Phylogenetic analysis and characterization of lipolytic activity of halophilic archaeal isolates

Five isolates designated as B45, D83A, A206A, A85 and E49 and found to possess a activity were taxonomically classified on the basis of their phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics. The isolates were determined to be Gram-negative, catalase and oxidase positive, hydrolyzing Tween 80 and 60 but not starch, need 3.5-4 M NaCl for optimal growth and lack of anaerobic growth with arginine or DMSO. All isolates had the highest lipolytic activity at pH 8.5. Lipase and esterase activities increased with salt concentration up to 3-4.5 M NaCl, and decreased at 5 M NaCl. Esterase and lipase showed their maximal activities at 50-55 degrees C and 60-65 degrees C, respectively. The phylogenetic tree constructed by the neighbor-joining method indicated that the strain B45 and A85 were closely related to the members of genera Halovivax and Natrinema, respectively. The closest relative of the strain A206A and D83A were found to be Haloterrigena saccharevitans. The strain E49 displayed a more distant relationship to known strains.

Glucose oxidase-polypyrrole electrodes synthesized in p-toluenesulfonic acid and sodium p-toluenesulfonate

Amperometric glucose biosensors have been developed based on entrapment on platinum (Pt) electrode using cyclic voltammetry technique in glucose oxidase (GOD) and pyrrole containing p-toluenesulfonic acid (pTSA) or sodium p-toluenesulfonate (NapTS) as supporting electrolyte solutions. Both of electrolyte solutions were suitable media for the formation and deposition of polypyrrole-GOD (PPy-GOD) layers on Pt substrate. Pt/PPy-GOD electrodes brought about in different morphological properties as well as different electrochemical and biochemical response. The highest responses obtained in pTSA and NapTS electrolytes were observed at pH of 4.5 and 7.0 for Pt/PPy-GOD electrodes, respectively. While linearity was observed between 0.0-1.0 mM glucose substrate for both electrodes, I(max) value of Pt/PPy-GOD(NapTS) electrode was approximately twice as high as that of Pt/PPy-GOD(pTSA) electrode as 25.4 and 14.2 microA, respectively. Five commercial drinks were tested with enzyme electrodes and compared with results obtained spectrophotometrically using glucose kit. Results revealed that Pt/PPy-GOD(NapTS) electrode exhibited better biosensor response.

Simultaneous co-immobilization of glucose oxidase and catalase in their substrates

Glucose oxidase (GOD) and catalase (CAT) were simultaneously co-immobilized onto magnesium silicate (florisil) by covalent coupling. Glucose was added in immobilization mixture and hydrogen peroxide which is the substrate of CAT was produced in coupling mixture during immobilization time. Therefore, co-immobilization of GOD and CAT was carried out in presence of both their substrate: glucose and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. The effect of glucose concentration in immobilization mixture on activities of GOD and CAT of co-immobilized samples were investigated. Maximum GOD and CAT activities were determined for samples co-immobilized in presence of 15 and 20 mM glucose, respectively. Co-immobilization of GOD and CAT in presence of their substrates highly improved the activity and reusability of both enzymes.