Adalberto Pessoa - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Adalberto Pessoa

Research paper thumbnail of Phase diagrams of a CTAB/organic solvent/buffer system applied to extraction of enzymes by reverse micelles

Journal of Chromatography B, Feb 1, 2008

A partial pseudo-ternary phase diagram has been studied for the cethyltrimethylammonium bromide/i... more A partial pseudo-ternary phase diagram has been studied for the cethyltrimethylammonium bromide/isooctane:hexanol:butanol/potassium phosphate buffer system, where the two-phase diagram consisting of the reverse micelle phase (L 2 ) in equilibrium with the solvent is indicated. Based on these diagrams two-phase systems of reverse micelles were prepared with different compositions of the compounds and used for extraction and recovery of two enzymes, and the percentage of enzyme recovery yield monitored. The enzymes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and xylose redutase (XR) obtained from Candida guilliermondii yeast were used in the extraction procedures. The recovery yield data indicate that micelles having different composition give selective extraction of enzymes. The method can thus be used to optimize enzyme extraction processes.

Research paper thumbnail of Purification of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase from Baker’s Yeast in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems with Free Triazine Dyes as Affinity Ligands

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Feb 1, 2003

To improve the selectivity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) extraction by an aqueous ... more To improve the selectivity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) extraction by an aqueous two-phase system, a simple and inexpensive affinity aqueous two-phase system using unbound reactive triazine dyes as ligands was introduced. In a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/hydroxypropyl starch (PES) system, the unbound free triazine dyes, Cibacron Blue F3GA and Procion Red HE3B, partitioned unevenly in the top PEG-rich phase and thus showed an affinity effect on G6PDH, but no influence on hexokinase. The various parameters investigated were pH of the system, buffers, molecular weight of PEG, and ligand type and concentration. A two-step affinity extraction process was established for the purification of G6PDH from baker's yeast. The total yield of G6PDH was 66.9% and purification factor was 2.35.

Research paper thumbnail of Aqueous two-phase systems extraction of a-toxin from Clostridium perfringens type A

J Chromatogr B, 2006

Two sequential half-fraction designs were applied to studying the α-toxin partition produced by C... more Two sequential half-fraction designs were applied to studying the α-toxin partition produced by Clostridium perfringens type A in aqueous two phase systems (ATPS), as a function of four factors: PEG molar mass and concentration, phosphate concentration and pH. The highest purification factor, yield and partition coefficient results were obtained with PEG 8000 (15%, w/w), phosphate at 20% (w/w) and pH 8.0. This system allows, in a single step, an α-toxin purification of 4.6-fold with final activity yield of 230% and partition coefficient of 113.9 in the PEG rich phase.

Research paper thumbnail of Removal of proteases from Clostridium perfringens fermented broth by aqueous two-phase systems (PEG/citrate)

Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Jun 14, 2007

In order to reduce the toxicity of Clostridium perfringens fermentation broths used in vaccine pr... more In order to reduce the toxicity of Clostridium perfringens fermentation broths used in vaccine preparation, we developed two-phase aqueous systems for removal of toxin-activating proteases. Removal of the proteases inhibits the conversion of protoxin to active toxin. In order to establish the conditions under which the phase separation occurs, binodal curves, formed by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and sodium citrate, were investigated at different values of pH and PEG molar mass. A 2(4)-experimental design was used to evaluate the influence of PEG molar mass and concentration, citrate concentration and pH on protease partition coefficient, removal.factor and protease removal yield. It has been found that simultaneous increase in PEG molar mass and decrease in citrate concentration remarkably improved the removal factor, whereas the protease removal yield showed an opposite trend. The best conditions for the system under consideration (removal factor of 2.69 and yield of 116%) were obtained at pH 8.0 using PEG molar mass of 8000 g mol(-1) and concentrations of PEG and citrate of 24 and 15%, respectively.

Research paper thumbnail of Extraction by reversed micelles of the intrecellular enzyme xylose reductase

Appl Biochem Biotech, 2001

... Extraction by Reversed Micelles of the Intracellular Enzyme Xylose Reductase ELY V. CORTEZ,1 ... more ... Extraction by Reversed Micelles of the Intracellular Enzyme Xylose Reductase ELY V. CORTEZ,1 MARIA DAS GRAÇAS DE ALMEIDA FELIPE,2 INÊS C. ROBERTO,2 ADALBERTO PESSOA, JR,1 ... 33, 291–297. 3. Silva, SS, Felipe, MGA, and Mancilha, IM (1998), Appl. Biochem. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Nisin production utilizing skimmed milk aiming to reduce process cost

