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Analysis of the Lipid Composition of Mycobacteria by Thin Layer Chromatography
Published on: April 16, 2021
Scanning electron microscopy investigations on bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate treated Mycobacterium cells
B Angelova1, P Fernandes, D Spasova
1Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria. blaga@microbio.bas.bg
Microscopy Research and Technique
|May 27, 2006
Summary
Preincubating Mycobacterium sp. with bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (BEHP) for 6 hours optimizes steroid transformation into androstenedione (AD) and androstadienedione (ADD). This treatment enhances microbial steroid biotransformation efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mycobacterium sp. NRRL B-3805 is utilized for steroid biotransformation.
- Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (BEHP) is an organic solvent investigated for its effects on microbial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of BEHP preincubation on the steroid transforming activity of Mycobacterium sp. NRRL B-3805.
- To analyze the ultrastructural changes in Mycobacterium sp. cells induced by BEHP treatment.
Main Methods:
- Resting Mycobacterium sp. cells were preincubated in BEHP for varying durations (3-24 h).
- Steroid transformation of beta-sitosterol into androstenedione (AD) and androstadienedione (ADD) was quantified.
- Cellular ultrastructure was examined using electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Preincubation exceeding 12 h induced significant ultrastructural changes, including cell surface alterations and wall disruption.
- Even after 24 h of BEHP exposure, cells retained steroid transforming activity, converting up to 80% of the substrate.
- A 6-hour preincubation period resulted in stoichiometric transformation and a slightly higher initial reaction rate.
Conclusions:
- BEHP treatment can modify Mycobacterium sp. cell structure while maintaining steroid biotransformation capabilities.
- Optimizing BEHP preincubation time, specifically 6 hours, enhances the efficiency of beta-sitosterol conversion to AD and ADD.
