Author(s): Bin X; Pawelek PD;

The Escherichia coli enterobactin biosynthetic protein EntB is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes hydrolysis of isochorismate via its N-terminal isochorismatase (IC) domain, and then transfers phosphopantetheinylated 2,3-DHB to EntF via the EntB C-terminal aryl carrier protein (ArCP) domain. Here we used a fluorescence anisotropy binding assay to invest ...

Article GUID: 40400396

Author(s): Safiabadi Tali SH; Al-Kassawneh M; Mansouri M; Sadiq Z; Jahanshahi-Anbuhi S;

Developing low-cost and easy-to-use point-of-care devices is necessary for timely disease diagnosis and health monitoring. Here, we introduce all-inclusive, tablet-based chemo/biosensors with rapid automixing features, capable of mixing in highly viscous solutions with viscosities up to 1700 mPa·s. These tablets are created using a simple powder compressi ...

Article GUID: 40327804

Author(s): Lyu L; Bagchi M; Ng KTW; Markoglou N; Chowdhury R; An C; Chen Z; Yang X;

The disposal of fossil fuel-based plastics poses a huge environmental challenge, leading to increased interest in biodegradable alternatives such as polylactic acid (PLA). This study focuses on the environmental impact and degradation of PLA face mask components under various conditions (UV (Ultraviolet) radiation, DI water, landfill leachate of various a ...

Article GUID: 39378804

Author(s): Fong JK; Mathieu Y; Vo MT; Bellemare A; Tsang A; Brumer H;

Bacterial and fungal copper radical oxidases (CROs) from Auxiliary Activity Family 5 (AA5) are implicated in morphogenesis and pathogenesis. The unique catalytic properties of CROs also make these enzymes attractive biocatalysts for the transformation of small molecules and biopolymers. Despite a recent increase in the number of characterized AA5 members, ...

Article GUID: 38953370

Author(s): López-Peña G; Ortiz-Mansilla E; Arranz A; Bogdan N; Manso-Silván M; Martín Rodríguez E;

Today, diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases that affects the population on a worldwide scale. Patients suffering from this disease are required to control their blood-glucose levels several times a day through invasive methods such as piercing their fingers. Our NaGdF4: 5% Er3+, 3% Nd3+ nanoparticles demonstrate a remarkable ability to det ...

Article GUID: 38729020

Author(s): Sharan AA; Bellemare A; DiFalco M; Tsang A; Vuong TV; Edwards EA; Master ER;

Laccase-like multicopper oxidases are recognized for their potential to alter the reactivity of lignins for application in value-added products. Typically, model compounds are employed to discover such enzymes; however, they do not represent the complexity of industrial lignin substrates. In this work, a screening pipeline was developed to test enzymes si ...

Article GUID: 38000639

Author(s): Arentshorst M; Falco MD; Moisan MC; Reid ID; Spaapen TOM; van Dam J; Demirci E; Powlowski J; Punt PJ; Tsang A; Ram AFJ;

Tannic acid, a hydrolysable gallotannin present in plant tissues, consists of a central glucose molecule esterified with gallic acid molecules. Some microorganisms, including several Aspergillus species, can metabolize tannic acid by releasing gallic acid residues from tannic acid by secreting ta ...

Article GUID: 37744122

Author(s): Sgro M; Chow N; Olyaei F; Arentshorst M; Geoffrion N; Ram AFJ; Powlowski J; Tsang A;

Bacteria and fungi catabolize plant-derived aromatic compounds by funneling into one of seven dihydroxylated aromatic intermediates, which then undergo ring fission and conversion to TCA cycle intermediates. Two of these intermediates, protocatechuic acid and catechol, converge on ß-ketoadipate which is further cleaved to succinyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA. Thes ...

Article GUID: 37399977

Author(s): Gruninger RJ; Tsang A; McAllister TA;

Lignocellulosic biomass represents an abundant, renewable resource that can be used to produce biofuels, low-cost livestock feed, and high-value chemicals. The potential of this bioresource has led to intensive research efforts to develop cost-effective methods to break down lignocellulose. The efficiency with which the anaerobic fungi (phylum Neocallimas ...

Article GUID: 37149538

Author(s): Asadi P; Milev MP; Saint-Dic D; Gamberi C; Sacher M;

Mutations in the Transport and Golgi Organization 2 (TANGO2) gene are associated with intellectual deficit, neurodevelopmental delay and regression. Individuals can also present with an acute metabolic crisis that includes rhabdomyolysis, cardiomyopathy and cardiac arrhythmias, the latter of which are potentially lethal. While preventing metabolic crises ...

Article GUID: 36502486

Author(s): Ouadhi S; López DMV; Mohideen FI; Kwan DH;

Many glycosylated small molecule natural products and glycoprotein biologics are important in a broad range of therapeutic and industrial applications. The sugar moieties that decorate these compounds often show a profound impact on their biological functions, thus biocatalytic methods for controlling their glycosylation are valuable. Enzymes from nature ...

Article GUID: 36444941