Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Marika Mikelsaar
University of Tartu, Estonia
Keynote: Functional properties of Lactobacillus sp. strains for application in health improvement
Time : 10:00-10:30 am
Biography:
Marika Mikelsaar is the Tartu University professor emeritus and medical biotechnology extraordinary professor. Her main research interests are clinical microbiology , human microbiology health and disease, and the probiotic mechanisms of action and development.rnMarika Mikelsaar garners public attention achievement is a patented probiotic lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 detection, which is used by Dr. Hellus dairy products in the series. 2007 . She was awarded for the European Union, women inventors and -innovaatorite Network ( EUWIIN ) Award and 2008 . in the global women inventors and -innovaatorite Award. rnMarika Mikelsaar belongs to the Estonian Women Student Society .
Abstract:
The gut microbiota provides host by chance with a large diversity of metabolically active species and strains that predict the response for different health conditions. Lactobacilli are characterized by wide gene richness for metabolism of carbohydrates, amino-acids and lipids. According to the FAO/WHO regulations (2002), the origin of the gut strain, its safety and colonizing abilities serve as the basic criteria for selecting suitable candidates for probiotics . However, little attention has been drawn to the functional properties of particular Lactobacillus sp (LB) strains for regulation of blood and urine biomarkers. We have discovered some LB strains with high antagonistic activity against enteric pathogens (Salmonella enteritidis, Shigella sp., Helicobacter pylori, Clostridum difficile) based on the production of high amounts of SCFA, ethyl alcohol and antimicrobial peptides. In experimental animal models some LB strains caused the enlargement of Peyer’s patches, increased the number of lymphocytes and mono-and polymorphonuclears with induction of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in gut mucosa and organs. This serves as an important immune enhancing functional property of the special strain aimed for control of infection and correction of dysbiosis after antibiotic treatment. Further, in L. fermentum ME-3 (DSM 14241) the full glutathione cycle and antioxidative Mn–SOD, expressing anti-atherogenic effects in volunteers was detected. Moreover, the strain was characterized by both alfa- and beta-galactosidases and bile acids hydrolases. This was associated with improvement of blood lipid profile in volunteers with borderline high content of low-density-cholesterol. The peptides with inhibitory activity of angiotensine converting enzymes, polyamine spermidine and nitric oxide (NO) were produced in vitro by both L.plantarum DSM 13279 and DSM 13280 strains. In dairy food intervention and clinical trials these functional properties have been shown to reduce the risk of obesity and high blood pressure. Thus, further research on the functional properties of putative probiotic Lactobacillus sp. (LB) strains may help to clarify ways of regulating the blood and urine biomarkers for reducing the risk of metabolic and immune-mediated diseases.
Keynote Forum
Yehuda Shoenfeld
Tel-Aviv University, Israel
Keynote: Helminthes and autoimmune diseases: Phosphorylcholin-tuftsin (TPC) conjugate attenuate clinical score and inflammation in three autoimmune mouse models
Time : 14.45-15:15 pm
Biography:
Yehuda Shoenfeld is an Israeli physician and autoimmunity researcher.Yehuda Shoenfeld works at Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer and the Sackler Faculty of Medicine at Tel-Aviv University. He is the incumbent of the Laura Schwarz-Kipp Chair for Research of Autoimmune Diseases. Shoefeld is the editor of two journals, Harefuah (Medicine) in Hebrew with English abstracts and Israel Medical Association Journal (IMAJ). He is editor-in-chief of Autoimmunity Reviews, and co-editor of the Journal of Autoimmunity.
Abstract:
In areas where helminthes infections are common, autoimmune diseases are rare. Treatment with helminthes and their ova, improved clinical findings of inflammatory bowel disease, multiple-sclerosis, rheumatoid-arthritis and type-I-diabetes-mellitus, in animal models and in human. The tolerogenic properties of the helminthes and their ova were attributed to the phosphorylcholine (PC) molecule. We analyzed the tolerogenic potential of tuftsin-PC (TPC) compound in experimental mouse models of lupus, dextran-sulfate-sodium-salt-(DSS)-induced colitis and collagen induced arthritis (CIA) .rnTreatment of Lupus prone mice (NZBxW/F1) subcutaneously with TPC attenuated the development of proteinuria (p<0.02) following by reduction in immunoglobulin deposition in the kidney mesangia. The improvement was associated with enhanced expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TGFï¢ and IL-10 (p<0.001). Whereas the inflammatory IFNï§ and IL-17 cytokine production was inhibited (p<0.03, p<0.01 respectively). TPC treatment resulted in a significant expansion of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T-regulatory cells phenotype in comparison to the vehicle treated mice (p<0.009). In DSS-induced-colitis mice, oral subjection of TPC prevented the severity of colitis, including a reduction in the daily-activity-index (DAI) score, there was less shortening of the colon and less inflammatory activity as observed by microscopy. The colitis preventive activity of TPC was associated with downregulation of colon pro-inflammatory IL-1β, TNFï¡ and IL-17 cytokines expression, and enhancement of anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine. Subcutaneous or oral ingestion of TPC in a prophylactic protocol to CIA mice, reduced significantly the clinical score of joints inflammation (calculated from immunohistology analysis), in comparison to mice which received the vehicle (p<0.001). The inhibition of arthritis development in CIA was followed by a significant expansion of T-regulatory-cells and B-regulatory CD19+CD10highCD5highICD1dhighTIM-1+ cells.rnWe prove that TPC can ameliorate significantly experimental glomerulonephritis in lupus mice, colitis in DSS-induced mice, and arthritis in the joints in CIA mice. We propose TPC , as a novel potential small molecule to treat lupus, arthritis and colitis. rn
- Track 3: Microbes: Food and Agriculture
Track 8: Microbes Potential Uses
Track 7: Application of Microbes in Medicine
Track 10: Environmental Microbiology and ecology
Track 11: Latest Research Update on Probiotics
Session Introduction
Marika Mikelsaar
University of Tartu, Estonia
Title: Functional properties of Lactobacillus sp. strains for application in health improvement
Biography:
Marika Mikelsaar is the Tartu University professor emeritus and medical biotechnology extraordinary professor. Her main research interests are clinical microbiology , human microbiology health and disease, and the probiotic mechanisms of action and development. Marika Mikelsaar garners public attention achievement is a patented probiotic lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 detection, which is used by Dr. Hellus dairy products in the series. 2007 . She was awarded for the European Union, women inventors and -innovaatorite Network ( EUWIIN ) Award and 2008 . in the global women inventors and -innovaatorite Award. Marika Mikelsaar belongs to the Estonian Women Student Society .
