@article{PourshahidiAchtsnichtNambipareecheeetal.2021, author = {Pourshahidi, Ali Mohammad and Achtsnicht, Stefan and Nambipareechee, Mrinal Murali and Offenh{\"a}usser, Andreas and Krause, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Multiplex detection of magnetic beads using offset field dependent frequency mixing magnetic detection}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {21}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {17}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s21175859}, pages = {16 Seiten}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Magnetic immunoassays employing Frequency Mixing Magnetic Detection (FMMD) have recently become increasingly popular for quantitative detection of various analytes. Simultaneous analysis of a sample for two or more targets is desirable in order to reduce the sample amount, save consumables, and save time. We show that different types of magnetic beads can be distinguished according to their frequency mixing response to a two-frequency magnetic excitation at different static magnetic offset fields. We recorded the offset field dependent FMMD response of two different particle types at frequencies ƒ₁ + n⋅ƒ₂, n = 1, 2, 3, 4 with ƒ₁ = 30.8 kHz and ƒ₂ = 63 Hz. Their signals were clearly distinguishable by the locations of the extremes and zeros of their responses. Binary mixtures of the two particle types were prepared with different mixing ratios. The mixture samples were analyzed by determining the best linear combination of the two pure constituents that best resembled the measured signals of the mixtures. Using a quadratic programming algorithm, the mixing ratios could be determined with an accuracy of greater than 14\%. If each particle type is functionalized with a different antibody, multiplex detection of two different analytes becomes feasible.}, language = {en} } @article{FalkenbergRahbaFischeretal.2022, author = {Falkenberg, Fabian and Rahba, Jade and Fischer, David and Bott, Michael and Bongaerts, Johannes and Siegert, Petra}, title = {Biochemical characterization of a novel oxidatively stable, halotolerant, and high-alkaline subtilisin from Alkalihalobacillus okhensis Kh10-101T}, series = {FEBS Open Bio}, volume = {12}, journal = {FEBS Open Bio}, number = {10}, publisher = {Wiley}, address = {Hoboken, NJ}, issn = {2211-5463}, doi = {10.1002/2211-5463.13457}, pages = {1729 -- 1746}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms represent a promising source of salt-tolerant enzymes suitable for various biotechnological applications where high salt concentrations would otherwise limit enzymatic activity. Considering the current growing enzyme market and the need for more efficient and new biocatalysts, the present study aimed at the characterization of a high-alkaline subtilisin from Alkalihalobacillus okhensis Kh10-101T. The protease gene was cloned and expressed in Bacillus subtilis DB104. The recombinant protease SPAO with 269 amino acids belongs to the subfamily of high-alkaline subtilisins. The biochemical characteristics of purified SPAO were analyzed in comparison with subtilisin Carlsberg, Savinase, and BPN'. SPAO, a monomer with a molecular mass of 27.1 kDa, was active over a wide range of pH 6.0-12.0 and temperature 20-80 °C, optimally at pH 9.0-9.5 and 55 °C. The protease is highly oxidatively stable to hydrogen peroxide and retained 58\% of residual activity when incubated at 10 °C with 5\% (v/v) H2O2 for 1 h while stimulated at 1\% (v/v) H2O2. Furthermore, SPAO was very stable and active at NaCl concentrations up to 5.0 m. This study demonstrates the potential of SPAO for biotechnological applications in the future.}, language = {en} } @article{PourshahidiEngelmannOffenhaeusseretal.2022, author = {Pourshahidi, Ali Mohammad and Engelmann, Ulrich M. and Offenh{\"a}usser, Andreas and Krause, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Resolving ambiguities in core size determination of magnetic nanoparticles from magnetic frequency mixing data}, series = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {563}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, number = {In progress, Art. No. 169969}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2022.169969}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Frequency mixing magnetic detection (FMMD) has been widely utilized as a measurement technique in magnetic immunoassays. It can also be used for the characterization and distinction (also known as "colourization") of different types of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) based on their core sizes. In a previous work, it was shown that the large particles contribute most of the FMMD signal. This leads to ambiguities in core size determination from fitting since the contribution of the small-sized particles is almost undetectable among the strong responses from the large ones. In this work, we report on how this ambiguity can be overcome by modelling the signal intensity using the Langevin model in thermodynamic equilibrium including a lognormal core size distribution fL(dc,d0,σ) fitted to experimentally measured FMMD data of immobilized MNPs. For each given median diameter d0, an ambiguous amount of best-fitting pairs of parameters distribution width σ and number of particles Np with R2 > 0.99 are extracted. By determining the samples' total iron mass, mFe, with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), we are then able to identify the one specific best-fitting pair (σ, Np) one uniquely. With this additional externally measured parameter, we resolved the ambiguity in core size distribution and determined the parameters (d0, σ, Np) directly from FMMD measurements, allowing precise MNPs sample characterization.}, language = {en} } @article{EngelmannPourshahidiShalabyetal.2022, author = {Engelmann, Ulrich M. and Pourshahidi, Mohammad Ali and Shalaby, Ahmed and Krause, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Probing particle size dependency of frequency mixing magnetic detection with dynamic relaxation simulation}, series = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, volume = {563}, journal = {Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials}, number = {In progress, Art. No. 169965}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0304-8853}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmmm.2022.169965}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) fundamentally rely on the particles' magnetic relaxation as a response to an alternating magnetic field. The magnetic relaxation complexly depends on the interplay of MNP magnetic and physical properties with the applied field parameters. It is commonly accepted that particle core size is a major contributor to signal generation in all the above applications, however, most MNP samples comprise broad distribution spanning nm and more. Therefore, precise knowledge of the exact contribution of individual core sizes to signal generation is desired for optimal MNP design generally for each application. Specifically, we present a magnetic relaxation simulation-driven analysis of experimental frequency mixing magnetic detection (FMMD) for biosensing to quantify the contributions of individual core size fractions towards signal generation. Applying our method to two different experimental MNP systems, we found the most dominant contributions from approx. 20 nm sized particles in the two independent MNP systems. Additional comparison between freely suspended and immobilized MNP also reveals insight in the MNP microstructure, allowing to use FMMD for MNP characterization, as well as to further fine-tune its applicability in biosensing.}, language = {en} } @article{FalkenbergBottBongaertsetal.2022, author = {Falkenberg, Fabian and Bott, Michael and Bongaerts, Johannes and Siegert, Petra}, title = {Phylogenetic survey of the subtilase family and a data-mining-based search for new subtilisins from Bacillaceae}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {2022}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, number = {13}, publisher = {Frontiers}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2022.1017978}, pages = {Artikel 13:1017978}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The subtilase family (S8), a member of the clan SB of serine proteases are ubiquitous in all kingdoms of life and fulfil different physiological functions. Subtilases are divided in several groups and especially subtilisins are of interest as they are used in various industrial sectors. Therefore, we searched for new subtilisin sequences of the family Bacillaceae using a data mining approach. The obtained 1,400 sequences were phylogenetically classified in the context of the subtilase family. This required an updated comprehensive overview of the different groups within this family. To fill this gap, we conducted a phylogenetic survey of the S8 family with characterised holotypes derived from the MEROPS database. The analysis revealed the presence of eight previously uncharacterised groups and 13 subgroups within the S8 family. The sequences that emerged from the data mining with the set filter parameters were mainly assigned to the subtilisin subgroups of true subtilisins, high-alkaline subtilisins, and phylogenetically intermediate subtilisins and represent an excellent source for new subtilisin candidates.}, language = {en} } @article{HaegerBongaertsSiegert2022, author = {Haeger, Gerrit and Bongaerts, Johannes and Siegert, Petra}, title = {A convenient ninhydrin assay in 96-well format for amino acid-releasing enzymes using an air-stable reagent}, series = {Analytical Biochemistry}, journal = {Analytical Biochemistry}, number = {624}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1096-0309}, doi = {10.1016/j.ab.2022.114819}, pages = {Artikel 114819}, year = {2022}, abstract = {An improved and convenient ninhydrin assay for aminoacylase activity measurements was developed using the commercial EZ Nin™ reagent. Alternative reagents from literature were also evaluated and compared. The addition of DMSO to the reagent enhanced the solubility of Ruhemann's purple (RP). Furthermore, we found that the use of a basic, aqueous buffer enhances stability of RP. An acidic protocol for the quantification of lysine was developed by addition of glacial acetic acid. The assay allows for parallel processing in a 96-well format with measurements microtiter plates.