ECUT (Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies) program: Biocatalysis project

The Annual Report presents the fiscal year (FY) 1988 research activities and accomplishments, for the Biocatalysis Project of the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies (ECUT) Division. The ECUT Biocatalysis Project is managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. The Biocatalysis Project is a mission-oriented, applied research and exploratory development activity directed toward resolution of the major generic technical barriers that impede the development of biologically catalyzed commercial chemical production. The approach toward achieving project objectives involves an integrated participation of universities, industrial companies and government research laboratories. The Project's technical activities were organized into three work elements: (1) The Molecular Modeling and Applied Genetics work element includes research on modeling of biological systems, developing rigorous methods for the prediction of three-dimensional (tertiary) protein structure from the amino acid sequence (primary structure) for designing new biocatalysis, defining kinetic models of biocatalyst reactivity, and developing genetically engineered solutions to the generic technical barriers that preclude widespread application of biocatalysis. (2) The Bioprocess Engineering work element supports efforts in novel bioreactor concepts that are likely to lead to substantially higher levels of reactor productivity, product yields and lower separation energetics. Results of work within this work element will be used to establish the technical feasibility of critical bioprocess monitoring and control subsystems. (3) The Bioprocess Design and Assessment work element attempts to develop procedures (via user-friendly computer software) for assessing the energy-economics of biocatalyzed chemical production processes, and initiation of technology transfer for advanced bioprocesses

The conversion of lignocellulosics to fermentable sugars: A survey of current research and application to CELSS

An overview of the options for converting lignocellulosics into fermentable sugars as applied to the Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) is given. A requirement for pretreatment is shown as well as the many available options. At present, physical/chemical methods are the simplest and best characterized options, but enzymatic processes will likely be the method of choice in the future. The use of pentose sugars by microorganisms to produce edibles at levels comparable to conventional plants is shown. The possible use of mycelial food production on pretreated but not hydrolyzed lignocelluloscis is also presented. Simple tradeoff analysis among some of the many possible biological pathways to regeneration of waste lignocellulosics was undertaken. Comparisons with complete oxidation processes were made. It is suggested that the NASA Life Sciences CELSS program maintain relationships with other government agencies involved in lignocellulosic conversions and use their expertise when the actual need for such conversion technology arises rather than develop this expertise within NASA

Degradation of TCE using sequential anaerobic biofilm and aerobic immobilized bed reactor

Bacteria capable of degrading trichloroethylene (TCE) were isolated from contaminated wastewaters and soil sites. The aerobic cultures were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (four species) and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The optimal conditions for the growth of aerobic cultures were determined. The minimal inhibitory concentration values of TCE for Pseudomonas sps. were also determined. The aerobic cells were immobilized in calcium alginate in the form of beads. Degradation of TCE by the anaerobic and dichloroethylene (DCE) by aerobic cultures was studied using dual reactors - anaerobic biofilm and aerobic immobilized bed reactor. The minimal mineral salt (MMS) medium saturated with TCE was pumped at the rate of 1 ml per hour into the anaerobic reactor. The MMS medium saturated with DCE and supplemented with xylenes and toluene (3 ppm each) was pumped at the rate of 1 ml per hour into the fluidized air-uplift-type reactor containing the immobilized aerobic cells. The concentrations of TCE and DCE and the metabolites formed during their degradation by the anaerobic and aerobic cultures were monitored by GC. The preliminary study suggests that the anaerobic and aerobic cultures of our isolates can degrade TCE and DCE

Трупоспалення чернелів-руського черняхівського могильника

Розглянуто матеріали комплексів із кремаціями чернелів-руського могильника черняхівської культури.В статье рассмотрены материалы комплексов с кремациями чернелив-русского могильника черняховской культуры (Западное Подолье), который относится к категории могильников с доминированием ингумаций, что выделяет его среди биритуальных могильников черняховской культуры. Из 288 исследованных погребений черняховской культуры — только две кремации (погребения 44 и 240), что составляет менее 1 % погребений могильника. Кроме того, в могильнике выявлены ритуально нарушенные ингумации, в заполнении могильных ям которых зафиксированы остатки кремаций, что, возможно, связано с сожжением эксгумированных частей этих ингумаций.The article views the materials from the assemblages with cremations in the burial ground Cherneliv-Rus of Chernyakhivska culture (Western Podillya). Cherneliv-Rus burial ground belongs to the category of burial grounds with inhumation prevailed and stands out against the biritual burial grounds of Chernyakhivska culture. There are only two cremations among 288 excavated burials of Chernyakhivska culture (burials 44 and 240). It comprises less than 1% of burials on the burial ground. The latter includes also ritually disturbed inhumations with the remains of cremations in the fi ll of burial pits, which could be related with the burning of exhumated parts of these inhumations

Коллекция культур микроводорослей IBASU-A – потенциальный ресурс биосырья для производства биодизеля

Рассмотрены ростовые параметры и продуктивность культур коллекции микроводорослей IBASU-A, определены перспективные штаммы-продуценты и создана отдельная коллекция как потенциальный ресурс биологического сырья для производства биодизеля.Growth characteristics and productivity of cultures of the Microalgal Culture Collection IBASU-A have been analysed. Promising strains-producers have been determined. Special culture collection as potential resource of feedstock for biodiesel has been created

Caldicellulosiruptor owensensis sp. nov., an anaerobic, extremely thermophilic, xylanolytic bacterium

This article is free to read on the publishers website An anaerobic, extremely thermophilic xylanolytic, non-spore-forming bacterium was isolated from a sediment sample taken from Owens Lake, California, and designated strain OLT (T = type strain). Strain OLT had a Gram-negative reaction and occurred as short rods which sometimes formed long chains containing a few coccoid cells. It grew at 50--80 °C, with an optimum at 75 °C. The pH range for growth was 5·5--9·0 with an optimum at about pH 7·5. When grown on glucose at optimal conditions, its doubling time was 7·3 h. In addition to glucose, the isolate utilized sucrose, xylose, fructose, ribose, xylan, starch, pectin and cellulose. Yeast extract stimulated growth on carbohydrates but was not obligately required. The end products from glucose fermentation were lactate, acetate, ethanol, H2 and CO2. The G+C content of strain OLT was 36·6 mol%. The 16S rDNA sequence analysis indicated that strain OLT was a member of the subdivision containing Gram-positive bacteria with DNA G+C content of less than 55 mol% and clustered with members of the genus Caldicellulosiruptor. Because strain OLT is phylogenetically and phenotypically different from other members of this genus, it is proposed to designate this isolate Caldicellulosiruptor owensensis sp. nov. Strain OLT is the type strain (=ATCC700167T)