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Apr 1, 2007

Nisin is a natural additive for conservation of food, pharmaceutical, and dental products and can... more Nisin is a natural additive for conservation of food, pharmaceutical, and dental products and can be used as a therapeutic agent. Nisin inhibits the outgrowth of spores, the growth of a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This study was performed to optimize large-scale nisin production in skimmed milk and subproducts aiming at low-costs process and stimulating its utilization. Lactococcus lactis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 11454 was developed in a rotary shaker (30°C/36 h/100 rpm) in diluted skimmed milk and nisin activity, growth parameters, and media components were also studied. Nisin activity in growth media was expressed in arbitrary units (AU/mL) and converted to standard nisin concentration (Nisaplin®, 25 mg of pure nisin is 1.0×106 AU/mL). Nisin activity in skimmed milk 2.27 gtotal solids was up to threefold higher than transfers in skimmed milk 4.54 gtotal solids and was up to 85-fold higher than transfers in skimmed milk 1.14 gtotal solids. L. lactis was assayed in a New Brunswick fermentor with 1.5 L of diluted skimmed milk (2.27 gtotal solids) and airflow of 1.5 mL/min (30°C/36/200 rpm), without pH control. In this condition nisin activity was observed after 4 h (45.07 AU/mL) and in the end of 36 h process (3312.07 AU/mL). This work shows the utilization of a low-cost growth medium (diluted skimmed milk) to nisin production with wide applications. Furthermore, milk subproducts (milk whey) can be exploited in nisin production, because in Brazil 50% of milk whey is disposed with no treatment in rivers and because of high organic matter concentrations it is considered an important pollutant. In this particular case an optimized production of an antimicrobial would be lined up with industrial disposal recycling.

Research paper thumbnail of Therapeutic l -asparaginase: upstream, downstream and beyond

Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 2015

l-asparaginase (l-asparagine amino hydrolase, E.C.3.5.1.1) is an enzyme clinically accepted as an... more l-asparaginase (l-asparagine amino hydrolase, E.C.3.5.1.1) is an enzyme clinically accepted as an antitumor agent to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphosarcoma. It catalyzes l-asparagine (Asn) hydrolysis to l-aspartate and ammonia, and Asn effective depletion results in cytotoxicity to leukemic cells. Microbial l-asparaginase (ASNase) production has attracted considerable attention owing to its cost effectiveness and eco-friendliness. The focus of this review is to provide a thorough review on microbial ASNase production, with special emphasis to microbial producers, conditions of enzyme production, protein engineering, downstream processes, biochemical characteristics, enzyme stability, bioavailability, toxicity and allergy potential. Some issues are also highlighted that will have to be addressed to achieve better therapeutic results and less side effects of ASNase use in cancer treatment: (a) search for new sources of this enzyme to increase its availability as a drug; (b) production of new ASNases with improved pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicological profiles, and (c) improvement of ASNase production by recombinant microorganisms. In this regard, rational protein engineering, directed mutagenesis, metabolic flux analysis and optimization of purification protocols are expected to play a paramount role in the near future.

Research paper thumbnail of Nanostructures for protein drug delivery

Biomater. Sci., 2016

Use of nanoscale devices as carriers for drugs and imaging agents has been extensively investigat... more Use of nanoscale devices as carriers for drugs and imaging agents has been extensively investigated and successful examples can already be found in therapy. In parallel, recombinant DNA technology together with molecular biology has opened up numerous possibilities for the large-scale production of many proteins of pharmaceutical interest, reflecting in the exponentially growing number of drugs of biotechnological origin. When we consider protein drugs, however, there are specific criteria to take into account to select adequate nanostructured systems as drug carriers. In this review, we highlight the main features, advantages, drawbacks and recent developments of nanostructures for protein encapsulation, such as nanoemulsions, liposomes, polymersomes, single-protein nanocapsules and hydrogel nanoparticles. We also discuss the importance of nanoparticle stabilization, as well as future opportunities and challenges in nanostructures for protein drug delivery.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of agitation and aeration on production of hexokinase by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2001

A batch culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of hexokinase was carried out in a... more A batch culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of hexokinase was carried out in a 5-L fermentor containing 3 L of culture medium, which was inoculated with cell suspension (about 0.7 g/L), and left fermenting at 35 degrees C and pH 4.0. The aeration and agitation were adjusted to attain k(L)a values of 15, 60, 135, and 230 h(-1). The highest hexokinase productivity (754.6 U/[L x h]) and substrate-cell conversion yield (0.21 g/g) occurred for a k(L)a of 60 h(-1). Moreover, the formation of hexokinase and cell growth are coupled events, which is in accordance with the constitutive character of this enzyme. Hexokinase formation for kLa > 60 h(-1) was not enhanced probably owing to saturation of the respiratory pathway by oxygen.

Research paper thumbnail of Production, purification, and characterization of an extracellular acid protease from the marine Antarctic yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa L7

Fungal biology, 2015

The production, purification, and characterization of an extracellular protease released by Rhodo... more The production, purification, and characterization of an extracellular protease released by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa L7 were evaluated in this study. This strain was isolated from an Antarctic marine alga and previously selected among others based on the capacity to produce the highest extracellular proteolytic activity in preliminary tests. R. mucilaginosa L7 was grown in Saboraud-dextrose medium at 25 °C, and the cell growth, pH of the medium, extracellular protease production and the glucose and protein consumption were determined as a function of time. The protease was then purified, and the effects of pH, temperature, and salt concentration on the catalytic activity and enzyme stability were determined. Enzyme production started at the beginning of the exponential phase of growth and reached a maximum after 48 h, which was accompanied by a decrease in the pH as well as reductions of the protein and glucose concentrations in the medium. The purified protease presented optimal ca...