}, language = {en} } @article{WeldenSeverinsPoghossianetal.2022, author = {Welden, Melanie and Severins, Robin and Poghossian, Arshak and Wege, Christina and Bongaerts, Johannes and Siegert, Petra and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Detection of acetoin and diacetyl by a tobacco mosaic virus-assisted field-effect biosensor}, series = {Chemosensors}, volume = {10}, journal = {Chemosensors}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2227-9040}, doi = {10.3390/chemosensors10060218}, pages = {Artikel 218}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Acetoin and diacetyl have a major impact on the flavor of alcoholic beverages such as wine or beer. Therefore, their measurement is important during the fermentation process. Until now, gas chromatographic techniques have typically been applied; however, these require expensive laboratory equipment and trained staff, and do not allow for online monitoring. In this work, a capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor sensor modified with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles as enzyme nanocarriers for the detection of acetoin and diacetyl is presented. The enzyme acetoin reductase from Alkalihalobacillus clausii DSM 8716ᵀ is immobilized via biotin-streptavidin affinity, binding to the surface of the TMV particles. The TMV-assisted biosensor is electrochemically characterized by means of leakage-current, capacitance-voltage, and constant capacitance measurements. In this paper, the novel biosensor is studied regarding its sensitivity and long-term stability in buffer solution. Moreover, the TMV-assisted capacitive field-effect sensor is applied for the detection of diacetyl for the first time. The measurement of acetoin and diacetyl with the same sensor setup is demonstrated. Finally, the successive detection of acetoin and diacetyl in buffer and in diluted beer is studied by tuning the sensitivity of the biosensor using the pH value of the measurement solution.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WeldenSeverinsPoghossianetal.2022, author = {Welden, Melanie and Severins, Robin and Poghossian, Arshak and Wege, Christina and Siegert, Petra and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Studying the immobilization of acetoin reductase with Tobacco mosaic virus particles on capacitive field-effect sensors}, series = {2022 IEEE International Symposium on Olfaction and Electronic Nose (ISOEN)}, booktitle = {2022 IEEE International Symposium on Olfaction and Electronic Nose (ISOEN)}, publisher = {IEEE}, isbn = {978-1-6654-5860-3 (Online)}, doi = {10.1109/ISOEN54820.2022.9789657}, pages = {4 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {A capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EISCAP) biosensor modified with Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles for the detection of acetoin is presented. The enzyme acetoin reductase (AR) was immobilized on the surface of the EISCAP using TMV particles as nanoscaffolds. The study focused on the optimization of the TMV-assisted AR immobilization on the Ta 2 O 5 -gate EISCAP surface. The TMV-assisted acetoin EISCAPs were electrochemically characterized by means of leakage-current, capacitance-voltage, and constant-capacitance measurements. The TMV-modified transducer surface was studied via scanning electron microscopy.}, language = {en} } @article{WeldenPoghossianVahidpouretal.2022, author = {Welden, Melanie and Poghossian, Arshak and Vahidpour, Farnoosh and Wendlandt, Tim and Keusgen, Michael and Wege, Christina and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Towards multi-analyte detection with field-effect capacitors modified with tobacco mosaic virus bioparticles as enzyme nanocarriers}, series = {Biosensors}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biosensors}, number = {1}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2079-6374}, doi = {10.3390/bios12010043}, pages = {Artikel 43}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Utilizing an appropriate enzyme immobilization strategy is crucial for designing enzyme-based biosensors. Plant virus-like particles represent ideal nanoscaffolds for an extremely dense and precise immobilization of enzymes, due to their regular shape, high surface-to-volume ratio and high density of surface binding sites. In the present work, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) particles were applied for the co-immobilization of penicillinase and urease onto the gate surface of a field-effect electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor capacitor (EISCAP) with a p-Si-SiO₂-Ta₂O₅ layer structure for the sequential detection of penicillin and urea. The TMV-assisted bi-enzyme EISCAP biosensor exhibited a high urea and penicillin sensitivity of 54 and 85 mV/dec, respectively, in the concentration range of 0.1-3 mM. For comparison, the characteristics of single-enzyme EISCAP biosensors modified with TMV particles immobilized with either penicillinase or urease were also investigated. The surface morphology of the TMV-modified Ta₂O₅-gate was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the bi-enzyme EISCAP was applied to mimic an XOR (Exclusive OR) enzyme logic gate.}, language = {en} } @article{MolinnusJanusFangetal.2022, author = {Molinnus, Denise and Janus, Kevin Alexander and Fang, Anyelina C. and Drinic, Aleksander and Achtsnicht, Stefan and K{\"o}pf, Marius and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Thick-film carbon electrode deposited onto a biodegradable fibroin substrate for biosensing applications}, series = {Physica status solidi (a)}, volume = {219}, journal = {Physica status solidi (a)}, number = {23}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.202200100}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This study addresses a proof-of-concept experiment with a biocompatible screen-printed carbon electrode deposited onto a biocompatible and biodegradable substrate, which is made of fibroin, a protein derived from silk of the Bombyx mori silkworm. To demonstrate the sensor performance, the carbon electrode is functionalized as a glucose biosensor with the enzyme glucose oxidase and encapsulated with a silicone rubber to ensure biocompatibility of the contact wires. The carbon electrode is fabricated by means of thick-film technology including a curing step to solidify the carbon paste. The influence of the curing temperature and curing time on the electrode morphology is analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical characterization of the glucose biosensor is performed by amperometric/voltammetric measurements of different glucose concentrations in phosphate buffer. Herein, systematic studies at applied potentials from 500 to 1200 mV to the carbon working electrode (vs the Ag/AgCl reference electrode) allow to determine the optimal working potential. Additionally, the influence of the curing parameters on the glucose sensitivity is examined over a time period of up to 361 days. The sensor shows a negligible cross-sensitivity toward ascorbic acid, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. The developed biocompatible biosensor is highly promising for future in vivo and epidermal applications.}, language = {en} } @article{MolinnusIkenJohnenetal.2022, author = {Molinnus, Denise and Iken, Heiko and Johnen, Anna Lynn and Richstein, Benjamin and Hellmich, Lena and Poghossian, Arshak and Knoch, Joachim and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Miniaturized pH-Sensitive Field-Effect Capacitors with Ultrathin Ta₂O₅ Films Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition}, series = {physica status solidi (a) applications and materials science}, volume = {219}, journal = {physica status solidi (a) applications and materials science}, number = {8}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.202100660}, pages = {7 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Miniaturized electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor capacitors (EISCAPs) with ultrathin gate insulators have been studied in terms of their pH-sensitive sensor characteristics: three different EISCAP systems consisting of Al-p-Si-Ta2O5(5 nm), Al-p-Si-Si3N4(1 or 2 nm)-Ta2O5 (5 nm), and Al-p-Si-SiO2(3.6 nm)-Ta2O5(5 nm) layer structures are characterized in buffer solution with different pH values by means of capacitance-voltage and constant capacitance method. The SiO2 and Si3N4 gate insulators are deposited by rapid thermal oxidation and rapid thermal nitridation, respectively, whereas the Ta2O5 film is prepared by atomic layer deposition. All EISCAP systems have a clear pH response, favoring the stacked gate insulators SiO2-Ta2O5 when considering the overall sensor characteristics, while the Si3N4(1 nm)-Ta2O5 stack delivers the largest accumulation capacitance (due to the lower equivalent oxide thickness) and a higher steepness in the slope of the capacitance-voltage curve among the studied stacked gate insulator systems.