Abstract:
The gut microbiota provides host by chance with a large diversity of metabolically active species and strains that predict the response for different health conditions. Lactobacilli are characterized by wide gene richness for metabolism of carbohydrates, amino-acids and lipids. According to the FAO/WHO regulations (2002), the origin of the gut strain, its safety and colonizing abilities serve as the basic criteria for selecting suitable candidates for probiotics . However, little attention has been drawn to the functional properties of particular Lactobacillus sp (LB) strains for regulation of blood and urine biomarkers. We have discovered some LB strains with high antagonistic activity against enteric pathogens (Salmonella enteritidis, Shigella sp., Helicobacter pylori, Clostridum difficile) based on the production of high amounts of SCFA, ethyl alcohol and antimicrobial peptides. In experimental animal models some LB strains caused the enlargement of Peyer’s patches, increased the number of lymphocytes and mono-and polymorphonuclears with induction of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in gut mucosa and organs. This serves as an important immune enhancing functional property of the special strain aimed for control of infection and correction of dysbiosis after antibiotic treatment. Further, in L. fermentum ME-3 (DSM 14241) the full glutathione cycle and antioxidative Mn–SOD, expressing anti-atherogenic effects in volunteers was detected. Moreover, the strain was characterized by both alfa- and beta-galactosidases and bile acids hydrolases. This was associated with improvement of blood lipid profile in volunteers with borderline high content of low-density-cholesterol. The peptides with inhibitory activity of angiotensine converting enzymes, polyamine spermidine and nitric oxide (NO) were produced in vitro by both L.plantarum DSM 13279 and DSM 13280 strains. In dairy food intervention and clinical trials these functional properties have been shown to reduce the risk of obesity and high blood pressure. Thus, further research on the functional properties of putative probiotic Lactobacillus sp. (LB) strains may help to clarify ways of regulating the blood and urine biomarkers for reducing the risk of metabolic and immune-mediated diseases.
Monika Bright
University of Vienna, Austria
Title: Testing evolutionary theory in thiotrophic mutualism
Time : 10:30-10:55 am
Biography:
Monika Bright obtained her PhD at the University of Vienna in 1992, at the age of 29. She did her postdoctoral studies at the University of Tübingen, the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and the Pennsylvania State University. Presently, she is University Professor for Zoology and Marine Biology and Vice Head of the Department of Limnology and Oceanography at the University of Vienna. She has published more than 70 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as editorial board member for Frontiers in Microbial Symbiosis and as councilor of the International Society of Symbiosis.
Abstract:
Evolutionary theory depicts inter-species cooperation as mutual beneficial for both partners. However, empirical efforts to investigate underlying, stabilizing mechanisms require systems, which can be experimentally manipulated or cultivated. One of the most diverse microbial mutualisms involves sulfur oxidizing, chemoautotrophic bacteria and protist or animal hosts known from diverse marine ecosystems. The system we study is the tubeworm Riftia pachyptila and its endosymbiont Cand. Endoriftia persephone from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. We also focus on the ciliate Zoothamnium niveum and its ectosymbiont Cand. Thiobios zoothamnicoli from shallow-water wood falls, which we managed to cultivate. Transmission, considered to play a key role in the evolution, is horizontal in Riftia and resembles pathogen infections. Here we show an active escape of Endoriftia upon host death and seeding of the environment. This crucial process enables the host to find the cooperating symbiont over generations thus facilitating persistence. New findings point to a mixed transmission mode in Zoothamnium. In contrast to Endoriftia, Thiobios escapes dead hosts as well as living hosts when sulfide flux ceases. Cultivation experiments point to partner fidelity feedback mechanisms over a wide range of environmental conditions, but also show under which circumstances the ciliate mutualism terminates rendering an aposymbiotic host with reduced fitness. This loner strategy is not possible for the gutless tubeworm entirely nourished by its symbiont. Such studies outline the importance of bridging the gap between theory and empirical tests in various beneficial microbial associations to better understand cooperation.
Semiu Kareem
Modibbo University of Technology, Nigeria
Title: A BENEFICIAL MICROBE, Desulfobacterium anilini
Biography:
Dr. Kareem S A is currently working in the Modibbo University of Technology, Nigeria
Abstract:
About 90% of the hydrocarbons mined from the Earth are burnt for energy. Their combustion produces oxides of sulfur and nitrogen which are the principal source of acid rain. Most countries have imposed regulations to control their release. At the refineries, hydrodesulfurization (HDS) is currently performed to remove sulfur compounds from fossil fuels. This process is done at high temperatures and pressures by metal catalysis and is effective for removing inorganic sulfur and simple organic sulfur compounds. However, it is difficult to remove heterocyclic sulfur compounds. The high cost and inherent chemical limitations associated with HDS make alternatives to this technology of interest to the petroleum industry. Biodesulfurization which has two pathways, namely the sulfur-specific oxidative and the sulfur-specific reductive pathways has attracted attention as an alternative process to HDS, The sulfur-specific oxidative pathway has been extensively studied, There are very few reports on the desulfurization activity of sulfur reducing bacteria on DBT under well controlled sulfur-reducing anaerobic conditions. Desulfobacterium anilini was isolated by enrichment in an anaerobic jar and was subsequently identified after series of characteristic biochemical and morphological tests. Thereafter, its suitability for anaerobic desulfurization was investigated, it was found that it has great capability for that purpose, it remove over 80% of heterocyclic sulfur in both kerosene and diesel. The kinetics of the heterocyclic sulfur compounds in kerosene follows the zero order while the Michaelis Menten model described the kinetics observed in the removal of heterocyclic sulfur compounds in diesel. In view of the aforementioned, it is logical to conclude that Desulfobacterium anilini has a great benefit in the industry as a biocatalyst for heterocyclic sulfur compounds removal in real petroleum products.
