No abstract

A 56.56-kDa extracellular chitinase from Paenibacillus sp. D1 was purified to 52.3-fold by ion exchange chromatography using SP Sepharose. Maximum enzyme activity was recorded at pH 5.0 and 50 °C. MALDI-LC-MS/MS analysis identified the purified enzyme as chitinase with 60% similarity to chitinase Chi55 of Paenibacillus ehimensis. The activation energy (E (a)) for chitin hydrolysis and temperature quotient (Q (10)) at optimum temperature was found to be 19.14 kJ/mol and 1.25, respectively. Determination of kinetic constants k (m), V (max), k (cat), and k (cat)/k (m) and thermodynamic parameters ΔH*, ΔS*, ΔG*, ΔG*(E-S), and ΔG*(E-T) revealed high affinity of the enzyme for chitin. The enzyme exhibited higher stability in presence of commonly used protectant fungicides Captan, Carbendazim, and Mancozeb compared to control as reflected from the t (1/2) values suggesting its applicability in integrated pest management for control of soil-borne fungal phytopathogens. The order of stability of chitinase in presence of fungicides at 80 °C as revealed from t (1/2) values and thermodynamic parameters E (a(d)) (activation energy for irreversible deactivation), ΔH*, ΔG*, and ΔS* was: Captan > Carbendazim > Mancozeb > control. The present study is the first report on thermodynamic and kinetic characterization of chitinase from Paenibacillus sp. D1.

With less than 3200 wild tigers in 2010, the heads of 13 tiger-range countries committed to doubling the global population of wild tigers by 2022. This goal represents the highest level of ambition and commitment required to turn the tide for tigers in the wild. Yet, ensuring efficient and targeted implementation of conservation actions alongside systematic monitoring of progress towards this goal requires that we set site-specific recovery targets and timelines that are ecologically realistic. In this study, we assess the recovery potential of 18 sites identified under WWF’s Tigers Alive Initiative. We delineated recovery systems comprising a source, recovery site, and support region, which need to be managed synergistically to meet these targets. By using the best available data on tiger and prey numbers, and adapting existing species recovery frameworks, we show that these sites, which currently support 165 (118–277) tigers, have the potential to harbour 585 (454–739) individuals. This would constitute a 15% increase in the global population and represent over a three-fold increase within these specific sites, on an average. However, it may not be realistic to achieve this target by 2022, since tiger recovery in 15 of these 18 sites is contingent on the initial recovery of prey populations, which is a slow process. We conclude that while sustained conservation efforts can yield significant recoveries, it is critical that we commit our resources to achieving the biologically realistic targets for these sites even if the timelines are extended.

Aims:  Statistical optimization of medium components for improved chitinase production by Paenibacillus sp. D1. Methods and Results:  Urea, K2HPO4, chitin and yeast extract were identified as significant components influencing chitinase production by Paenibacillus sp. D1 using Plackett–Burman method. Response surface methodology (central composite design) was applied for further optimization. The concentrations of medium components for improved chitinase production were as follows (g l−1): urea, 0·33; K2HPO4, 1·17; MgSO4, 0·3; yeast extract, 0·65 and chitin, 3·75. This statistical optimization approach led to the production of 93·2 ± 0·58 U ml−1 of chitinase. Conclusions:  The important factors controlling the production of chitinase by Paenibacillus sp. D1 were identified as urea, K2HPO4, chitin and yeast extract. Statistical approach was found to be very effective in optimizing the medium components in manageable number of experimental runs with overall 2·56‐fold increase in chitinase production. Significance and Impact of the Study:  The present investigation provides a report on statistical optimization of medium components for improved chitinase production by Paenibacillus sp. D1. Paenibacillus species are gram‐positive, spore‐forming bacteria with several PGPR and biocontrol potentials. However, only few reports concerning mycolytic enzyme production especially chitinases are available. Chitinase produced by Paenibacillus sp. D1 represents new source for biotechnological and agricultural use.

A 20 kDa antifungal serine protease from Streptomyces sp. A6 was purified to 34.56 folds by gel permeation chromatography. The enzyme exhibited highest activity at neutral to near alka- line pH 7-9 and 55 °C. Neutral surfactant triton X-100 enhanced the activity by 4.12 fold. The protease activity also increased (109.9-119%) with increasing concentration of urea (2-8 mole/l). The enzyme was identified as serine protease with 67% similarity to SFase 2 of Streptomyces fradiae by MALDI-LC-MS/MS analysis. Determination of kinetic constants k(m) , V(max) , k(cat) and k(cat) /k(m) suggested higher affinity of enzyme for N-Suc-Ala-Ala-Val-Ala-p NA (synthetic substrate for chymotrypsin activity). The enzyme was highly stable at temperature prevailing under field conditions (40 °C) as apparent from K(d) and t(1/2) values, 0.0065 and 106.75 min, respectively and high ΔG* and negative ΔS * values, 87.17 KJ/mole and -126.95 J/mole, respectively. Thermal stability and increased activity of protease in presence of commonly used chemical fertilizer, urea, suggested its feasibility for agricultural applications. The present study is the first report on thermodynamic and kinetic properties of an antifungal protease from Streptomyces sp. A6. The study reflects potential of this enzyme for biocontrol of fungal plant pathogens.