Hydrolysis of starches and flours by sorghum malt amylases for dextrins production

in European Food Research & Technology (2013)

Corn and wheat starches as well as wheat and cassava flours were hydrolyzed using sorghum malt at 65 °C for 6 hours. During these reactions, dextrose equivalent (DE) values were followed under 3 ... [more ▼]

Corn and wheat starches as well as wheat and cassava flours were hydrolyzed using sorghum malt at 65 °C for 6 hours. During these reactions, dextrose equivalent (DE) values were followed under 3 concentrations of sorghum malt and of calcium chloride. Wheat flour presented the highest DE values and cassava flour had the highest hydrolysis yield. Thus, different dextrins were produced in a pilot plant and were analyzed by HPSEC and HPAEC-PAD for their molecular weight distribution and oligosaccharides composition respectively. The results indicated that oligosaccharides with broad molecular weight distributions were present in the dextrins produced and that the proportion of maltose was very high. [less ▲]

Use of GFP whole cell microbial biosensors for the investigation of the scale-up and scale-down effect on biopharmaceutical processes

Book published by Momentum press (2013)

Utilisation des termites comme source de microorganismes dans la filière de production du bioéthanol de seconde génération

Poster (2012, November 14)

Les termites abritent une microflore symbiotique qui intervient dans la dégradation des fibres constitutives du bois, synthétisant des enzymes capables d’hydrolyser ses composants. Les sucres ... [more ▼]

Les termites abritent une microflore symbiotique qui intervient dans la dégradation des fibres constitutives du bois, synthétisant des enzymes capables d’hydrolyser ses composants. Les sucres fermentescibles libérés suite à cette hydrolyse sont utilisables dans le cadre de la production du bioéthanol de seconde génération. [less ▲]

Implementation of structured metal packing for the design of biofilm reactor : analysis by high energy X-ray tomography and application to the production of lipopeptides by Bacillus subtilis

Poster (2012, October 08)

1. Whereas multi-species biofilm reactors are commonly used for treatments of water and gas effluents, new strategies are arising for the development of mono-species biofilm reactors in order to produce ... [more ▼]

1. Whereas multi-species biofilm reactors are commonly used for treatments of water and gas effluents, new strategies are arising for the development of mono-species biofilm reactors in order to produce high added value molecules. Thus, it is required to design new bioreactors able to promote the growth of the biomass on the form of a biofilm and to identify the key physico-chemical parameters involved in order to optimize the bioprocess. 2. Aim of this study was to investigate a pilot-scale biofilm reactor comprising a metal structured packing promoting growth of Bacillus subtilis as a biofilm for the production of lipopeptides, high added value compounds with high surface active properties. 3. In this work, the mechanical stirring system of a 20L stirred tank bioreactor has been removed and replaced by a metal structured packing positioned in the headspace of the vessel above a liquid phase. The culture medium is continuously recirculated on the packing thanks to a peristaltic pump and air supply is performed just above the liquid phase under the packing. High energy X-ray tomography was used to estimate non-invasively the biofilm distribution inside the packing and permitted to define parameters that affect scale-up. Performances of the biofilm reactor were compared with a submerged culture in a stirred tank reactor in terms of lipopeptides production. 4. After 72 hours of fermentation, 94 % of the total biomass adheres onto the metal packing on the form of a biofilm. The colonization of this latter has been visualized non-invasively by X-ray tomography directly inside the packing and shows a conical repartition of the biofilm mass (about 25% of the total volume of the packing) as well as the presence of clogging. However, unlike the submerged culture, no foam formation appeared during fermentation and surfactin yield reaches 345,4 ± 32,8 mg / L for the biofilm reactor against 277,3 ± 34,4 mg / L in the stirred tank reactor. 5. In conclusion, this experimental setting leads to a major technological progress avoiding foam formation and increasing surfactin production. Nevertheless, significant improvements are required at the level of the biofilm distribution in thin layers inside the packing in order to increase mass transfer and lipopeptides recoveries. Further investigations will be devoted to the optimization of the physico-chemical parameters involved in biofilm distribution. [less ▲]

Development of optical trajectography device for the lagangian study of turbulent flow inside a stirred tank used in pharmaceutical industry