Jerry Wells
Wageningen University, The Netherlands
Title: Faecalibacterium prausnitzii strain HTF-F and its extracellular polymeric matrix attenuate clinical parameters in DSS-induced colitis
Biography:
Prof. Wells graduated from Gonville & Caius College in the University of Cambridge with a PhD and obtained a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Nottingham, UK in 2004. In 2008 he was appointed as full Professor in The University of Wageningen, as the Chair of the Host-Microbe Interactions Group. He has more than 20 years research experience since obtaining his PhD. His major research interests are in the field of host-microbial interactions, mucosal immunology, bacterial infection and immunity, intestinal-health related research. He is an inventor on 18 patent applications and has authored more than 140 articles, including articles in Nature, Nature Biotechnology, Nature Reviews Microbiology and PNAS.
Abstract:
A decrease in the abundance and biodiversity of intestinal bacteria within the Firmicutes phylum has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In particular, the anti-inflammatory bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, member of the Firmicutes phylum and one of the most abundant species in healthy human colon, is underrepresented in the microbiota of IBD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of F. prausnitzii strain A2-165, the biofilm forming strain HTF-F and the extracellular polymeric matrix (EPM) isolated from strain HTF-F. For this purpose, the immunomodulatory properties of the F. prausnitzii strains and the EPM were studied in vitro using human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Then, the capacity of the F. prausnitzii strains and the EPM of HTF-F to suppress inflammation was assessed in vivo in the mouse dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) colitis model. The F. prausnitzii strains and the EPM had anti-inflammatory effects on the clinical parameters measured in the DSS model but with different efficacy. The immunomodulatory effects of the EPM were mediated through the TLR2-dependent modulation of IL-12 and IL-10 cytokine production in antigen presenting cells, suggesting that it contributes to the anti-inflammatory potency of F. prausnitzii HTF-F. The results show that F. prausnitzii HTF-F and its EPM may have a therapeutic use in IBD.
Hoda El-zaini
Cairo University, Egypt
Title: Morphological identification of cocci lactic acid bacteria using scanning electron microscope and image analysis
Biography:
Dr Hoda Elzeini has completed her PhD in Michigan State University, USA. She is a professor in Cairo University, Dairy Sci., Department. She has published more than 20 papers in different journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of Bioinfo Publications Journals.
Abstract:
Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) widely distributed in nature and play an important role in many food fermentations. Bacterial cell morphology is useful and valuable characteristics used in identification and are one of the easiest and greatest important tools for classification of bacteria. Therefore, cell morphological shape and size of six strains of cocci LAB grown in M17 broth and RSM were studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and image analysis technique. Results indicated that, Pediococcus acidilactici EMCC1690 was the smallest strain in size and Streptococcus thermophilus 779N was smaller than Enterococcus and Lactococcus strains. Excloding Pediococcus acidilactici, cells of other strains were generally smaller in size when grown in RSM than in M17 broth. Cells of cocci LAB were not perfectly spherical. In conclusion, cell shape and size parameters can be used for identification and classification of cocci LAB with determination of defined standard conditions for growth. It could be useful for identification of novel strains used to produce dairy food products.
Elias Hakalehto
University of Eastern Finland, Finland
Title: Combination of natural micro-flora with industrial strains in bio refineries
Biography:
Elias Hakalehto is currently working as Adjunct Prof in University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio.
Abstract:
Novel bio-refinery concepts have been piloted in three European countries in a multination EU Baltic Sea Region, ABOWE project (Advanced Concepts for the Biological Utilization of Waste). In Finland cellulosic waste, In Poland sorted bio-waste and potato industry residues and in Sweden slaughter house waste and chicken manure were used as feed-stocks. The process has been designed by the author and it has been tested by the company Finn flag Oy in Finland. It is based on 15 years of experimentation with the PMEU device (Portable Microbe Enrichment Unit). In these accelerated bio-processes, the application of different cultivation and carrier gases plays an important role in the non-aseptic runs. Selected industrial or laboratory strains, such as Klebsiella sp. and Clostridium sp. are combined with the background flora existing in the biomass raw materials. This concept is now under development toward industrial processes. The interactions in the mixed cultures and the adjustment parameters are highlighted. Results from the corresponding experiments as well as from the ABOWE experimentation are summed up. The basic idea is to provide a concept with an improved productivity of platform chemicals, biogas and organic fertilizers from the wastes. With an improved productivity the facility size can be reduced, and the required investments consequently lowered. The processes taking place in the bioreactor are compared with the degradation and conversion events in the environment and in the human or ruminant digestive tract. This evaluation has brought some promising aspects also into the probiotic development.
Maciej Szaleniec
Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
Title: Steroid C25 dehydrogenase – A novel catalyst for regioselective hydroxylation of cholesterol and its derivatives
Biography:
Maciej Szaleniec has completed his PhD at Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, PAS in 2007 and is currently the head of Joint Laboratory of Biotechnology and Enzyme Catalysis, ISCS PAS in Kraków, Poland. He has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and is focused in his research on both experimental and theoretical studies of enzymes from anaerobic bacteria.
