It is advisable to monitor and regulate inorganic arsenic (iAs) in food and feedstuff. This work describes an update and validation of a method of selective hydride generation (HG) with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for high-throughput screening of iAs content in seafood samples after microwave-assisted extraction with diluted nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. High concentration of HCl (8 M) for HG along with hydrogen peroxide in samples of a same concentration as used for extraction leads to a selective conversion of iAs to volatile arsine that is released and transported to the detector. A minor contribution from methylarsonate (≈ 20%) was found, while HG from dimethylarsinate, trimethylarsine oxide is substantially suppressed (less than 1% to iAs). Methodology was applied to Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) TORT-3, DORM-3, DORM-4, DOLT-4, DOLT-5, PRON-1, SQID-1 and ERM-CE278k, in some of them iAs has been determined for the first time, and to various seaweed samples from a local store. The results were always compared with a reference method and selectivity of iAs determination was evaluated. An inter-laboratory reproducibility was tested by comparative analyzes of six fish and four seaweed samples in three European laboratories, with good agreement of the results. The method of HG-ICP-MS is sensitive (limit of detection 2 μg kg – 1 iAs), well suited for screening of large number of samples and selective at iAs concentration levels at which maximum limits are expected to be set into EU legislation for marine samples
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Brown algae are rich in polyphenolic compounds, phlorotannins, which have been found to possess high in vitro antioxidant capacity, especially DPPH radical scavenging activity, due to the high number of hydroxyl groups. Whereas, the overall antioxidant capacity of brown algae extracts has been widely studied, the antioxidant capacity of individual phlorotannins has been rarely explored. The aim of this study was to determine the structure dependent antioxidant capacity of phlorotannins from Icelandic brown algae, Fucus vesiculosus. The antioxidant capacity of individual phlorotannins was determined by an on-line method using liquid chromatography and an electrochemical detector followed by quadrupole Time of Flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-ECD-QTOFMS). Tentative structural elucidation of 13 phlorotannin isomers from EAF was obtained by LC-DAD-QTOFMS, ranging from 374 to 870 Da. On-line determination of antioxidant capacity of the individual phlorotannins generally showed that low molecular phlorotannins exhibited higher antioxidant capacity and that the capacity decreased with polymerisation.
Astrobiology seeks to understand the limits of life and to determine the physiology of organisms in order to better assess the habitability of other worlds. To successfully achieve these goals we require microorganisms from environments on Earth that approximate to extraterrestrial environments in terms of physical and / or chemical conditions. The most challenging of these environments with respect to sample collection, isolation and cultivation of microorganisms are anoxic environments. In this paper, an approach to this challenge was implemented within the European Union's MASE (Mars Analogues for Space Exploration) project. In this review paper, we aim to provide a set of methods for future field work and sampling campaigns. A number of anoxic environment based on characteristics that make them analogous to past and present locations on Mars were selected. They included anoxic sulfur-rich springs (Germany), the salt-rich Boulby Mine (UK), a lake in a basaltic context (Iceland), acidic sediments in the Rio Tinto (Spain), glacier samples (Austria) and permafrost samples ( Russia and Canada). Samples were collected under strict anoxic conditions to be used for cultivation and genomic community analysis. Using the samples, a culturing approach was implemented to enrich anaerobic organisms using a defined medium that would allow for organisms to be grown under identical conditions in future physiological comparisons. Anaerobic microorganisms were isolated and deposited with the DSMZ (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH) culture collection to make them available to other scientists. In MASE, the selected organisms are studied with respect to survival and growth under Mars relevant stresses. They are artificially fossilized and the resulting biosignatures studied and used to investigate the effectiveness of life detection instrumentation for planetary missions. Some of the organisms belong to genera with medical and environmental importance such as Yersinia spp., illustrating how astrobiology field research can be used to increase the availability of microbial isolates for applied terrestrial purposes.
The red seaweed Palmaria palmata has previously been reported to have high protein content high in essential amino acids. To extract the proteins a rigid cell wall consisting mainly of β- (1 → 4) / β- (1 → 3) -D-xylans must be disrupted. Different methods have been used to overcome this problem along with various methods used for protein evaluation. In this study, the effect of enzymatic pre-treatment on protein extraction was examined. Both enzymatic hydrolysis with xylanase and protease were tested. The amino acid content of the fractions was examined after extraction. The amino acid composition was similar to what has previously been reported; P. palmata was high in essential amino acids. Accordingly, a nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor was calculated for each fraction individually and protein results were compared with calculation using the proximate 6.25 conversion factor. The nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor varied between fractions but all factors were significantly lower than the popularly used 6.25 indicating that this conversion factor for processed P. palmata is effectively and considerably overestimating the protein content. Enzymatic pre-treatment with xylanase resulted in enhanced amino acid content and successful protein extraction. Enzymatic hydrolysis using protease resulted in higher protein content in the liquid extract compared to hydrolysis with xylanase, due to the release of proteins, peptides, and amino acids. Therefore, hydrolysis with protease is not suitable to extract proteins from P. palmata with the method described within this study but might be an optimal method to examine the bioactivity by extracting the protein hydrolysates. However, the result from this study confirms that hydrolysis with xylanase is a feasible choice to extract proteins of good quality from P. palmata.
