Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Breakthrough: Natural bacteria compound offers safe skin lightening

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered a natural tyrosinase inhibitor from Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum that inhibits melanin synthesis and provides an alternative to toxic hydroquinone-based products. The compound, cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr), exhibits low toxicity and potential benefits for hyperpigmentation treatment.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024

Organic nanozymes have broad applications from food and agriculture to biomedicine

Research from the University of Illinois highlights the potential of organic nanozymes for broader applications beyond traditional uses of inorganic nanozymes. The development of sustainable, environmentally friendly materials offers a promising solution for various industries.

A new path to drug diversity

A team of scientists discovered new fusion sites in protein evolution that enable faster and more targeted drug development. By combining evolutionary processes with synthetic biology, they created customized biological drugs with improved therapeutic properties.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2024

Donor hearts can be reprogrammed with medication for longer storage, improved transplant outcomes

A new study found that a medication previously used to treat seizures can reprogram donor hearts to boost the production of beneficial enzymes, increasing storage time and improving post-transplant function. This technology could lead to a paradigm shift in extending heart storage and reducing primary graft dysfunction.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Revealing biochemical “rings of power”

Researchers at Max-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology have deciphered the biosynthesis of benzobactins, a class of natural compounds with special biological activity. The study reveals that these compounds are widespread in diverse bacteria and could be excellent candidates for future drug therapy.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 18, 2022

Harnessing the power of saffron color for food and future therapeutics

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed a method to produce crocins, a key ingredient in saffron, using a common garden plant. This breakthrough could lead to sustainable and efficient production of these compounds for pharmaceuticals, food coloring, and flavor additives.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateAug 31, 2022

Fixing protein production errors lengthens lifespan

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that reducing naturally occurring errors in protein synthesis improves both health and lifespan. By engineering a mutation in ribosomes, researchers observed fewer protein mistakes and improved heat resistance, leading to longer lifespans in yeast, worms, and fruit flies.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Microbial production of a natural red colorant carminic acid

Researchers at KAIST successfully produced carminic acid from glucose in engineered Escherichia coli, overcoming the need for complex purification processes and protein contaminants. The development of a generally applicable C-glucosyltransferase also enables the production of other valuable natural products.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 6, 2021

Enzyme cocktail developed in Brazil powers production of second-generation ethanol

Researchers at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) have developed a low-cost platform for producing enzymes that break down biomass into fermentable sugar for biofuel conversion. The enzyme cocktail, produced by genetically engineering a fungus, has significant potential industrial applications.

Researchers present a microbial strain capable of massive succinic acid production

A research team has developed a microbial strain capable of producing succinic acid with the highest production efficiency to date. The strain, isolated from a Korean cow's rumen, was engineered through systems metabolic engineering and enzyme engineering to produce 134 g per liter of succinic acid.

Everyday enzymes, now grown in plants

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new method to produce enzymes in plants, which can be as effective as traditional microbial-derived enzymes. The plant-grown enzymes are cheaper to produce and shelf-stable, making them a game-changer for industries such as textile manufacturing and juice production.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateApr 9, 2019

Unwrapping the brewing secrets of barley

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found a link between enzymes involved in malt production and a specific tissue layer within barley grains. The study showed that grains with more aleurone had increased enzyme activity, which could lead to improved brewing processes and new malts.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 23, 2018

Research shows how genetics can contribute for advances in 2G ethanol production

Researchers have identified key genes involved in enzymatic degradation of sugarcane biomass by three fungal species. The study, supported by FAPESP, provides insights into the genetic mechanisms controlling enzyme secretion and expression, paving the way for more efficient biomass breakdown and production of biofuels.

Bacteria development marks new era in cellular design

Researchers at the University of Kent and Bristol have built a miniature scaffold inside bacteria, enabling efficient production of chemicals and biofuels. The technology, which can increase alcohol production by over 200%, has significant implications for the next generation of biofuel production.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 11, 2017

Magic enzymes

Researchers have identified the enzymes responsible for psilocybin production in magic mushrooms, which could lead to its biotechnological production. The study reveals a previously unknown biosynthetic pathway and introduces a synthetic route that could transform psilocybin into a pharmaceutical ingredient.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 25, 2017