Abstract:
Sterolibacterium denitrificans is a denitrifying bacterium that under anaerobic conditions mineralizes cholesterol [1]. It is a source of new region-selective enzymes that can be consider as an interesting biocatalysts for the industry. The initial degradation step of choresterol, ring A oxidation and isomerisation to cholest-4-en-3-one, is catalyzed by cholesterol dehydrogenase/isomerase (AcmA). This product is further oxidized to cholesta-1,4-dien-3-one by cholest-4-en-3-one-∆1-dehydrogenase (AcmB) [2]. Subsequently, both products are hydroxylated at tertiary C25 of the alkyl side chain by steroid C25 dehydrogenase (S25DH) using water as an oxygen donor. S25DH is a heterotrimer (αβγ), containing a molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide cofactor (MGD), 5 FeS clusters and a heme belonging to EBDH-like family [3]. The hydroxylation of cholesterol and its derivatives with S25DH provides an opportunities for application of the enzyme in synthesis of signal compounds and hormones such as 25-hydroxycholesterol and vitamin D3 derivatives. Homogenous and immobilized S25DH was used to convert range of substrates (e.g. cholest-4-en-3-one, cholest-1,4-dien-3-one, cholest-4,6-dien-3-one) under optimized reaction conditions. As the crystal structure of the enzyme is still unknown a homology model of ï¡ catalytic subunit S25DH was constructed. MD simulations and docking experiments followed by QM:MM studies provided insight into S25DH catalytic characteristics, which is a first step in understanding of the catalytic mechanism. [1] Dermer, J., and Fuchs, G. J. Biol. Chem.. 2012, 287, 36905–36916 [2] Chiang, et al. J. Bacteriology 2008, 190, 905-914. [3] M. Szaleniec, et. al., Biochemistry 2007, 46 (2007) 7637-7646 Authors acknowledge the financial support from grant projects: LIDER/33/147/L-3/11/NCBR and SONATA 012/05/D/ST4/00277.
Bhukya Prakash
ICAR – Directorate of Poultry Research, India
Title: Production of Selenium Enriched Saccharomyces Cerevisiae using Yeast Extract Peptone Dextrose Broth
Biography:
Dr. Bhukya Prakash, born on 08 July, 1972 in Telangana State of India. Completed graduation and post-graduation in the discipline of Veterinary Science and Animal Nutrition, respectively from ANGARU, Hyderabad, India. Similarly, completed Doctoral Degree from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India. Working as a Scientist under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) since year 2003. Completed 6 projects funded by the ICAR. Developed area specific mineral mixture and feeding schedule for high altitude animal that is Mithun (Bos frontalis). Presently working with 1 ongoing project funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Govt of India. Research interest is rumen microbes, microbial enzymes and rumen ecology. Experienced in working on quantifying the rumen microbes, microbial enzyme activities and rumen metabolites. Also experienced in working on the nutrient and mineral composition of the feeds and fodders. Presently, working on standardizing the optimum concentration of trace minerals for production of organic Se, Zn and Cu by using the Yeast cells. Published 38 research paper in peer reviewed journal, and honored with Best Doctoral thesis award and Best paper presentation.
Abstract:
Dietary supplementation of organic Selenium (Se) through Se enriched yeast is common practice. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) is recognized well for its ability to accumulate and convert inorganic Se to organic Se. However, the concentration of the sodium selenite (inorganic) determines the growth of SC, which is the critical in producing the organic Se using SC. Therefore, the present experiment was carried out to optimize the concentration of sodium selenite to produce the maximum yeast cell growth. For that purpose, SC (strain 101) was subjected to various concentrations of sodium selenite (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100 and 150 mg/L) in yeast extract peptone dextrose (YEPD) broth containing 2% sugar. The SC inoculated broth was maintained in the shaking incubator at 31ºC for 48 h. The broth was then subjected for serial dilution and enumerated using the spread plate (incubated at 48 h at 31ºC) method in the YEPD agar. It was recorded that the growth of SC was decreased 25% and 50% in 10 and 20 mg/L broth, respectively compared to control. However, there is insignificant difference for the colony forming units between the 20 and 30 mg/L levels. Further, Se in the broth of above 50 mg/L considerably reduced the growth of SC. Similarly, the morphological observation revealed that the cells size of SC was decreased and gradual increase in the number of budding was evident. Further above 50 mg/L concentration the rupturing of the cell wall of the SC was observed. Therefore, it has been concluded that the maximum cell growth can be obtained at 10 to 20 ppm concentration of inorganic Se in order to produce the more of the Se enriched SC.
Biography:
Yehuda Shoenfeld is an Israeli physician and autoimmunity researcher.Yehuda Shoenfeld works at Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer and the Sackler Faculty of Medicine at Tel-Aviv University. He is the incumbent of the Laura Schwarz-Kipp Chair for Research of Autoimmune Diseases. Shoefeld is the editor of two journals, Harefuah (Medicine) in Hebrew with English abstracts and Israel Medical Association Journal (IMAJ). He is editor-in-chief of Autoimmunity Reviews, and co-editor of the Journal of Autoimmunity.
Abstract:
In areas where helminthes infections are common, autoimmune diseases are rare. Treatment with helminthes and their ova, improved clinical findings of inflammatory bowel disease, multiple-sclerosis, rheumatoid-arthritis and type-I-diabetes-mellitus, in animal models and in human. The tolerogenic properties of the helminthes and their ova were attributed to the phosphorylcholine (PC) molecule. We analyzed the tolerogenic potential of tuftsin-PC (TPC) compound in experimental mouse models of lupus, dextran-sulfate-sodium-salt-(DSS)-induced colitis and collagen induced arthritis (CIA) . Treatment of Lupus prone mice (NZBxW/F1) subcutaneously with TPC attenuated the development of proteinuria (p<0.02) following by reduction in immunoglobulin deposition in the kidney mesangia. The improvement was associated with enhanced expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TGFï¢ and IL-10 (p<0.001). Whereas the inflammatory IFNï§ and IL-17 cytokine production was inhibited (p<0.03, p<0.01 respectively). TPC treatment resulted in a significant expansion of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T-regulatory cells phenotype in comparison to the vehicle treated mice (p<0.009). In DSS-induced-colitis mice, oral subjection of TPC prevented the severity of colitis, including a reduction in the daily-activity-index (DAI) score, there was less shortening of the colon and less inflammatory activity as observed by microscopy. The colitis preventive activity of TPC was associated with downregulation of colon pro-inflammatory IL-1β, TNFï¡ and IL-17 cytokines expression, and enhancement of anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine. Subcutaneous or oral ingestion of TPC in a prophylactic protocol to CIA mice, reduced significantly the clinical score of joints inflammation (calculated from immunohistology analysis), in comparison to mice which received the vehicle (p<0.001). The inhibition of arthritis development in CIA was followed by a significant expansion of T-regulatory-cells and B-regulatory CD19+CD10highCD5highICD1dhighTIM-1+ cells. We prove that TPC can ameliorate significantly experimental glomerulonephritis in lupus mice, colitis in DSS-induced mice, and arthritis in the joints in CIA mice. We propose TPC , as a novel potential small molecule to treat lupus, arthritis and colitis.
