Production of hydrocortisone by Absidia coerulea in moderate pressure bioconversion system

Shi Ru Jia,Jian Dong Cui 한국화학공학회 2009 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.26 No.4

The effects of moderate pressure (0.1-2.5 MPa) on viability, cell membrane permeability and catalyzing activity of Absidia coerulea for RSA were investigated. A new method for improving the production of Hydrocortisone (HC) from 17α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3, 20-dione-21-acetate by Absidia coerulea in moderate pressure was developed. The results showed that the morphology of Abasidia coerulea mycelium was changed in moderate pressure, Absidia coerulea mycelium seemed to be loosed, and cell membrane permeability of Abasidia coerulea mycelium was improved. However, the viability of Abasidia coerulea mycelium could keep high level. Moreover, the yield of HC was improved over 1.25-fold as compared with that of the control (untreated cells), to give the yield of HC as 350 mg/l, when the Abasidia coerulea mycelium was treated with 0.5Mpa the atmosphere as the pressure media. Especially, the production of HC with atmosphere as the pressure media (0.5 MPa) could be increased by the addition of H2O2 (60 mmol/l); the relative yield of HC in moderate pressure was enriched by over 4.5% in comparison with the control. The major composition of bioconverted mixture was reduced. It was indicated that the new approach (moderate pressure) obtained in this work possessed a high potential for the industrial production of HC.

Controlled Synthesis of Branched Polystyrene via RAFT Technique in the Presence of Chain Transfer Monomer p-Vinyl Benzene Sulfonyl Chloride

Cui-Ping Li,Jia-Qiang Wang,Yan Shi,Zan Liu,Jun Lin,Zhi-Feng Fu 한국고분자학회 2012 Macromolecular Research Vol.20 No.8

Branched polystyrene was first obtained via a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)process in the presence of chain transfer monomer p-vinyl benzene sulfonyl chloride (VBSC) in benzene at 60 oC with 2-(ethoxycarbonyl)prop-2-yl dithiobenzoate as the RAFT agent and 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. During the RAFT polymerization, VBSC played the role of branching agent. It could not only copolymerized but also acted as a chain transfer agent due to the polymerizable vinyl group and sulfonyl chloride chain transfer group in the VBSC. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) traces demonstrated that the number-average molecular weights and molecular weight distributions increased along with monomer conversion. Compared with the RAFT process without VBSC, the resulting polymers had broad molecular weight distributions and the sulfonyl functionality of the resultant polymer at the branching point, indicating the formation of branched polystyrene. The structure of the obtained polystyrene was further analyzed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. The findings indicated that the branched polystyrene was mainly formed via the RAFT copolymerization of VBSC and styrene firstly to form polystyrene bearing pendant sulfonyl chloride group, and then the pendant sulfonyl chloride group acted as the chain transfer agent to generate the branched structure. In addition, the degree of branching and VBSC unit in copolymer increased along with the VBSC in the feed, implying that composition and structure of the branched polystyrenes could be tuned by the amount of VBSC in the feed.

Effects of moderate pressure on premeability and viability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells

Shi-Ru Jia,Na-Chen,Yu-Jie Dai,Chang-Sheng Qiao,Jian-Dong Cui,Bo-Ning Liu 한국화학공학회 2009 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.26 No.3

With CO2 and N2 as the pressure media, the effects of the moderate pressure (0.1-1.0MPa) and the holding time on the conductivities of the cell suspension of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CICC1447 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CICC1339, as well as the absorbances of the supernatant (after centrifuged) at 280 nm (A280) and 260 nm (A260) were determined. The membrane permeability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CICC1447 increased significantly and the cell leakage was aggravated with the pressure increase. For Saccharomyces cerevisiae CICC1339, the conductivity of the cell suspension, A280 and A260 of the supernatant fluctuated with the pressure increase; as a whole, they increased with pressure. Different from high pressure, a moderate pressure not only remarkably improved the permeability of the yeast cell membrane, but also kept yeast cell viability; moreover, the integrity of the yeast cell membrane could be maintained.

