile, phenol, salt and mucin binding. These are some of the key factors that could satisfy the criteria for probiotic strains . The important factors required for a high EPS production in submerged fermentation was investigated with a collection of statistical and mathematical approach. Chapter 5 of the thesis explains the structural elucidation of EPS employing spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. The studies helped in the exploration of the hetero-polysaccharide sequence from L. plantarum MTCC 9510. The thesis also explored the bioactivities of EPS from L. plantarum. As majority of chemical compounds identified as anti-cancerous are toxic to normal cells, the discovery and identification of new safe drugs has become an important goal of research in the biomedical sciences. The thesis has explored the anti-oxidant, anti-tumour and immunomodulating properties of EPS purified from Lactobacillus plantarum. The presence of (1, 3) linkages and its molecular weight presented the EPS with anti-oxidant, anti-tumour and immunomodulating properties under in vitro conditions.

Continuous Production of Extracellular L-Glutaminase by Ca-Alginate-Immobilized Marine Beauveria bassiana BTMF S-10 in Packed-Bed Reactor

L-Glutamine amidohydrolase (L-glutaminase, EC 3.5.1.2) is a therapeutically and industrially important enzyme. Because it is a potent antileukemic agent and a flavor-enhancing agent used in the food industry, many researchers have focused their attention on L-glutaminase. In this article, we report the continuous production of extracellular L-glutaminase by the marine fungus Beauveria bassiana BTMF S-10 in a packed-bed reactor. Parameters influencing bead production and performance under batch mode were optimized in the order-support (Na-alginate) concentration, concentration of CaCl2 for bead preparation, curing time of beads, spore inoculum concentration, activation time, initial pH of enzyme production medium, temperature of incubation, and retention time. Parameters optimized under batch mode for L-glutaminase production were incorporated into the continuous production studies. Beads with 12 × 108 spores/g of beads were activated in a solution of 1% glutamine in seawater for 15 h, and the activated beads were packed into a packed-bed reactor. Enzyme production medium (pH 9.0) was pumped through the bed, and the effluent was collected from the top of the column. The effect of flow rate of the medium, substrate concentration, aeration, and bed height on continuous production of L-glutaminase was studied. Production was monitored for 5 h in each case, and the volumetric productivity was calculated. Under the optimized conditions for continuous production, the reactor gave a volumetric productivity of 4.048 U/(mL·h), which indicates that continuous production of the enzyme by Ca-alginate-immobilizedspores is well suited for B. bassiana and results in a higher yield of enzyme within a shorter time. The results indicate the scope of utilizing immobilized B. bassiana for continuous commercial production of L-glutaminase

Halocin SH10 production by an extreme haloarchaeon Natrinema sp. BTSH10 isolated from salt pans of South India

Halobacteria, members of the domain Archaea that live under extremely halophilic conditions, are often considered as dependable source for deriving novel enzymes, novel genes, bioactive compounds and other industrially important molecules. Protein antibiotics have potential for application as preserving agents in food industry, leather industry and in control of infectious bacteria. Halocins are proteinaceous antibiotics synthesized and released into the environment by extreme halophiles, a universal characteristic of halophilic bacteria. Herein, we report the production of halocin (SH10) by an extremely halophilic archeon Natrinema sp. BTSH10 isolated from salt pan of Kanyakumari, Tamilnadu, India and optimization of medium for enhanced production of halocin. It was found that the optimal conditions for maximal halocin production were 42 C, pH 8.0, and 104 h of incubation at 200 rpm with 2% (V/V) inoculum concentration in Zobell’s medium containing 3 M NaCl, Galactose, beef extract, and calcium chloride as additional supplements. Results indicated scope for fermentation production of halocin for probable applications using halophilic archeon Natrinema sp. BTSH10