Hubert Antolak
Lodz University of Technology, Poland
Title: The varied adhesive abilities of acetic acid bacteria isolated from environmental and industrial sources
Biography:
Hubert Antolak finished his studies at the Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science with engineer degree in Biotechnology in 2012. In 2013 he received Master degree in Biotechnology at Biotechnology and Food Sciences Department. In the same year, he began PhD studies at the Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology. He is co-author of articles in Polish Journals: Food, Science, Technology, Quality; Food Industry; Laboratory; Agro Industry; and article in BioMed Research International. He is co-author of nucleotide sequences deposited in GenBank database.
Abstract:
Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are the members of Acetobacteraceae family, widespread in nature. The bacteria colonize the environments rich in saccharides occuring as a native microflora of flowers, fruits, honey. In biotechnology, AAB are vere important group of microorganisms used in vinegar biosynthesis, biocellulose production, biocatalysis. In other hand, the bacteria are responsible for contamination of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages coasing sensory-organoleptic changes of the product. A significant amount of products are contaminated by bacteria inhabit in a biofilm formed on the inner parts of the production line. Due to the high resistance of formed microbial structure and low efficiency of washing and disinfecting processes, the problem affects a growing number of companies. The objective of this study was to investigate adhesive abilities of acetic acid bacteria to packaging materials used in the food industry, both glass and PET (Ethylene Terephthalate). The experiments were performed with a 15 strains isolated from polish and exotic fruits and contaminated products. The analysis of adhesion to the carriers was performed by luminometry, the plate count method and microscopic observations. Biofouling during incubation had a dynamic and changeable character. The number of attached cells was significantly higher with PET surface. The highest values of RLU were obtained for Asaia lannensis strains isolated from the mineral flavoured water and grapes. Results of our study show that the less hydrophobic materials such as glass are much better for food industry. The microbial adhesion to this kind of material is less efficient with decreased probability of biofilm occurrence in production processes.
Zaharah Ibrahim
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia
Title: Beneficial microbes for the treatment of dyes contaminated wastewater
Biography:
Zaharah Ibrahim is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia. She graduated from Northern Illinois University, USA with BS (Biochemistry) and MS (Chemistry), Phd from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Her research interest in Environmental Biotechnology focuses on the biological treatment of difficult organics such as azo dyes, volatile, non-volatile aromatic compounds and toxic heavy metals originating from industrial effluents. Highly adapted microorganisms were selected and applied as suspension, biofilms and biogranules in the treatment process. Current progress in research includes using molecular tools for monitoring treatment of real textile wastewater.
Abstract:
The removal of colour, especially from coloured wastewater containing azo dyes has been a great challenge over the last decade and until now; there is no single and economically treatment method. A good example is the textile wastewater, classified as the most polluted industrial wastewater, may contain dyes, dye break down products, plant materials, organic solvents and detergents that are detrimental to the environment and pose health threats to the human population. To meet the regulatory compliance, the industries have to spend several million dollars in capital investment and hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual operating costs. As effective treatment plant is generally expensive and unaffordable, the application of beneficial microbes able to decolourise and transform coloured compounds into simpler and non-hazardous compounds is a good alternative and timely solution. The research challenge was to develop mixed culture of microorganisms capable of removing colour from dye containing effluents. Under the sequential facultative anaerobic-aerobic process, the selected mixed culture of bacteria which were later identified as Brevibacillus panacihumi strain ZBI, Lysinibacillus puciformis strain ZB2 and Enterococcus faecalis strain ZL when used for the treatment of real wastewater showed up to 80-90% of decolourisation followed by detection of smaller and readily degradable molecules for safe discharge of effluent. The wastewater was also analysed for its water quality parameters and ecotoxicity tests. Utilising this mixed culture of bacteria offers alternative GREEN solution to replace or complement the use of chemicals in conventional methods for treatment of coloured wastewater.
Zhigang (Peter) Zhou
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Title: Probiotics feeding suspension increases tilapia susceptibility through inducing gut dysbiosis
Biography:
Prof. Zhigang Zhou has completed his PhD at the age of 28 years from Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and postdoctoral studies from Shantou University. He is the director of Department of Aqua Nutrition and Feed, Feed Research Institute of CAAS with the subject “fish gut microbe”. He has published more than 60 papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
The mechanism underlying the variety of health benefits of probiotic Lactobacillus remains poorly understood (Marco et al., 2006). During the last decade, a substantial body of scientific evidence has accumulated suggesting that certain surface-associated and extracellular components produced by Lactobacillus could be responsible for some of their mechanisms of action. They are thought to play essential roles in the molecular intercommunication between host-bacteria, and in the monitoring of the bacterial environment (van Pijkeren et al., 2006). In Lactobacillus, these probiotic effector molecules could be responsible for some of probiotic traits, such as pathogen inhibition and immunomodulation (Buck et al., 2005), and it is urgently to exploit more probiotic effector molecules in order to have a better understanding of how commensal, probiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms interact with one another and the mammalian host. In this presentation, we systematically review the most interesting aspects of probiotic effector molecules derived from genera Lactobacillus. Additionally, the potential mechanisms of specific probiotic effector factors and the responses they can induce in the host will also be discussed. We also wish to provide some insights for further elucidation of microbe-microbe and microbe-host interactions involved in the probiotic effects of Lactobacillus at the molecular and cellular levels.