Research paper thumbnail of Acid Hydrolysis of Hemicellulose From Sugarcane Bagasse

Braz J Chem Eng, 1997

... R. and Hsu, T., Processing and Economic Impacts of Biomass Delignification for EthanolProduct... more ... R. and Hsu, T., Processing and Economic Impacts of Biomass Delignification for EthanolProduction. ... Parisi, F., Advances in Lignocellulosics Hydrolysis and in the Utilization of the ... CA; Felipe, MGA; Sato, S. and Castro, HF, Evaluation of Rice Straw Hemicellulose Hydrolyzate in ...

Research paper thumbnail of Extraction of natural red colorants from the fermented broth of Penicillium purpurogenum using aqueous two-phase polymer systems

Biotechnology Progress, 2015

Safety concerns related to the increasing and widespread application of synthetic coloring agents... more Safety concerns related to the increasing and widespread application of synthetic coloring agents have increased the demand for natural colorants. Fungi have been employed in the production of novel and safer colorants. In order to obtain the colorants from fermented broth, suitable extraction systems must be developed. Aqueous two-phase polymer systems (ATPPS) offer a favorable chemical environment and provide a promising alternative for extracting and solubilizing these molecules. The aim of this study was to investigate the partitioning of red colorants from the fermented broth of Penicillium purpurogenum using an ATPPS composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and sodium polyacrylate (NaPA). Red colorants partitioned preferentially to the top (PEG-rich phase). In systems composed of PEG 6,000 g/mol/NaPA 8,000 g/mol, optimum colorant partition coefficient (K C ) was obtained in the presence of NaCl 0.1 M (K C 5 10.30) while the PEG 10,000 g/mol/NaPA 8,000 g/mol system in the presence of Na 2 SO 4 0.5 M showed the highest K C (14.78). For both polymers, the mass balance (%MB) and yield in the PEG phase (%g TOP ) were close to 100 and 79%, respectively. The protein selectivity in all conditions evaluated ranged from 2.0-3.0, which shows a suitable separation of the red colorants and proteins present in the fermented broth. The results suggest that the partitioning of the red colorants is dependent on both the PEG molecular size and salt type. Furthermore, the results obtained support the potential application of ATPPS as the first step of a purification process to recover colorants from fermented broth of microorganisms.

Research paper thumbnail of Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide)-co-Acrylamide Hydrogels for the Controlled Release of Bromelain from Agroindustrial Residues of Ananas comosus

Planta medica, Jan 19, 2015

This works reports the purification of bromelain extracted from Ananas comosus industrial residue... more This works reports the purification of bromelain extracted from Ananas comosus industrial residues by ethanol purification, its partial characterization from the crude extract as well as the ethanol purified enzyme, and its application onto poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels. Bromelain was recovered within the 30-70 % ethanol fraction, which achieved a purification factor of 3.12-fold, and yielded more than 90 % of its initial activity. The resulting purified bromelain contained more than 360 U · mg(-1), with a maximum working temperature of 60 °C and pH of 8.0. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels presented a swelling rate of 125 %, which was capable of loading 56 % of bromelain from the solution, and was able to release up to 91 % of the retained bromelain. Ethanol precipitation is suitable for bromelain recovery and application onto poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels based on its processing time and the applied ethanol prices.

Research paper thumbnail of Process Integration for the Disruption of Candida guilliermondii Cultivated in Rice Straw Hydrolysate and Recovery of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase by Aqueous Two-Phase Systems

Applied biochemistry and biotechnology, Jan 19, 2015

Remaining cells of Candida guilliermondii cultivated in hemicellulose-based fermentation medium w... more Remaining cells of Candida guilliermondii cultivated in hemicellulose-based fermentation medium were used as intracellular protein source. Recovery of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was attained in conventional aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) was compared with integrated process involving mechanical disruption of cells followed by ATPS. Influences of polyethylene glycol molar mass (M PEG) and tie line lengths (TLL) on purification factor (PF), yields in top (Y T ) and bottom (Y B ) phases and partition coefficient (K) were evaluated. First scheme resulted in 65.9 % enzyme yield and PF of 2.16 in salt-enriched phase with clarified homogenate (M PEG 1500 g mol(-1), TLL 40 %); Y B of 75.2 % and PF B of 2.9 with unclarified homogenate (M PEG 1000 g mol(-1), TLL 35 %). The highest PF value of integrated process was 2.26 in bottom phase (M PEG 1500 g mol(-1), TLL 40 %). In order to optimize this response, a quadratic model was predicted for the response PFB for process integrat...

