Multiscale spectroscopic analysis of lipids in dimorphic and oleaginous Mucor circinelloides accommodate sustainable targeted lipid production

Explorative characterization and taxonomy-aligned comparison of alterations in lipids and other biomolecules in Antarctic bacteria grown at different temperatures

Temperature significantly impacts bacterial physiology, metabolism and cell chemistry. In this study, we analysed lipids and the total cellular biochemical profile of 74 fast-growing Antarctic bacteria grown at different temperatures. Fatty acid diversity and temperature-induced alterations aligned with bacterial classification-Gram-groups, phylum, genus and species. Total lipid content, varied from 4% to 19% of cell dry weight, was genus- and species-specific. Most bacteria increased lipid content at lower temperatures. The effect of temperature on the profile was complex and more species-specific, while some common for all bacteria responses were recorded. Gram-negative bacteria adjusted unsaturation and acyl chain length. Gram-positive bacteria adjusted methyl branching (anteiso-/iso-), chain length and unsaturation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed Gram-, genus- and species-specific changes in the total cellular biochemical profile triggered by temperature fluctuations. The most significant temperature-related alterations detected on all taxonomy levels were recorded for mixed region 1500-900 cm-1 , specifically the band at 1083 cm-1 related to phosphodiester groups mainly from phospholipids (for Gram-negative bacteria) and teichoic/lipoteichoic acids (for Gram-positive bacteria). Some changes in protein region were detected for a few genera, while the lipid region remained relatively stable despite the temperature fluctuations.

Smart Farming Revolution: Portable and Real-Time Soil Nitrogen and Phosphorus Monitoring for Sustainable Agriculture

Precision agriculture is crucial for ensuring food security in a growing global population. Nutrients, their presence, concentration, and effectiveness, are key components in data-driven agriculture. Assessing macro and micro-nutrients, as well as factors such as water and pH, helps determine soil fertility, which is vital for supporting healthy plant growth and high crop yields. Insufficient soil nutrient assessment during continuous cropping can threaten long-term agricultural viability. Soil nutrients need to be measured and replenished after each harvest for optimal yield. However, existing soil testing procedures are expensive and time-consuming. The proposed research aims to assess soil nutrient levels, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, to provide critical information and guidance on restoring optimal soil fertility. In this research, a novel chip-level colorimeter is fabricated to detect the N and P elements of soil onto a handheld colorimeter or spectrophotometer. Chemical reaction with soil solution generates color in the presence of nutrients, which are then quantitatively measured using sensors. The test samples are collected from various farmlands, and the results are validated with laboratory analysis of samples using spectrophotometers used in laboratories. ANOVA test has been performed in which F value > 1 in our study indicates statistically significant differences between the group means. The alternate hypothesis, which proposes the presence of significant differences between the groups, is supported by the data. The device created in this paper has crucial potential in terms of environmental and biological applications.