Alejandro Pérez-de-Luque
University of Sheffield, United kingdom
Title: Belowground interactions between mycorrhiza and rhizobacteria prime above ground wheat defence
Biography:
Alejandro Pérez-de-Luque is a plant researcher and agronomist, interested in resistance of plants against phytopathogens (parasitic plants, fungi, etc.). He started his career back in 1994, during the universitary studies, as undergraduate assistant in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Córdoba (Spain). After getting the degree in Agronomical Engineering, he received a grant for PhD studies in the Department of Genetic at the University of Córdoba. He has been working in different institutes and researching centers in Spain, UK and Israel, and has been awarded contracts from the 'Juan de la Cierva' and 'Ramon y Cajal' Spanish post-doc programmes. He is a permanent researcher in the Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology at the IFAPA since 2009, and he held a two years Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship at the University of Sheffield
Abstract:
Plant breeding for resistance genes and chemical treatments are currently the main strategies to control plant diseases. However, withdrawal of agrochemicals under new EU legislation and co--â€evolution of diseases to overcome crop resistance genes have increased the need to find alternative means to improve crop disease management. Disease suppression by root colonizing non--â€pathogenic microorganisms has been Recognized as a promising long--â€term strategy. Beneficial rhizosphere--â€colonizing microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) and plant growth--â€promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), can prime the plant immune system against pathogen attack (Cameron et al., 2013). However, the complexity of the plant root microbiome has hampered wide--â€ranging exploitation of these biocontrol organisms in current crop protection schemes. In this work, we have evaluated the interaction between two beneficial microorganisms, a mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus intraradices) and a plant growth promoting rhizobacterial strain (Pseudomonas putida) and investigated the mechanisms by which these microbes synergistically prime wheat (Triticum aestivum) for enhanced defensive responses.
Biography:
Dr. Abbas completed his PhD in Plant Pathology in 1987 from the University of Minnesota. He joined USDA-ARS in 1990 and has been the lead scientist in the mycotoxin control project since 1999. His research focuses on the reduction mycotoxins in grains by studying agricultural practices, varietal resistance, fungal ecology, and biological control. He has authored or co-authored 242 publications (194 referred research journals, 48 review articles/book chapters). He has received 6 patents for work on mycoherbicides and aflatoxin control. He is recognized worldwide as an authority on mycotoxin contamination in the field, in food, and for work on mycoherbicides.
Abstract:
Biocontrol agents are used to control various agricultural pests including fungi, insects, weeds, and bacteria. The efficacy of these beneficial microbes depends on their delivery systems. Because of difficulties in maintaining viability during storage and field application, improved methods are required to enhance their effectiveness. Novel biodegradable formulations comprising biocontrol microorganisms impregnating a starch-based bioplastic are effective for delivering biocontrol microorganisms and bioactive compounds to soil, plants and seeds. Granules of bioplastic containing Aspergillus flavus are sprinkled on soil to reduce aflatoxin in maize. Coating seed with bioplastic containing Trichoderma helps to establish seedlings and prevent root rot. On tomatoes, impatiens and annual bluegrass Trichoderma formulated in bioplastic granules reduces damping off, a fungal disease, by 85%. Application of a sprayable liquid formulation of bioplastic containing Beauveria bassiana significantly reduced damage caused by the European corn borer in maize and the tarnished plant bug in cotton. Applying bioplastic formulated with spores of a non-toxigenic A. flavus isolate resulted in a 97% reduction of aflatoxin contamination of maize. The bioplastic dispersion formulation is effective in delivering crystals of Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxins to European Corn Borer larvae, causing 72% mortality”. These results suggest that bioplastic formulations have the potential for effective delivery of several biocontrol agents.
Eman M. Khalaf
University of Guelph, Canada
Title: Taxonomic Diversity of Cucurbit Seed Associated Endophytes
Biography:
Eman Khalaf has completed her BSc and PhD from Mansoura University, Faculty of Pharmacy. She is working as a Lecturer of Microbiology, Damanhour University. Currently, she is a postdoctoral fellow in Raizada lab (Beneficial Microbes Lab), University of Guelph.
Abstract:
Endophytes are potentially beneficial microbes that live inside plants and can be utilized as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents by promoting plant growth and/or suppressing phytopathogens. Few endophytes have previously been isolated from the cucurbit plant family which includes economically important crops including watermelon, cucumber, cantaloupe, pumpkin and squash. In the present study, 169 bacterial endophytes and 10 fungal endophytes were isolated from seeds of different varieties of diverse cucurbits -- the most comprehensive characterization of endophytes from this plant family. 16S rDNA and internal transcribed spacers (ITS4 and ITS1F) fingerprinting were used to taxonomically classify the isolated bacteria and fungi, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of bacterial isolates showed Bacilli was the most abundant class including six different bacterial families. γ-proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were also represented in four different families. Bacillus was the core microbiota that was conserved across tested cucurbits genera. Strains of the genus Paenibacillus were exclusively isolated from Cucumis sativus L., Cucumis melo L. and Cucurbita pepo L. var pepo L. Three different genera of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were recovered from C. sativus L., C. melo L., Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus. and Cucurbita pepo L. var. turbinata. Our results suggest co-evolution of seed microbial consortia with their host plants. We now propose to test these novel endophytic microbial strains for their ability to suppress important fungal and bacterial pathogens of the cucurbit family.
