Rapid method for isolation of desiccation-tolerant strains and xeroprotectants.

ABSTRACT: A novel biotechnological process has been developed for the isolation of desiccation-tolerant microorganisms and their xeroprotectants, i.e., compatible solutes involved in long-term stability of biomolecules in the dry state. Following exposure of soil samples to chloroform, we isolated a collection of desiccation-tolerant microorganisms. This collection was screened for the production of xeroprotectants by a variation of the bacterial milking (osmotic downshock) procedure and by a novel air-drying/rehydration ("dry milking") incubation method. The resultant solutes were shown to protect both proteins and living cells against desiccation damage, thereby validating them as xeroprotectants. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analytical studies were performed to identify the xeroprotectants; s

SUBMITTER: Narvaez-Reinaldo JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2916496 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature