Characterization of an anaerobic fungus from ilama faeces

An anaerobic fungus was isolated from Hama faeces. Based on its morphological characteristics, polyflagellated zoospores, extensive rhizoid system and the formation of monocentric colonies, the fungus is assigned to the genus Neocallimastix. Neocallimastix sp. L2 is able to grow on several poly-, oligo- and monosaccharides. It differs from other Neocallimastix isolates in its inability to ferment inulin. Neocallimastix sp. L2 requires CO2 for growth. In the presence of 100% CO2 in the gas phase glucose is fermented to H2, CO2, formate, acetate, lactate, succinate and ethanol (33.8, 15.4, 74., 69.2, 26.7, 8.2, and 28.7 mmol per 100 mmol glucose, respectively). Reduced sulphur compounds can be used as sulphur source and ammonium or amino acids as nitrogen source. The temperature range for glucose fermentation is from 37 to 42-degrees-C with an optimum of around 38-degrees-C. The pH range for glucose fermentation is from pH 6 to pH 8 with a broad optimum between pH 6.5 and pH 7.5. The zoospores of Neocallimastix sp. L2 contain ribosomal 'globules' and hydrogenosomes. In the kinetosomes of the zoospores spurs, scoops and skirts are visible. In both the rhizoids and the sporangia 'crystal bodies' and hydrogenosomes are present. Mitochondria were not detected in either of these life stages

Biotransformation of nitro-polycyclic aromatic compounds by vegetable and fruit cell extracts*

Extracts from various vegetables and fruits were investigated for their abilities to reduce nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs). The extracts from grape and onion exhibited an interesting selectivity, yielding corresponding hydroxylamines or amines as major products under mild conditions of 30 °C and pH 7.0. Grape extracts reduced the 4-nitro-1,8-naphthalic anhydride with the highest conversion rate (>99%) and the highest ratio of hydroxylamine to amine (95:5). In contrast, the onion extracts reduced 4-nitro-1,8-naphthalic anhydride with a conversion rate of 94% and a ratio of hydroxylamine to amine of 8:92. The thiol-reducing agent, β-mercaptoethanol, and metal cations, Ca2+ and Mg2+, greatly increased the reductive efficiency. This work provides an alternative strategy for biotransformation of nitro-polycyclic compounds