Biography:
Associate professor of food and water microbiology and hygiene, The University of Jordan (2006-Present). Additionally, I am a visiting scholar (2007-2015) at Washington State University, USA. I obtained my Ph.D. in Food Microbiology in 2005 from Washington State University, USA. I have intensive experience in detection and identification of pathogenic microorganisms in food, water, and environment using novel techniques such as Real-Time PCR, FT-IR, microbial culturing and physiology, monitoring quality of food products (microbiological aspects), and monitoring environmental microbial quality in hospitals and health care centers I have published more than thirty manuscripts in peer reviewed journals (team-work research projects). I currently have eight funded research projects related to food and water microbiology.
Abstract:
This study investigated the effect of electrolyzed water on pathogenic bacteria cell suspensions. Specifically, we evaluated the efficacy of strong and weak acidic electrolyzed waters (SACEW, WACEW) and strong and weak alkaline electrolyzed waters (SALEW, WALEW) on Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Listeria monocytogenes, Aeromonas hydrophila, Campylobacter jejuni, and Escherichia coli O104:H4 in suspensions of (107-109 CFU/mL) in 1% NaCl. SACEW and WACEW were applied at available chlorine concentrations (ACC) of 20 and 10 mg/L, pH 3.1 and 3.55 and oxidation-reduction potentials (ORP) of 1150 and 950 mV, respectively. Results show that no viable cells were recovered for V. parahaemolyticus, L. monocytogenes, A. hydrophila, C. jejuni within 2 min at 20 °C. However, E. coli O104:H4 was significantly more resistant to ALEW compared to ACEW. Results also show that the bactericidal activity of SACEW (20 mg/L ACC) was more effective than WACEW (10 mg/mL ACC) in terms of inactivating E. coli O104:H4. Alkaline electrolyzed waters were found to reduce cell numbers by 1-3 log (P < 0.05). However, alkaline electrolyzed water was less effective (P < 0.05) than acidic electrolyzed treatment.
Marta Dudkiewicz
Lodz University of Technology, Poland
Title: Amino-acid profiles of Yeast Autolysates
Biography:
Marta Dudkiewicz has graduated from Lodz University of Technology (LUT) with BSc in Technical Microbiology and MSc in Fermentation Technology. The subject of her MSc thesis, which she completed in 2014, was “The utilization of sugar beet pulp hydrolysate for lactic acid fermentation”. Currently, she is employed by Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology (LUT), working as a scientist and researcher and doing research for Applied Research Programme – Project PBS1/B8/3/2012. She is a co-author of several articles which are going to be published soon.
Abstract:
The interest in the production of yeast extracts and their use as food additives has been growing in the recent years. Yeast extracts can be obtained from pure culture or from post – fermentation cultures. Free amino acids in the extracts are known to have a major influence on flavor. Yeast hydrolysates with higher concentrations of valine, leucine, threonine and phenylalanine, as well as of sulfur amino acids (cysteine and methionine), could enhance flavor. This work presents the results of a study to determine the effect of Quillaja saponaria saponins on the autolysis of industrial yeast strains. Saponin is a relatively unconventional inductor for yeast autolysis. Cells treated with saponin retain sufficient integrity for rapid equilibration. The proposed method also has the advantages of relatively low cost, low added salt and well-documented health benefits. The distillery yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Lesaffre) and Kluyveromyces marxianus LOCK0026) were used as pure cultures in the study, as well as post-fermentation mixed cultures. Cell suspension density was estimated using a Muse® Cell Analyzer. The concentration of proteins was measured using Direct Detect® system. Free amino nitrogen concentration (FAN) was determined based on the colour reaction with ninhydrin. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen was measured colorimetrically with Nessler’s reagent. Free amino acids in the autolysates was measured using the Pico-Tag method. The presence of saponin during autolysis resulted in a substantial increase in the concentration of nitrogen compounds, in comparison to tests without this agent. Post-fermentation biomass had more interesting amino – acid profile than aerobically propagated monocultures.
Stéphane Duboux
Nestlé Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
Title: The Key to Acetate: Metabolic Fluxes of Acetic Acid Bacteria under Cocoa Pulp Fermentation-Simulation Conditions
Biography:
Stéphane Duboux is currently working in Nestlé Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland. He has published various papers in various journals
Abstract:
Chocolate preprocessing involves pod opening, bean (pulp) fermentation, and bean drying, followed by roasting of the cocoa beans (1). Cocoa bean fermentation is a spontaneous process that is carried out under rather uncontrolled conditions. Thus, the result of the fermentation process strongly depends on the microbial population of the pulp and postharvest practices on the farm (2). Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) play an important role during cocoa fermentation, as their main product, acetate, is a major driver for the development of the desired cocoa flavors (3, 4). Here, we investigated the specialized metabolism of these bacteria under cocoa pulp fermentation-simulating conditions via carefully designed combination of parallel 13C isotope labeling experiments. The received insights supported the first development of experimental starter cultures.