Research paper thumbnail of Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide)-co-Acrylamide Hydrogels for the Controlled Release of Bromelain from Agroindustrial Residues of Ananas comosus

Planta Medica, 2015

This works reports the purification of bromelain extracted from Ananas comosus industrial residue... more This works reports the purification of bromelain extracted from Ananas comosus industrial residues by ethanol purification, its partial characterization from the crude extract as well as the ethanol purified enzyme, and its application onto poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels. Bromelain was recovered within the 30-70 % ethanol fraction, which achieved a purification factor of 3.12-fold, and yielded more than 90 % of its initial activity. The resulting purified bromelain contained more than 360 U · mg(-1), with a maximum working temperature of 60 °C and pH of 8.0. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels presented a swelling rate of 125 %, which was capable of loading 56 % of bromelain from the solution, and was able to release up to 91 % of the retained bromelain. Ethanol precipitation is suitable for bromelain recovery and application onto poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels based on its processing time and the applied ethanol prices.

Research paper thumbnail of The Potential Suicide

Research paper thumbnail of Application of an aqueous two-phase micellar system to extract bromelain from pineapple ( Ananas comosus ) peel waste and analysis of bromelain stability in cosmetic formulations

Biotechnology Progress, 2015

Bromelain is a set of proteolytic enzymes found in pineapple (Ananas comosus) tissues such as ste... more Bromelain is a set of proteolytic enzymes found in pineapple (Ananas comosus) tissues such as stem, fruit and leaves. Because of its proteolytic activity, bromelain has potential applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. The present study focused on the recovery of bromelain from pineapple peel by liquid-liquid extraction in aqueous two-phase micellar systems (ATPMS), using Triton X-114 (TX-114) and McIlvaine buffer, in the absence and presence of electrolytes CaCl2 and KI; the cloud points of the generated extraction systems were studied by plotting binodal curves. Based on the cloud points, three temperatures were selected for extraction: 30, 33, and 36°C for systems in the absence of salts; 40, 43, and 46°C in the presence of KI; 24, 27, and 30°C in the presence of CaCl2 . Total protein and enzymatic activities were analyzed to monitor bromelain. Employing the ATPMS chosen for extraction (0.5 M KI with 3% TX-114, at pH 6.0, at 40°C), the bromelain extract stability was assessed after incorporation into three cosmetic bases: an anhydrous gel, a cream, and a cream-gel formulation. The cream-gel formulation presented as the most appropriate base to convey bromelain, and its optimal storage conditions were found to be 4.0 ± 0.5°C. The selected ATPMS enabled the extraction of a biomolecule with high added value from waste lined-up in a cosmetic formulation, allowing for exploration of further cosmetic potential. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of cross-flow microfiltration membranes using a rotary disc- filter

The harvesting of microbial cells associated with inulinase transmission through membranes by tan... more The harvesting of microbial cells associated with inulinase transmission through membranes by tangential microfiltration was investigated with Candida kefyr media. Using a rotational disc-filter, seven different kinds of membranes were tested: Pall 66/N (0· 20 μm), Pall N (0· ...

Research paper thumbnail of Optimized extraction of a single-chain variable fragment of antibody by using aqueous micellar two-phase systems

Protein expression and purification, Jan 28, 2015

In this work, the purification of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of an antibody by using... more In this work, the purification of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of an antibody by using liquid-liquid extraction in aqueous micellar two-phase systems was optimized by means of central composite design. Protein partitioning assays were performed by using the selected system composition in previous works: Triton X-114 at 4% wt/wt, yeast fermentation supernatant at 60% wt/wt, McIlvaine buffer pH 7.00. The other system component concentrations, Cibacron Blue F3GA (CB), Fabsorbent™ F1P HF (HF) and NaCl, were selected as independent variables. ScFv recovery percentage (%R) and purification factor (PF) were selected as the responses. According to the optimization process both, scFv recovery percentage and purification factor were favored with the addition of HF and NaCl in a range of concentrations around the central point of the second central composite design (HF 0.0120% w/w, CB 0.0200% w/w, NaCl 0.200% w/w). These experimental conditions allowed the concentration and pre-puri...

Research paper thumbnail of Improvement of submerged culture conditions to produce colorants by Penicillium purpurogenum

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 2014

Safety issues related to the employment of synthetic colorants in different industrial segments h... more Safety issues related to the employment of synthetic colorants in different industrial segments have increased the interest in the production of colorants from natural sources, such as microorganisms. Improved cultivation technologies have allowed the use of microorganisms as an alternative source of natural colorants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of some factors on natural colorants production by a recently isolated from Amazon Forest, Penicillium purpurogenum DPUA 1275 employing statistical tools. To this purpose the following variables: orbital stirring speed, pH, temperature, sucrose and yeast extract concentrations and incubation time were studied through two fractional factorial, one full factorial and a central composite factorial designs. The regression analysis pointed out that sucrose and yeast extract concentrations were the variables that influenced more in colorants production. Under the best conditions (yeast extract concentration around 10 g/L and sucrose concentration of 50 g/L) an increase of 10, 33 and 23% respectively to yellow, orange and red colorants absorbance was achieved. These results show that P. purpurogenum is an alternative colorants producer and the production of these biocompounds can be improved employing statistical tool.

Research paper thumbnail of Phase diagrams of a CTAB/organic solvent/buffer system applied to extraction of enzymes by reverse micelles

Journal of Chromatography B, Feb 1, 2008

A partial pseudo-ternary phase diagram has been studied for the cethyltrimethylammonium bromide/i... more A partial pseudo-ternary phase diagram has been studied for the cethyltrimethylammonium bromide/isooctane:hexanol:butanol/potassium phosphate buffer system, where the two-phase diagram consisting of the reverse micelle phase (L 2 ) in equilibrium with the solvent is indicated. Based on these diagrams two-phase systems of reverse micelles were prepared with different compositions of the compounds and used for extraction and recovery of two enzymes, and the percentage of enzyme recovery yield monitored. The enzymes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and xylose redutase (XR) obtained from Candida guilliermondii yeast were used in the extraction procedures. The recovery yield data indicate that micelles having different composition give selective extraction of enzymes. The method can thus be used to optimize enzyme extraction processes.

Research paper thumbnail of Purification of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase from Baker’s Yeast in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems with Free Triazine Dyes as Affinity Ligands

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Feb 1, 2003

To improve the selectivity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) extraction by an aqueous ... more To improve the selectivity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) extraction by an aqueous two-phase system, a simple and inexpensive affinity aqueous two-phase system using unbound reactive triazine dyes as ligands was introduced. In a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/hydroxypropyl starch (PES) system, the unbound free triazine dyes, Cibacron Blue F3GA and Procion Red HE3B, partitioned unevenly in the top PEG-rich phase and thus showed an affinity effect on G6PDH, but no influence on hexokinase. The various parameters investigated were pH of the system, buffers, molecular weight of PEG, and ligand type and concentration. A two-step affinity extraction process was established for the purification of G6PDH from baker's yeast. The total yield of G6PDH was 66.9% and purification factor was 2.35.

Research paper thumbnail of Aqueous two-phase systems extraction of a-toxin from Clostridium perfringens type A

J Chromatogr B, 2006

Two sequential half-fraction designs were applied to studying the α-toxin partition produced by C... more Two sequential half-fraction designs were applied to studying the α-toxin partition produced by Clostridium perfringens type A in aqueous two phase systems (ATPS), as a function of four factors: PEG molar mass and concentration, phosphate concentration and pH. The highest purification factor, yield and partition coefficient results were obtained with PEG 8000 (15%, w/w), phosphate at 20% (w/w) and pH 8.0. This system allows, in a single step, an α-toxin purification of 4.6-fold with final activity yield of 230% and partition coefficient of 113.9 in the PEG rich phase.

Research paper thumbnail of Removal of proteases from Clostridium perfringens fermented broth by aqueous two-phase systems (PEG/citrate)

Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Jun 14, 2007

In order to reduce the toxicity of Clostridium perfringens fermentation broths used in vaccine pr... more In order to reduce the toxicity of Clostridium perfringens fermentation broths used in vaccine preparation, we developed two-phase aqueous systems for removal of toxin-activating proteases. Removal of the proteases inhibits the conversion of protoxin to active toxin. In order to establish the conditions under which the phase separation occurs, binodal curves, formed by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and sodium citrate, were investigated at different values of pH and PEG molar mass. A 2(4)-experimental design was used to evaluate the influence of PEG molar mass and concentration, citrate concentration and pH on protease partition coefficient, removal.factor and protease removal yield. It has been found that simultaneous increase in PEG molar mass and decrease in citrate concentration remarkably improved the removal factor, whereas the protease removal yield showed an opposite trend. The best conditions for the system under consideration (removal factor of 2.69 and yield of 116%) were obtained at pH 8.0 using PEG molar mass of 8000 g mol(-1) and concentrations of PEG and citrate of 24 and 15%, respectively.

Research paper thumbnail of Extraction by reversed micelles of the intrecellular enzyme xylose reductase

Appl Biochem Biotech, 2001

... Extraction by Reversed Micelles of the Intracellular Enzyme Xylose Reductase ELY V. CORTEZ,1 ... more ... Extraction by Reversed Micelles of the Intracellular Enzyme Xylose Reductase ELY V. CORTEZ,1 MARIA DAS GRAÇAS DE ALMEIDA FELIPE,2 INÊS C. ROBERTO,2 ADALBERTO PESSOA, JR,1 ... 33, 291–297. 3. Silva, SS, Felipe, MGA, and Mancilha, IM (1998), Appl. Biochem. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Nisin production utilizing skimmed milk aiming to reduce process cost