Poster (2012, September 10)

Distribution and identification of molecular interactions between tomato roots and bacterial biofilms

Conference (2012, September 05)

Some non pathogenic microorganisms evolving in the root micro-environment can trigger a positive effect on plant, increasing host defense against disease or/and directly inhibiting growth of pathogen in ... [more ▼]

Some non pathogenic microorganisms evolving in the root micro-environment can trigger a positive effect on plant, increasing host defense against disease or/and directly inhibiting growth of pathogen in soil (1). To initiate both phenomena leading to biocontrol activity, microorganisms use plant exudates to grow on roots and to produce in-situ active compounds. In Bacilli, cyclic lipopeptides of the surfactin, iturin and fengycin families represent important antibiotics involved in biocontrol (2). Recent studies in microbiology allowed a better understanding of plant microorganism interactions but few has been done at the molecular level. In this study, MALDI MS imaging has been used to study the nature of the secreted lipopeptide molecules, their relative quantity and their distribution in the root’s environment. Disinfected tomato seeds were first germinated at 28°C in sterile conditions for germination. Seedlings were then placed in Petri dish on ITO glass slide recovered with a thin layer of plant nutritive solution (Hoagland) containing 1,75% of agar and treated with freshly-grown cells of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens S499. Petri dishes were finally incubated vertically in phytotron at 28°C with a 16h photoperiod. Different root age / time of incubation were studied: 13 / 3; 13 / 7; 21 / 14 and 39 / 32. Control tomato root (without bacterial treatment) of the same ages were also analyzed (13 / 0; 21 / 0 and 42 / 0. For MALDI imaging experiments, the ITO slide was removed from the agar and dried in a dessiccator under vacuum. The matrix solution (α-cyano-hydroxycinnamic acid, 5mg/mL in ACN/0.2% TFA 70/30) was applied with an ImagePrep automated sprayer (Bruker Daltonics). An UltraFlex II TOF/TOF and a Solarix FT-ICR mass spectrometers were used to record molecular cartographies. The average mass spectra recorded around the tomato root (2-3 mm on both sides of the root) showed that lipopeptides were major compounds detected on the agar. The relative intensity of lipopeptides families varied with respect to the age of the root/biofilm system. In the 13/3 system, 3 homologues of surfactins were essentially detected (C13, C14 and C15), with very few iturins and fengycins. Their localizations were identical, whatever the considered homologue. Then the production of iturin and fengycin families increases in older systems (13/7 and 21/14) and a novel homologue of surfactin is detected (C12). Some variations in localizations within families may be observed (around the root or at the close vicinity of it in function of the considered homologue or alkali adduct). Then for the oldest system we studied, iturins and fengycins are not detected anymore and the localization of surfactins is less precise. In the 39/32 system, we also detected unknown compounds at 986.6, 1000.6, 1014.7 and 1028.7 m/z. The mass range of these compounds allied to the mass difference between two consecutive ion peaks let us think that these unknown compounds could be a new lipopeptide family. Investigations are in progress to identify these new secondary metabolites of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. [less ▲]

Characteristics of African traditional beers brewed with sorghum malt: a review

in Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement = Biotechnology, Agronomy, Society and Environment [=BASE] (2012), 16(4), 509-530

Traditional sorghum beers are produced in several countries of Africa, but variations in the manufacturing process may occur depending on the geographic localization. These beers are very rich in calories ... [more ▼]

Traditional sorghum beers are produced in several countries of Africa, but variations in the manufacturing process may occur depending on the geographic localization. These beers are very rich in calories, B-group vitamins including thiamine, folic acid, riboflavin and nicotinic acid, and essential amino acids such as lysine. However, the traditional sorghum beer is less attractive than Western beers because of its poorer hygienic quality, organoleptic variations and shorter shelf life. Research into the microbiological and biochemical characteristics of traditional sorghum beers as well as their technologies have been performed and documented in several African countries. This review aims to summarize the production processes and compositional characteristics of African traditional sorghum beers (ikigage, merissa, doro, dolo, pito, amgba and tchoukoutou). It also highlights the major differences between these traditional beers and barley malt beer, consumed worldwide, and suggests adaptations that could be made to improve the production process of traditional sorghum beer. [less ▲]