Controlled Synthesis of Branched Polystyrene via Free Radical Polymerization of Novel Chain Transfer Monomer

Cui-Ping Li,Jia-Qiang Wang,Jun Lin,Yan Shi,Zhi-Feng Fu 한국고분자학회 2011 Macromolecular Research Vol.19 No.8

The free radical polymerization of styrene was carried out in the presence of a new found chain transfer monomer, p-vinyl benzene sulfonyl chloride (VBSC), which possesses both a chain transfer group and a polymerizable double bond. Branched polystyrene was formed during the polymerization, as indicated by multi-peaks gel permeation chromatography (GPC) curves of the products, the increase in the number-average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution along with monomer conversions. The structure of the obtained polystyrene was analyzed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results showed that with increasing VBSC in the feed, the degree of branching and VBSC unit in the copolymer increased and a shortest polystyrene arm arose from the highest VBSC content in the feed, suggesting that the composition and structure of the branched polystyrenes could be tuned by the amount of VBSC in the feed. By tracing the structure change in the copolymer at various stages of polymerization, the main polymerization process can be regarded as the copolymerization of VBSC with styrene first and then chain transfer to polymeric radical to form branched polystyrene. This strategy is facile and less expensive than the other method.

Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide Extracted from Lycium barbarum Leaves Ameliorates Asthma in Mice by Reducing Inflammation and Modulating Gut Microbiota

Fang Cui,Chun-li Shi,Xiao-jing Zhou,Wang Wen,Xiao-ping Gao,Li-ying Wang,Bin He,Mei Yin,Jia-qing Zhao 한국식품영양과학회 2020 Journal of medicinal food Vol.23 No.7

This study was designed to explore the impact of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on inflammation and gut microbiota in mice with allergic asthma. Mice were divided into four groups: control group, OVA (ovalbumin) group, Con+LBP group, OVA+LBP group. After 28 days of LBP intervention, mice were euthanized and associated indications were investigated. Histopathological examination demonstrated that LBP reduced lung injury. The results of our current study provide evidence that supplementation with LBP in asthmatic mice decreases TNF, IL-4, IL-6, MCP-1, and IL-17A in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Sequencing and analysis of gut microbiota indicated that compared with the OVA group, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were increased, but Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Alistipes, and Clostridiales were decreased in the OVA+LBP group. We also found that gut microbiota were related to inflammation-related factors. Therefore, we speculate that LBP may improve allergic asthma by altering gut microbiota and inhibiting inflammation in mice.

CRISPR system for genome engineering: the application for autophagy study

( Jianzhou Cui ),( Shirley Jia Li Chew ),( Yin Shi ),( Zhiyuan Gong ),( Han-ming Shen ) 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2017 BMB Reports Vol.50 No.5

CRISPR/Cas9 is the latest tool introduced in the field of genome engineering and is so far the best genome-editing tool as compared to its precedents such as, meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and transcription activator-like effectors (TALENs). The simple design and assembly of the CRISPR/Cas9 system makes genome editing easy to perform as it uses small guide RNAs that correspond to their DNA targets for high efficiency editing. This has helped open the doors for multi-plexible genome targeting in many species that were intrac-table using old genetic perturbation techniques. Currently, The CRISPR system is revolutionizing the way biological researches are conducted and paves a bright future not only in research but also in medicine and biotechnology. In this review, we evaluated the history, types and structure, the mechanism of action of CRISPR/Cas System. In particular, we focused on the application of this powerful tool in autophagy research. [BMB Reports 2017; 50(5): 247-256]

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) inhibition by furofuran lignans from stems of Acanthopanax senticosus

BanBan Li,Jia Lin Li,Na Li,Shi-Zhou Qi,이현선,Le Zhang,Shan-Shan Xing,Zhen Dong Tuo,Long Cui 대한약학회 2017 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.40 No.11

Two new furofuran lignans were isolated fromthe stems of Acanthopanax senticosus, along with sevenknown compounds. Their structures were all determined byspectroscopic analyses and chemical methods. All theisolates were evaluated for in vitro inhibitory activityagainst DGAT1 and DGAT2. Compounds 1 and 2 werefound to exhibit selective inhibitory activity on DGAT1with IC50 values 89.5 ± 1.5 and 57.5 ± 1.3 lM,respectively.