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Apr 1, 2007

Nisin is a natural additive for conservation of food, pharmaceutical, and dental products and can... more Nisin is a natural additive for conservation of food, pharmaceutical, and dental products and can be used as a therapeutic agent. Nisin inhibits the outgrowth of spores, the growth of a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This study was performed to optimize large-scale nisin production in skimmed milk and subproducts aiming at low-costs process and stimulating its utilization. Lactococcus lactis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 11454 was developed in a rotary shaker (30°C/36 h/100 rpm) in diluted skimmed milk and nisin activity, growth parameters, and media components were also studied. Nisin activity in growth media was expressed in arbitrary units (AU/mL) and converted to standard nisin concentration (Nisaplin®, 25 mg of pure nisin is 1.0×106 AU/mL). Nisin activity in skimmed milk 2.27 gtotal solids was up to threefold higher than transfers in skimmed milk 4.54 gtotal solids and was up to 85-fold higher than transfers in skimmed milk 1.14 gtotal solids. L. lactis was assayed in a New Brunswick fermentor with 1.5 L of diluted skimmed milk (2.27 gtotal solids) and airflow of 1.5 mL/min (30°C/36/200 rpm), without pH control. In this condition nisin activity was observed after 4 h (45.07 AU/mL) and in the end of 36 h process (3312.07 AU/mL). This work shows the utilization of a low-cost growth medium (diluted skimmed milk) to nisin production with wide applications. Furthermore, milk subproducts (milk whey) can be exploited in nisin production, because in Brazil 50% of milk whey is disposed with no treatment in rivers and because of high organic matter concentrations it is considered an important pollutant. In this particular case an optimized production of an antimicrobial would be lined up with industrial disposal recycling.

Research paper thumbnail of Therapeutic l -asparaginase: upstream, downstream and beyond

Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 2015

l-asparaginase (l-asparagine amino hydrolase, E.C.3.5.1.1) is an enzyme clinically accepted as an... more l-asparaginase (l-asparagine amino hydrolase, E.C.3.5.1.1) is an enzyme clinically accepted as an antitumor agent to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphosarcoma. It catalyzes l-asparagine (Asn) hydrolysis to l-aspartate and ammonia, and Asn effective depletion results in cytotoxicity to leukemic cells. Microbial l-asparaginase (ASNase) production has attracted considerable attention owing to its cost effectiveness and eco-friendliness. The focus of this review is to provide a thorough review on microbial ASNase production, with special emphasis to microbial producers, conditions of enzyme production, protein engineering, downstream processes, biochemical characteristics, enzyme stability, bioavailability, toxicity and allergy potential. Some issues are also highlighted that will have to be addressed to achieve better therapeutic results and less side effects of ASNase use in cancer treatment: (a) search for new sources of this enzyme to increase its availability as a drug; (b) production of new ASNases with improved pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicological profiles, and (c) improvement of ASNase production by recombinant microorganisms. In this regard, rational protein engineering, directed mutagenesis, metabolic flux analysis and optimization of purification protocols are expected to play a paramount role in the near future.

Research paper thumbnail of Nanostructures for protein drug delivery

Biomater. Sci., 2016

Use of nanoscale devices as carriers for drugs and imaging agents has been extensively investigat... more Use of nanoscale devices as carriers for drugs and imaging agents has been extensively investigated and successful examples can already be found in therapy. In parallel, recombinant DNA technology together with molecular biology has opened up numerous possibilities for the large-scale production of many proteins of pharmaceutical interest, reflecting in the exponentially growing number of drugs of biotechnological origin. When we consider protein drugs, however, there are specific criteria to take into account to select adequate nanostructured systems as drug carriers. In this review, we highlight the main features, advantages, drawbacks and recent developments of nanostructures for protein encapsulation, such as nanoemulsions, liposomes, polymersomes, single-protein nanocapsules and hydrogel nanoparticles. We also discuss the importance of nanoparticle stabilization, as well as future opportunities and challenges in nanostructures for protein drug delivery.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of agitation and aeration on production of hexokinase by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2001

A batch culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of hexokinase was carried out in a... more A batch culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of hexokinase was carried out in a 5-L fermentor containing 3 L of culture medium, which was inoculated with cell suspension (about 0.7 g/L), and left fermenting at 35 degrees C and pH 4.0. The aeration and agitation were adjusted to attain k(L)a values of 15, 60, 135, and 230 h(-1). The highest hexokinase productivity (754.6 U/[L x h]) and substrate-cell conversion yield (0.21 g/g) occurred for a k(L)a of 60 h(-1). Moreover, the formation of hexokinase and cell growth are coupled events, which is in accordance with the constitutive character of this enzyme. Hexokinase formation for kLa > 60 h(-1) was not enhanced probably owing to saturation of the respiratory pathway by oxygen.

Research paper thumbnail of Production, purification, and characterization of an extracellular acid protease from the marine Antarctic yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa L7

Fungal biology, 2015

The production, purification, and characterization of an extracellular protease released by Rhodo... more The production, purification, and characterization of an extracellular protease released by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa L7 were evaluated in this study. This strain was isolated from an Antarctic marine alga and previously selected among others based on the capacity to produce the highest extracellular proteolytic activity in preliminary tests. R. mucilaginosa L7 was grown in Saboraud-dextrose medium at 25 °C, and the cell growth, pH of the medium, extracellular protease production and the glucose and protein consumption were determined as a function of time. The protease was then purified, and the effects of pH, temperature, and salt concentration on the catalytic activity and enzyme stability were determined. Enzyme production started at the beginning of the exponential phase of growth and reached a maximum after 48 h, which was accompanied by a decrease in the pH as well as reductions of the protein and glucose concentrations in the medium. The purified protease presented optimal ca...

