Characterisation and Distribution of Amino Acids in the Mangrove Sediments of Kochi

Mangrove swamps are unique inter-tidal wetland ecosystems found in sheltered tropical and subtropical shores.Mangrove sediments can be considered as large reservoirs of amino acids,which exist in several different forms,like free amino acids in the sediment micropores,as amino acids,peptides or proteins bound to clay minerals or as amino acids,peptides or proteins bound to humic colloids.Inorder to assess survival conditions of organisms of mangroves,it is important to understand stability of amino acids in the sediments.The amounts of amino acids present in sediment represent a balance between its synthesis and destruction by microorganisms.Thus amino acid analysis offers more insight into the processes of diagenesis,which changes the nature and characteristics of organic matter deposition and decomposition.

Characterization of an extracellular alkaline serine protease from marine Engyodontium album BTMFS10

An alkaline protease from marine Engyodontium album was characterized for its physicochemical properties towards evaluation of its suitability for potential industrial applications. Molecular mass of the enzyme by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) analysis was calculated as 28.6 kDa. Isoelectric focusing yielded pI of 3–4. Enzyme inhibition by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and aprotinin confirmed the serine protease nature of the enzyme.Km, Vmax, and Kcat of the enzyme were 4.727 9 10-2 mg/ml, 394.68 U, and 4.2175 9 10-2 s-1, respectively. Enzyme was noted to be active over a broad range of pH (6–12) and temperature (15–65 C), withmaximumactivity at pH 11 and 60 C. CaCl2 (1 mM), starch (1%), and sucrose (1%) imparted thermal stability at 65 C. Hg2?, Cu2?, Fe3?, Zn2?, Cd?, and Al3? inhibited enzyme activity, while 1 mMCo2? enhanced enzyme activity. Reducing agents enhanced enzyme activity at lower concentrations. The enzyme showed considerable storage stability, and retained its activity in the presence of hydrocarbons, natural oils, surfactants, and most of the organic solvents tested. Results indicate that the marine protease holds potential for use in the detergent industry and for varied applications.