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[Screening and rapid identification of Bacillus thuringiensis mutants]
1Graduate Institute of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan-University, Taipei, R.O.C.
Zhonghua Minguo Wei Sheng Wu Ji Mian Yi Xue Za Zhi = Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Researchers screened Bacillus thuringiensis mutants using protein electrophoresis and ELISA. Two isolates, A 71 and BN 11, were identified as qualitative and quantitative mutants, respectively, for diamondback moth control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a key biological control agent against insect pests.
- Diamondback moth is a significant agricultural pest in Taiwan.
- Previous isolation of Bt mutants NTU 9 and Bt 158 targeted this pest.
Purpose:
- To optimize and apply protein electrophoresis and ELISA for screening Bt mutants.
- To identify qualitative and quantitative mutants of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki.
Summary:
- Optimal protein electrophoresis conditions involved 24-hour cell harvest, crashing, centrifugation, and supernatant heating before native PAGE.
- Optimal ELISA involved specific antiserum, 10 µg/ml antigen coating, and competitive inhibition with a 10^4-fold diluted antiserum.
- Isolates A 71 and BN 11 were identified as qualitative and quantitative mutants, respectively, using these optimized methods.
Impact:
- Establishes robust protocols for Bt mutant screening.
- Facilitates the selection of improved Bt strains for agricultural applications.
- Contributes to the development of effective biological control strategies against the diamondback moth.