Environmental Management in the Indian Fertiliser Industry

School of Management Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology

Legal Control of Fishing Industry in Kerala

This work is a study on ‘Legal Control of Fishing Industry in Kerala.Fishery and Fishery-related legislations are sought to be examined in the light of scientific opinion and judicial decisionsThis work is divided into five Part.The thrust of time Study is on the success of legislative measures in attempting to achieve socio-economic justice for the fishermen community.Fishing is more an avocation than an industry. It is basically the avocation of the artisanal or traditional fishermen who depend on it for their livelihood. As an ‘industry’, it is a generator of employment, income and wealth.The modern tendency in national legislations is to integrate legal proivisions relating to EEZ fisheries into the general fisheries legislation.Chartered fishing was introduced by the Central Government during 1977-78 to establish the abundance and distribution of fishery resources in Indian EEZ, for transfer of technology and for related purposes.Going by the provisions of Articles 61 and 62 of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982, foreign fishing need be permitted in our EEZ area only if there is any surplus left after meeting our national requirements.Conservation of the renewable fishery resources should start with identification of the species, their habitats, feeding and breeding patterns, their classification and characteristics. Fishing patterns and their impact on different species and areas require to be examined and investigated.the Central Government, that the Kerala Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1980 was passed.our traditional fishermen that our Governments in power in Kerala resorted to the appointment of Commissions after Commissions to enquire into the problems of resource management and conservation of the resources. The implementation of the recommendations of these Commissions is the need of the times.General infrastructure has increased to a certain extent in the fishery villages; but it is more the result of the development efforts of the State rather than due to increase in earnings from fishing. Fisherwomen ar e still unable to enjoy the status and role expected of them in the society and the family.Around 120 million people around the tuorld are economically dependent on fisheries. In developing countries like India, small-scale fishers are also the primary suppliers of fish, particularly for local consumption. A most important role of the fisheries sector is as a source of domestically produced food. Fish, as a food item, is a nutrient and it has great medicinal value.Consumers in our country face a dramatic rise in fish prices as our ‘fishing industry’ is linked with lucrative markets in industrial countries. Autonomy of States should be attempted to be maintained to the extent possible with the help and co-operation of the Centre. Regional co-operation of the coastal states interse and with the Centre should be attempted to be achieved under the leadership of the Centre in matters of regional concern. At time national level, a ifisheries management policy and plan should be framed in conformity with the national economic policies and plans as also keeping pace with the local and regional needs and priorities. Any such policy, plan and legislation should strive to achieve sustainability of the resources as well as support to the subsistence sector.

Technology transfer in the fish curing industry in india

Curing is the oldest and cheapest method of preservation of fish allover the world. Fish curing industry has not shown much improverrent from its primitive nature because this industry is mainly handled by illiterate and less educated fishermen/fisherwomen. They do not know much about,the importance of scientific methods of fish curing. The cured fish produced by them is unhygienic and poor in quality. Because of the negligenence and ignorance of the fish curers, a considerable quanti ty of this protein rich food is spoiled and lost every year. Research has been conducted extensively in the Cen tral and State sectors and various remedial measures have been suggested :to improve the fish curing industry in India. Inspi te of the preJudioa against cured fish because of their existing low quality, research work in recent years have indicated that their quality can be greaUy improved and shelf-life prolonged if the me thods are standardised. To achieve this aim, Cen tral and s tate Departments have already made considerable efforts to transfer the improved methods ~ the fish curing industry by way of traininq courses, demonstrations, Lab, to Land Prograrrmesi film shows, exhibitions, personal discussion etc. As the result of this, fish curers have started adopting the improved practices in fish curing. Still there seems to be a considerable qap between the techmology available and the technology adopted in this field. A comprehensive study on the extent of adoption of improved practices in fish curing and the factors involved in low or non-adoption of certain aspects is lackin~ at present. This gap has to be filled up. The possihle methods for the effective transfer of technology for the production and distribution of high quali ty cured fish products and improvement of soclo-economic condition of fishermen engaqed in fish curing have to be identified.

Studies on the production management in the seafood processing industry in Kerala

Kerala was the pioneer in modern seafood processing and exporting. But now the industry is Iacingalot of problems due to low productivity and deterioration in the quality of the products. only about 17% of the installed freezing capacity in sea food processing industry was reported to be utilised during 1979-80. The price of the export commodities its decided by the buyers based on international supply and demand pattern and based on the strength and weakness of dollar/yen. The only way to increase the profitability of the processors is to reduce the cost of production to the possible extent. The individual processors find it difficult to continue in this field due to low productivity and quality problems. The main objectives of the research are to find out how the production is being managed in the seafood processing(freezing) 17industry in Kerala and the reasons for low productivity and poor quality of the products. The study includes a detailed analysis of Location of the factories. Layout Purchase, production and storage patterns. Production planning and scheduling. Work Measurement of the processing of important products. Quality Control and Inspection. Management Information System

The Transition of World Cashew Industry and the Challenges to India

Cashew is an important commodity traded across the continents and the world cashew industry is the livelihood of more than three million people worldwide, the majority of whom are womenfolk from the socially and economically backward community of the developing nations. Cashew tree was originally planted to prevent soil erosion and it was during the beginning of the 19th century that cashew kernels attained the status of a food item. Further, the cashew kernels attained the status of an international commodity with India exporting its first consignment of cashew kernels to U.S.A. in 1920. India was the first country to hit the world market with cashew as a commodity and it was she who pioneered cashew processing as an industry. For decades together India was enjoying a monopoly in the world cashew industry in the fields of raw nut production (cultivation), processing and the market share in the international trade. The liberalisation of international trade has brought in a big transition in the world of cashew. India started to benefit from the trade policy, that improved her supply positions of raw nuts from other producing countries, accelerated her growth in processing of raw nuts and exports of cashew kernels. On the other side, her domestic consumption started growing up that by the beginning of the new century, she emerged out as the world’s largest consumer of cashew kernels as well.