Scientific achievements
Department “Microbial biosyntheses and biotechnologies”
1.A method for production of extra cellular α-galactosidase was developed by submerged cultivation of Aspergillus niger M47 , Penicillium chrisogenum LN33 and Humicula lutea 1205 on the medium, composed by wastes from food industry. The method was submitted for patent.
2. A Lab biotechnology for galanthamine production by Leucojum aestivum shoot culture was developed. This is the first bioreactor process reported for production of Galanthamine by in vitro plant system.
3. A detailed “know-how” for production of L-lysine and a Lab biotechnology for production of L-valine were developed.
4. From culture medium of a thermophilic strain two indole alkaloids (microbiareton and microbiaeratinin) were isolated and their cytotoxic and antialgic activities were established.
5. An alkaline hydrolysate from animal wastes was obtained and their influence on chemical and microbiological properties of the poor soils were investigated. The obtained results outlined the possibilities for its application as an organic fertilizer.
6. The growth of methylotrophic yeasts Hansenula and Pichia on glucose, methanol and glycerol as carbon source was investigated. The presence of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in fractions of mitochondria, cytosol and peroxisomes were investigated. It was established that peroxisomal catalase was located in the mitochondrial matrix and SOD( besides the typical places for localization- mitochondria and cytosol)was detected in peroxisomes as well.
7. The proteolytic system of starter lactobacteria was characterized and it was established that this system is a criterion for their participation in starters for milk products.
8. In situ baceriocins production of LB. bulgaricus BB18 and LB. lactis BCM5 was studied and their strain compatibility with two technological strains S. thermophilus 11A and Lb. bulgaricus LX1 was demonstrated for forming starters for fermented milks with health benefits.
9.The strain Streptomyces sp., producer of antibiotic complex, was identified by hemotaxonomic and genetic methods as Streptomyces iakurus DSM 41873. The antibiotic complex is composed of 5 new components, which were characterized by their molecular masses and chemical structures.
10.The colloid properties of glucomannan, synthesized by psychrophilic stain were studied. The comparison of the cream emulsions with glucomannan and those with emulsifiers rofetan and arlacel ( used in cosmetic industry) showed that they were with equal stability.
11.The yeast strain, producer of phytase was isolated from Antarctic samples. The appropriate culture medium and parameters of cultivation were established for high production of phytase. The enzyme kinetics and properties were determined as well.
12.By flow cytometry the genom sizes of the cells of Beta vulgaris intact plants and hairy root cultures were determined. It was established that in contrast to the primary plant tissues, the obtained hairy roots are mixoploids., due to several cycles of endoreduplication. Such difference currently is not reported in the available scientific literature.