Research paper thumbnail of Acid Hydrolysis of Hemicellulose From Sugarcane Bagasse

Braz J Chem Eng, 1997

... R. and Hsu, T., Processing and Economic Impacts of Biomass Delignification for EthanolProduct... more ... R. and Hsu, T., Processing and Economic Impacts of Biomass Delignification for EthanolProduction. ... Parisi, F., Advances in Lignocellulosics Hydrolysis and in the Utilization of the ... CA; Felipe, MGA; Sato, S. and Castro, HF, Evaluation of Rice Straw Hemicellulose Hydrolyzate in ...

Research paper thumbnail of Extraction of natural red colorants from the fermented broth of Penicillium purpurogenum using aqueous two-phase polymer systems

Biotechnology Progress, 2015

Safety concerns related to the increasing and widespread application of synthetic coloring agents... more Safety concerns related to the increasing and widespread application of synthetic coloring agents have increased the demand for natural colorants. Fungi have been employed in the production of novel and safer colorants. In order to obtain the colorants from fermented broth, suitable extraction systems must be developed. Aqueous two-phase polymer systems (ATPPS) offer a favorable chemical environment and provide a promising alternative for extracting and solubilizing these molecules. The aim of this study was to investigate the partitioning of red colorants from the fermented broth of Penicillium purpurogenum using an ATPPS composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and sodium polyacrylate (NaPA). Red colorants partitioned preferentially to the top (PEG-rich phase). In systems composed of PEG 6,000 g/mol/NaPA 8,000 g/mol, optimum colorant partition coefficient (K C ) was obtained in the presence of NaCl 0.1 M (K C 5 10.30) while the PEG 10,000 g/mol/NaPA 8,000 g/mol system in the presence of Na 2 SO 4 0.5 M showed the highest K C (14.78). For both polymers, the mass balance (%MB) and yield in the PEG phase (%g TOP ) were close to 100 and 79%, respectively. The protein selectivity in all conditions evaluated ranged from 2.0-3.0, which shows a suitable separation of the red colorants and proteins present in the fermented broth. The results suggest that the partitioning of the red colorants is dependent on both the PEG molecular size and salt type. Furthermore, the results obtained support the potential application of ATPPS as the first step of a purification process to recover colorants from fermented broth of microorganisms.

Research paper thumbnail of Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide)-co-Acrylamide Hydrogels for the Controlled Release of Bromelain from Agroindustrial Residues of Ananas comosus

Planta medica, Jan 19, 2015

This works reports the purification of bromelain extracted from Ananas comosus industrial residue... more This works reports the purification of bromelain extracted from Ananas comosus industrial residues by ethanol purification, its partial characterization from the crude extract as well as the ethanol purified enzyme, and its application onto poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels. Bromelain was recovered within the 30-70 % ethanol fraction, which achieved a purification factor of 3.12-fold, and yielded more than 90 % of its initial activity. The resulting purified bromelain contained more than 360 U · mg(-1), with a maximum working temperature of 60 °C and pH of 8.0. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels presented a swelling rate of 125 %, which was capable of loading 56 % of bromelain from the solution, and was able to release up to 91 % of the retained bromelain. Ethanol precipitation is suitable for bromelain recovery and application onto poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels based on its processing time and the applied ethanol prices.

Research paper thumbnail of Process Integration for the Disruption of Candida guilliermondii Cultivated in Rice Straw Hydrolysate and Recovery of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase by Aqueous Two-Phase Systems

Applied biochemistry and biotechnology, Jan 19, 2015

Remaining cells of Candida guilliermondii cultivated in hemicellulose-based fermentation medium w... more Remaining cells of Candida guilliermondii cultivated in hemicellulose-based fermentation medium were used as intracellular protein source. Recovery of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was attained in conventional aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) was compared with integrated process involving mechanical disruption of cells followed by ATPS. Influences of polyethylene glycol molar mass (M PEG) and tie line lengths (TLL) on purification factor (PF), yields in top (Y T ) and bottom (Y B ) phases and partition coefficient (K) were evaluated. First scheme resulted in 65.9 % enzyme yield and PF of 2.16 in salt-enriched phase with clarified homogenate (M PEG 1500 g mol(-1), TLL 40 %); Y B of 75.2 % and PF B of 2.9 with unclarified homogenate (M PEG 1000 g mol(-1), TLL 35 %). The highest PF value of integrated process was 2.26 in bottom phase (M PEG 1500 g mol(-1), TLL 40 %). In order to optimize this response, a quadratic model was predicted for the response PFB for process integrat...