Eric Kasamba
University of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Title: Correction tests of intestinal translocation Bactrian by supplementation with yogurt when ARV treatment
Biography:
Eric Kasamba is currently working as Faculty of Medicine in University of Lubumbashi
Abstract:
Context Infection with HIV causes, among other misdeeds, deregulation of the immune balance in the digestive tract that promotes bacterial passages or bacterial fragments in the bloodstream. This is one of the causes of chronic inflammation that persists among HIV-positive even under effective antiretroviral therapy. This inflammation followed by assaying sCD14 explains much of co morbidities that appear excessive in people with HIV, even taking into account the traditional risk factors and the fact to be treated. One could try to restore the intestinal flora with probiotics Methodology 150 naïve patients received in 5 clinical Lubumbashi (Congo-DRC) were randomized using a factorial design to receive bi LPV / r tablets compared to NVP combined with TDF / FTC or ZDV / 3TC for 24 weeks. 50 and 25 patients on NVP LPV / r have taken over 250g natural yoghurt per week for 24 weeks, while 50 and 25 patients were evaluated respectively as NVP in LVP / r without any supplementation. Viral load and CD4 and sCD14 assay were made at baseline and after 24 weeks. Results In patients on ARVs without any supplementation, base line the median CD4 and viral load and that of sCD14 are respectively for the NVP : CD4: 116 /μl, VL: 5,2log copies and sCD 14 : 6600ng / ml; S24 after CD4 179 /μl VL and 3.2 log copy sCD 14: 4600ng / ml. And the arm LPV / r: 109 / μl and 5, 0 and log copies sCD 14: 5600ng / ml; S24 after CD4 195 /μl. VL and 2.5 log copies sCD 14: 4300ng / ml. For patients undergoing ARV yoghurt and under the line bases were as follows: Patients receiving NVP D0: CD4121 / μl, VL 5, 3 log 14 copies and sCD: 6040ng / ml and CD4 415 after S24 /μl .VL 1, 7 log copies and sCD 14: 2600ng / ml. And the arm LPV / r: 129 / μl and VL 5, 0 log copies, sCD 14: 6100ng / ml and CD4 S24 after 405 / μl and VL:1.7 log copies sCD 14: 2800ng / ml Conclusion Our results establish that the yogurt inhibits intestinal bacterial translocation and significantly improves the quality of biological parameters in AIDS infection.
Bahaa Shawky
National Research Centre, Egypt
Title: Pretreatment, Hydrolysis, and Fermentation of Rice Straw to Bioethanol as Biofuel
Biography:
Professor Bahaa Shawky, His specialization field is Industrial Microbiology and Fermentation Technology. Principal Investigator of projects:{ Biofuel, Biopolymers, Bioprotein, Biofertilizers, Microbial Enzymes, Unconventional animal rations, … }. Participated in international conferences. He supervised 25 postgraduates . He has published 75 papers in international journals. Wide range of consultations . Holder of a biofuel patent . Holder of the Invention and Innovation Development Award in the field of renewable and new energy. Member of several scientific societies. Postdoctoral fellowship to: Martin-Luther-Universität, Akademie der Wissenchaften, and Humboldt-Universität, Germany. Worked as visiting Fulbright professor at the Engineering Biosciences Research Center, USA .
Abstract:
The global rise in energy consumption, predicted increase in energy demands, increasing price, unexpected fluctuations, depletion of reserves, and well-documented drawbacks of fossil fuels; have converged to create an urgent need to develop more sustainable energy systems based on renewable biomass feedstocks. Lignocellulosic materials are particularly attractive as feedstocks for biofuel production because of their relatively low cost, great abundance, and sustainable supply. Lignocelluloses are composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in a intricate structure, which is recalcitrant to decomposition. Pretreatment is the crucial and costly unit process to liberate the sugars contained within cellulose fibers embedded in the hetero-matrix of plant cell walls. Therefore, the pretreatment step plays a significant role in a lignocellulosic biorefinery process. The present study highlighted the merits of a new pretreatment called Multipurpose Fiber Expansion (MFEX), where Rice Straw (RS) is treated with steam and carbon dioxide in sequence to make use of the synergistic effects obtained under pressure and moderate temperature for a few minutes and then rapidly releasing the pressure. MFEX is a promising method for pretreating rice straw for bioethanal production. A total reducing sugars of about 630 mg/g dry treated RS was achieved within 24 hours hydrolysis with commercial cellulases. Of this total, about 390 mg/g was glucose, which was rapidly fermented within 24 hours by a genetically-engineered ethanologenic organism Klebsiella oxytoca leading to bioethanol yield of about 370 mg/g dry treated RS. The results have significant implications and future applications regarding to provide a sustainable energy production system.
Naheed Mojgani
Natural Biotechnology Company, Karaj- IR Iran
Title: Antibiotic Resistance in Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Commercial Probiotic Products in Iran
Biography:
Dr Naheed Mojgani PhD in Microbiology is Associate Professor at Razi Vaccine Research Institute, Iran. She has been working in the field of Probiotics for the last 20 years and her work has been appreciated during presentations in many International conferences, She has published more than 30 research papers in the reputed journals and a number of students (M.Sc and PhD) are working for their thesis under her supervision. She is also working at R& D of Natural Biotech Company located in Karaj, Iran and involved in production of veterinary probiotics.
Abstract:
A major public health issue worldwide is the emergence of antibiotic resistance and in this regard probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) harboring antibiotic resistance genes are of great concern for consumers and health care providers. Hence, it is of great importance to distinguish intrinsic or acquired character of antibiotic resistance especially in Lactic Acid bacteria used in food chains. In this study we assessed the antibiotic resistance patterns of a LAB strains isolated from commercially available probiotic supplements available in Iranian market and characterized the genetic determinants responsible for the resistances. Forty five LAB isolated from 24 commercial probiotic products (supplements) were identified to species level by microbiological, biochemical and 16S rRNA sequencing method. The antibiotic resistance pattern of the selected isolates was tested by disc diffusion and MIC against 10 antibiotic groups (Carbapenems, Cephalosporins, Glycopeptides, Lincosamdes, Macrolides, Penicillins, Quinolones, Sulfonamides, Tetracyclines, etc). Resistant genes in the strains were examined by PCR analysis and their transferability to other bacteria was evaluated by conjugation studies. Distribution of resistance was found in different species. All tested isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, ampicillin, cephalothin, and clindamycin. In contrast, all isolates were resistant to vancomycin, rifampicin, kanamycin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, and metronidazole. Additionally, a number of strains were resistant to trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, and cefepime. Intrinsic aminoglycosides ,quinolones ,sulfonamides and metronidazole resistance were observed in all strains . The vanX ,vanA and tet(M) genes were detected on plasmid DNA of certain LAB isolates. For chloramphenicol,β-lactames no resistance was detected. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic resistance is present in different species of probiotic strains, which poses a threat to food safety. Evaluation of the safety of lactic acid bacteria for human consumption should be guided by established criteria, guidelines and regulations.