Five bacterial (facultatively) anaerobic strains, namely Buttiauxella sp. MASE-IM-9, Clostridium sp. MASE-IM-4, Halanaerobium sp. MASE-BB-1, Trichococcus sp. MASE-IM-5, and Yersinia intermedia MASE-LG-1 isolated from different extreme natural environments were subjected to Mars relevant environmental stress factors in the laboratory under controlled conditions. These stress factors encompassed low water activity, oxidizing compounds, and ionizing radiation. Stress tests were performed under permanently anoxic conditions. The survival rate after addition of sodium perchlorate (Na-perchlorate) was found to be species-specific. The inter-comparison of the five microorganisms revealed that Clostridium sp. MASE-IM-4 was the most sensitive strain (D10-value (15 min, NaClO4) = 0.6 M). The most tolerant microorganism was Trichococcus sp. MASE-IM-5 with a calculated D10-value (15 min, NaClO4) of 1.9 M. Cultivation in the presence of Na-perchlorate in Martian relevant concentrations up to 1 wt% led to the observation of chains of cells in all strains. Exposure to Na-perchlorate led to a lowering of the survival rate after desiccation. Consecutive exposure to desiccating conditions and ionizing radiation led to additive effects. Moreover, in a desiccated state, an enhanced radiation tolerance could be observed for the strains Clostridium sp. MASE-IM-4 and Trichococcus sp. MASE-IM-5. These data show that anaerobic microorganisms from Mars analogue environments can resist a variety of Martian-simulated stresses either individually or in combination. However, responses were species-specific and some Mars-simulated extremes killed certain organisms. Thus, although Martian stresses would be expected to act differentially on microorganisms, none of the expected extremes tested here and found on Mars prevent the growth of anaerobic microorganisms.
Four facultative anaerobic and two obligate anaerobic bacteria were isolated from extreme environments (deep subsurface halite mine, sulfidic anoxic spring, mineral-rich river) in the frame MASE (Mars Analogues for Space Exploration) project. The isolates were investigated under anoxic conditions for their survivability after desiccation up to 6 months and their tolerance to ionizing radiation up to 3000 Gy. The results indicated that tolerances to both stresses are strain-specific features. Yersinia intermedia MASE-LG-1 showed a high desiccation tolerance but its radiation tolerance was very low. The most radiation-tolerant strains were Buttiauxella sp. MASE-IM-9 and Halanaerobium sp. MASE-BB-1. In both cases, cultivable cells were detectable after an exposure to 3 kGy of ionizing radiation, but cells only survived desiccation for 90 and 30 days, respectively. Although a correlation between desiccation and ionizing radiation resistance has been hypothesized for some aerobic microorganisms, our data showed that there was no correlation between tolerance to desiccation and ionizing radiation, suggesting that the physiological basis of both forms of tolerances is not necessarily linked. In addition, these results indicated that facultative and obligate anaerobic organisms living in extreme environments possess varied species-specific tolerances to extremes
Matís and Advania want to boost trade in agricultural products with a solution based on blockchain technology. The solution will promote traceability so that consumers are informed about the origin and journey of the product.
Matís and Advania have agreed to use the revolutionary blockchain technology to create a platform for trading in Icelandic agricultural products. Blockchain is the technology on which Bitcoin e-currency trading is based. One of its main advantages is to show almost unquestionable traceability. Therefore, the technology is very suitable in trade where the origin and travel of the product matters, such as in trade in agricultural products.
Consumers want to be informed about the origin of food and have long called for being able to trade directly with agricultural products with farmers. Advania and Matís therefore intend to create a new platform based on blockchain technology and will be available to the public this autumn. People are also given the opportunity to get an overview of lamb production from the website www.matarlandslagid.is which contains detailed information on the uniqueness of farmers and their cultivation. Consideration will also be given to utilizing the solution in the new food market in Hofsós.
The idea is to promote opportunities for innovation and specialization in agriculture. The forum also promotes transparency and honesty in the food trade. According to the agreement, Advania will provide a system based on blockchain technology that will be used to securely record information on farmers' products from the Matís database.