Honeydew volatile emission acts as a kairomonal message for the Asian lady beetle Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

in Insect Science (2012), 19(4), 498-506

The Asian lady beetle Harmonia axyridis Pallas is considered as an invasive species in most territories where it has been introduced. Because aphid honeydew acts as an attractant for many aphid predators ... [more ▼]

The Asian lady beetle Harmonia axyridis Pallas is considered as an invasive species in most territories where it has been introduced. Because aphid honeydew acts as an attractant for many aphid predators and parasitoids, the objectives of this work were to collect and identify the volatile compounds released from the aphid excretory product to evaluate how these semiochemicals could affect the H. axyridis foraging behavior. Twelve volatile chemicals were identified from the Megoura viciae Buckton honeydew including four alcohols, three ketones, three aldehydes, a pyrazine and a monoterpene. The volatiles 3-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methyl-butanal were highlighted as the two most abundant semiochemicals released from the M. viciae honeydew. Vicia faba L. plants treated with crude honeydew attracted more than 80% of the tested individuals with 40% of attracted beetles located on the plant. Four volatile compounds (3-hydroxy-2-butanone, 3-methyl-butanal, 3-methyl-1-butanol and limonene) were also highlighted to attract more than 75% of the coccinellids toward the odor source and to locate about 35% of them on the plants. Limonenewas the most efficient attractant since 89% of the H. axyridis responded to this odor. The use of the identified semiochemicals aswell as the composition of an artificial honeydew could certainly be helpful to control the dispersal of the Asian lady beetle H. axyridis. [less ▲]

Selection and cultivation of hydrolytic microorganisms extracted from the digestive tract of the termite Reticulitermes santonensis (3DV.1.55)

Poster (2012, June 21)

Biofuel production can be based on the use of fermentable substrates issued from the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass stemming from agricultural residues and by-products. However, such substrates are ... [more ▼]

Biofuel production can be based on the use of fermentable substrates issued from the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass stemming from agricultural residues and by-products. However, such substrates are not easy to degrade. Enzymes (cellulases, xylanases, etc.) can be used for this purpose and pre-treatments can increase their action by providing more available extremities. The digestive tract of the termite Reticulitermes santonensis contains various microorganisms (bacteria, molds, protists) able to degrade the wood components. These microorganisms act as consortia, leading to a better hydrolysis than in the cow rumen. Our purpose is the isolation of microorganisms from termite guts in order to evaluate their potential for hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials. This approach led us to isolate and to study a bacteria (Bacillus sp.) displaying a xylanase activity, a mold (Aspergillus sp.) displaying a cellulase activity and a chrysophyte (protist) displaying an amylase activity. [less ▲]

The MicroH2 project:an association of four laboratories to improve theknowledge on biohydrogen production precesses

Poster (2012, June 04)

This poster presents a collaborative research project (MicroH2) held at the University of Liège (Belgium) since 2007 (www.microh2.ulg.ac.be) and involving four different research groups. The project aims ... [more ▼]

This poster presents a collaborative research project (MicroH2) held at the University of Liège (Belgium) since 2007 (www.microh2.ulg.ac.be) and involving four different research groups. The project aims to develop a center of excellence in the fields of photo- and dark- biohydrogen production. Our studies contribute to improve the knowledge of the processes involved in the microbiological production of hydrogen, from a fundamental and practical point of view. Some results are highlighted here. The research concerning photofermentation focuses on the interactions between respiration, photosynthesis and H2-producing pathways in algal microorganisms, by using mitochondrial mutants and genetically modified strains with modified ability for hydrogen production [1-2]. To study the metabolism of the hydrogen production by anaerobic bacteria, pure cultures and defined consortia are used and their production of biogas and soluble metabolites is measured. Moreover, we have developed and optimized molecular tools, like quantitative RT-PCR and FISH, to monitor the variations of bacterial populations in novel bioreactors for hydrogen production [3-4]. We have also mined the complete genomes of Clostridium spp. for putative hydrogenase genes and found a large diversity of them [5]. [less ▲]