Research paper thumbnail of Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide)-co-Acrylamide Hydrogels for the Controlled Release of Bromelain from Agroindustrial Residues of Ananas comosus

Planta Medica, 2015

This works reports the purification of bromelain extracted from Ananas comosus industrial residue... more This works reports the purification of bromelain extracted from Ananas comosus industrial residues by ethanol purification, its partial characterization from the crude extract as well as the ethanol purified enzyme, and its application onto poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels. Bromelain was recovered within the 30-70 % ethanol fraction, which achieved a purification factor of 3.12-fold, and yielded more than 90 % of its initial activity. The resulting purified bromelain contained more than 360 U · mg(-1), with a maximum working temperature of 60 °C and pH of 8.0. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels presented a swelling rate of 125 %, which was capable of loading 56 % of bromelain from the solution, and was able to release up to 91 % of the retained bromelain. Ethanol precipitation is suitable for bromelain recovery and application onto poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels based on its processing time and the applied ethanol prices.

Research paper thumbnail of The Potential Suicide

Research paper thumbnail of Application of an aqueous two-phase micellar system to extract bromelain from pineapple ( Ananas comosus ) peel waste and analysis of bromelain stability in cosmetic formulations

Biotechnology Progress, 2015

Bromelain is a set of proteolytic enzymes found in pineapple (Ananas comosus) tissues such as ste... more Bromelain is a set of proteolytic enzymes found in pineapple (Ananas comosus) tissues such as stem, fruit and leaves. Because of its proteolytic activity, bromelain has potential applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. The present study focused on the recovery of bromelain from pineapple peel by liquid-liquid extraction in aqueous two-phase micellar systems (ATPMS), using Triton X-114 (TX-114) and McIlvaine buffer, in the absence and presence of electrolytes CaCl2 and KI; the cloud points of the generated extraction systems were studied by plotting binodal curves. Based on the cloud points, three temperatures were selected for extraction: 30, 33, and 36°C for systems in the absence of salts; 40, 43, and 46°C in the presence of KI; 24, 27, and 30°C in the presence of CaCl2 . Total protein and enzymatic activities were analyzed to monitor bromelain. Employing the ATPMS chosen for extraction (0.5 M KI with 3% TX-114, at pH 6.0, at 40°C), the bromelain extract stability was assessed after incorporation into three cosmetic bases: an anhydrous gel, a cream, and a cream-gel formulation. The cream-gel formulation presented as the most appropriate base to convey bromelain, and its optimal storage conditions were found to be 4.0 ± 0.5°C. The selected ATPMS enabled the extraction of a biomolecule with high added value from waste lined-up in a cosmetic formulation, allowing for exploration of further cosmetic potential. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of cross-flow microfiltration membranes using a rotary disc- filter

The harvesting of microbial cells associated with inulinase transmission through membranes by tan... more The harvesting of microbial cells associated with inulinase transmission through membranes by tangential microfiltration was investigated with Candida kefyr media. Using a rotational disc-filter, seven different kinds of membranes were tested: Pall 66/N (0· 20 μm), Pall N (0· ...

Research paper thumbnail of Optimized extraction of a single-chain variable fragment of antibody by using aqueous micellar two-phase systems

Protein expression and purification, Jan 28, 2015

In this work, the purification of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of an antibody by using... more In this work, the purification of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) of an antibody by using liquid-liquid extraction in aqueous micellar two-phase systems was optimized by means of central composite design. Protein partitioning assays were performed by using the selected system composition in previous works: Triton X-114 at 4% wt/wt, yeast fermentation supernatant at 60% wt/wt, McIlvaine buffer pH 7.00. The other system component concentrations, Cibacron Blue F3GA (CB), Fabsorbent™ F1P HF (HF) and NaCl, were selected as independent variables. ScFv recovery percentage (%R) and purification factor (PF) were selected as the responses. According to the optimization process both, scFv recovery percentage and purification factor were favored with the addition of HF and NaCl in a range of concentrations around the central point of the second central composite design (HF 0.0120% w/w, CB 0.0200% w/w, NaCl 0.200% w/w). These experimental conditions allowed the concentration and pre-puri...

Research paper thumbnail of Improvement of submerged culture conditions to produce colorants by Penicillium purpurogenum

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 2014

Safety issues related to the employment of synthetic colorants in different industrial segments h... more Safety issues related to the employment of synthetic colorants in different industrial segments have increased the interest in the production of colorants from natural sources, such as microorganisms. Improved cultivation technologies have allowed the use of microorganisms as an alternative source of natural colorants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of some factors on natural colorants production by a recently isolated from Amazon Forest, Penicillium purpurogenum DPUA 1275 employing statistical tools. To this purpose the following variables: orbital stirring speed, pH, temperature, sucrose and yeast extract concentrations and incubation time were studied through two fractional factorial, one full factorial and a central composite factorial designs. The regression analysis pointed out that sucrose and yeast extract concentrations were the variables that influenced more in colorants production. Under the best conditions (yeast extract concentration around 10 g/L and sucrose concentration of 50 g/L) an increase of 10, 33 and 23% respectively to yellow, orange and red colorants absorbance was achieved. These results show that P. purpurogenum is an alternative colorants producer and the production of these biocompounds can be improved employing statistical tool.