Enhanced Activity of Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase in Permeabilised Recombinant E. coli by Response Surface Method

Jian-dong Cui,Yan Li,Shi Ru Jia 한국식품과학회 2009 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.18 No.2

To improve phenylalanine ammonia lyase (E.C.4.3.1.5-PAL) activity in recombinant Escherichia coli, Some approaches for improving phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity in recombinant E. coli were developed following preliminary studies by means of response surface method. The results shown that permeabilization with combination of Triton X-100, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and acetone enriched cellular recombinant PAL activity significantly, which improved over 10-fold as compared with the control (untreat cell), as high as 181.37 U/g. The optimum values for the tested variables were Triton X-100 0.108 g/ℓ, CTAB 0.15 g/ℓ, and acetone 45.2%(v/v). Furthermore, a second-order model equation was suggested and then validated experimentally. It was indicated that addition of surfactants and organic solvents made the cells more permeable and therefore allowed easier access of the substrate to the enzyme and excretion of the product, which increased the rate of transport of L-phenylalanine and trans-cinnamic acids. These improved methods of PAL activity enrichment could serve as a rich enzyme source, especially in the biosynthesis of L-phenylalanine.

Influence of Controlled- and Uncontrolled-pH Operations on Recombinant Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase Production in Escherichia coli

Jian Dong Cui,Gui Xia Zhao,Ya Nan Zhang,Shi Ru Jia 한국식품과학회 2009 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.18 No.4

Effects of controlled- and uncontrolled-pH operations on phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) production by a recombinant Escherichia coli strain were investigated at uncontrolled-pH (pHUC) and controlled-pH (pHC) of 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, and 8.5 in bioreactor systems. The results showed that the recombinant PAL activity was improved significantly by controlled pH strategy. Among the pHC operations, the highest PAL activities were obtained under pHC 7.5 strategy where cell mass (OD600 ㎚) and PAL activity was 1.3 and 1.8 fold higher than those of pHUC, respectively. The maximum PAL activity reached 123 U/g. The pHC 7.5 strategy made recombinant plasmid more stable and therefore allowed easier expression of PAL recombinant plasmid, which increased PAL production. It was indicated that the new approach (controlled-pH strategy) obtained in this work possessed a high potential for the industrial production of PAL, especially in the biosynthesis of Lphenylalanine.

Optimization of Medium on Exopolysaccharides Production in Submerged Culture of Cordyceps militaris

Jian-Dong Cui,Shi-Ru Jia 한국식품과학회 2010 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.19 No.6

Statistical experimental design strategy (SES) was applied to optimize the medium for the exopolysaccharides (EPS) production of Cordyceps militaris by submerged culture in shaker flask. A significant influence of the glucose and peptone on the EPS production was first evaluated by using a Plackett-Buman design. Then,steepest ascent method was employed to approach the experimental design space. Last, these factors were further optimized using central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM). A quadratic model was found to fit the EPS production. The optimum values of the tested variables for the production of EPS were 48.67 g/L glucose, 12.56 g/L peptone, 1 g/L KH2PO4, 10 g/L yeast extract, and 0.5 g/L MgSO4·7H2O. Under optimization of culture conditions, the EPS production was enhanced from 0.78 to 1.96 g/L. In comparison with that of original culture conditions, 2.5 fold increase was obtained.