"It is exciting to use futuristic technology to promote new business practices in food production and increase the options for farmers and consumers. Advania's experts intend to build their first solution with a blockchain for this fun project and we intend to become a leading force in the use of this technology in Iceland, "says Ægir Már Þórisson, CEO of Advania.
"There is certainly a reason to focus on innovation in lamb production. It was therefore an obvious advantage when Advania proposed cooperation in the field of blockchain, as we believe technology can increase dialogue between farmers and consumers significantly, reduce the likelihood of food crimes and projects of this kind being a springboard for Icelandic food producers and technology companies ", says Sveinn Margeirsson CEO Matís.
In the later stages of the project, blockchain technology is being used to document sheep grazing and prevent overgrazing on land, but Landgræðslan has already begun work on preparing such a project in collaboration with sheep farmers.
A new project has just begun at Matís. The project focuses on the best bleeding of salmonids, as there is considerable value that is created and increased with good bleeding.
Objectives of the project Optimization in the bleeding of salmonids is to improve the bleeding of salmonids by improving existing methods and developing an efficient way to purify processing water generated during slaughter, bleeding and gutting. The intention is to develop a method that preserves bioactive substances from processing water that can be used in valuable products, but such a method ensures product quality and promotes environmentally friendly production.
We will start a tunnel collection where, among other things, we will look at what the Norwegians have been doing when it comes to bleeding salmon. The differences between different bleeding methods will be examined, but in addition the chemical composition of the blood will be investigated with chemical analyzes carried out at Matís' chemical laboratory.
The project is carried out in collaboration with Arnarlax, Arctic Protein and the University of Iceland and the project manager is Gunnar Þórðarson at Matís. In addition to him, the project involves Matís Magnea G. Karlsdóttir, Hildur Inga Sveinsdóttir, Ásbjörn Jónsson and Sigurjón Arason.
The project began last April. and ends in September 2020 and is funded by the Environmental Fund for Aquaculture.
A new article was published in the international scientific journal Icelandic Agricultural Sciences. The article, which is a summary article, is called Shortness of breath and HIV: There are many similarities between responsibilities and is by Valgerður Andrésdóttir. The summary of the article states: Shortness-of-breath virus infects sheep and mainly causes pneumonia (shortness of breath) and encephalitis (withered). The virus is a lentivirus that causes a slow-growing disease and is closely related to the HIV virus.
The viruses have many things in common, such as the organization of genetic material, the activity and type of viral proteins, the multiplication process, the host's response to infection and the dormant infection, which the host never gets rid of. Both viruses infect the cells of the immune system; dyspnoea virus infects phagocytes, whereas HIV infects both phagocytes and T-lymphocytes. In the review article, various similarities with these viruses are discussed.
Withering and shortness of breath are sheep diseases that came to the country with the import of Karakúlfé in 1933 and caused a great deal of livelihood in the Icelandic sheep farming. As a result, in 1948 the Keldur Experimental Station was established to carry out research on these and other animal diseases, but withered and shortness of breath was eliminated with cuts that ended in 1965. Björn Sigurðsson, the first director of the Experimental Station, directed research on these diseases, and set presented theories about a new category of infectious diseases, slow-moving infectious diseases. The dyspnoea virus is in this category but also the HIV virus and research on the dyspnoea virus has provided important information on the biology of HIV.
It is a great blessing to have received this overview article, which is basically based on some of the most remarkable research and discoveries that have come from Icelandic scholars.
Contact
Antoine Moenaert
Ph.D. Student
antoine@matis.is
A new project has just started at Matís. The project is about value from thermophilic bacteria is a 3-year research project where it is investigated whether it is possible to use carbohydrates made from seaweed to produce valuable compounds.
One of the most important tasks of today's biotechnology is to develop efficient and effective production methods for valuable biomass from sustainable biomass, in order to reduce pollution and counteract the overexploitation of natural resources that are not inexhaustible. To date, large algae have not been used as raw materials in the production of valuable substances in the biotechnology industry. They are rich in carbohydrates and as such they are optimal in the production of various valuables.
The project is funded by the Rannís Research Fund and the project is woven into two other projects at Matís, the projects MacroFuel and ThermoFactories and the project is based on decades of research and experience by Matís specialists in biotechnology of thermophilic bacteria
The project formally began on 1 April 2018. and therefore ends March 31, 2021.
Part of the project is for Antoine Moenaert's doctoral degree at Matís, but Antoine's supervisor is Guðmundur Óli Hreggviðsson and the professional leader of the project is Ólafur Héðinn Friðjónsson.
Project overview - author Antoine Moenaert.