}, language = {en} } @article{PoghossianKarschuckWagneretal.2022, author = {Poghossian, Arshak and Karschuck, Tobias and Wagner, Patrick and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Field-Effect Capacitors Decorated with Ligand-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles: Modeling and Experiments}, series = {Biosensors}, volume = {12}, journal = {Biosensors}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2079-6374}, doi = {10.3390/bios12050334}, pages = {Artikel 334}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Nanoparticles are recognized as highly attractive tunable materials for designing field-effect biosensors with enhanced performance. In this work, we present a theoretical model for electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor capacitors (EISCAP) decorated with ligand-stabilized charged gold nanoparticles. The charged AuNPs are taken into account as additional, nanometer-sized local gates. The capacitance-voltage (C-V) curves and constant-capacitance (ConCap) signals of the AuNP-decorated EISCAPs have been simulated. The impact of the AuNP coverage on the shift of the C-V curves and the ConCap signals was also studied experimentally on Al-p-Si-SiO₂ EISCAPs decorated with positively charged aminooctanethiol-capped AuNPs. In addition, the surface of the EISCAPs, modified with AuNPs, was characterized by scanning electron microscopy for different immobilization times of the nanoparticles.}, language = {en} } @article{PourshahidiAchtsnichtOffenhaeusseretal.2022, author = {Pourshahidi, Ali Mohammad and Achtsnicht, Stefan and Offenh{\"a}usser, Andreas and Krause, Hans-Joachim}, title = {Frequency Mixing Magnetic Detection Setup Employing Permanent Ring Magnets as a Static Offset Field Source}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {22}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {22}, editor = {Offenh{\"a}usser, Andreas}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s22228776}, pages = {12 Seiten}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Frequency mixing magnetic detection (FMMD) has been explored for its applications in fields of magnetic biosensing, multiplex detection of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and the determination of core size distribution of MNP samples. Such applications rely on the application of a static offset magnetic field, which is generated traditionally with an electromagnet. Such a setup requires a current source, as well as passive or active cooling strategies, which directly sets a limitation based on the portability aspect that is desired for point of care (POC) monitoring applications. In this work, a measurement head is introduced that involves the utilization of two ring-shaped permanent magnets to generate a static offset magnetic field. A steel cylinder in the ring bores homogenizes the field. By variation of the distance between the ring magnets and of the thickness of the steel cylinder, the magnitude of the magnetic field at the sample position can be adjusted. Furthermore, the measurement setup is compared to the electromagnet offset module based on measured signals and temperature behavior.}, language = {en} } @article{VahidpourGuthmanArreolaetal.2022, author = {Vahidpour, Farnoosh and Guthman, Eric and Arreola, Julia and Alghazali, Yousef H. M. and Wagner, Torsten and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Assessment of Various Process Parameters for Optimized Sterilization Conditions Using a Multi-Sensing Platform}, series = {Foods}, volume = {11}, journal = {Foods}, number = {5}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2304-8158}, doi = {10.3390/foods11050660}, pages = {Artikel 660}, year = {2022}, abstract = {In this study, an online multi-sensing platform was engineered to simultaneously evaluate various process parameters of food package sterilization using gaseous hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The platform enabled the validation of critical aseptic parameters. In parallel, one series of microbiological count reduction tests was performed using highly resistant spores of B. atrophaeus DSM 675 to act as the reference method for sterility validation. By means of the multi-sensing platform together with microbiological tests, we examined sterilization process parameters to define the most effective conditions with regards to the highest spore kill rate necessary for aseptic packaging. As these parameters are mutually associated, a correlation between different factors was elaborated. The resulting correlation indicated the need for specific conditions regarding the applied H₂O₂ gas temperature, the gas flow and concentration, the relative humidity and the exposure time. Finally, the novel multi-sensing platform together with the mobile electronic readout setup allowed for the online and on-site monitoring of the sterilization process, selecting the best conditions for sterility and, at the same time, reducing the use of the time-consuming and costly microbiological tests that are currently used in the food package industry.}, language = {en} } @article{VahidpourAlghazaliAkcaetal.2022, author = {Vahidpour, Farnoosh and Alghazali, Yousef and Akca, Sevilay and Hommes, Gregor and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {An Enzyme-Based Interdigitated Electrode-Type Biosensor for Detecting Low Concentrations of H₂O₂ Vapor/Aerosol}, series = {Chemosensors}, volume = {10}, journal = {Chemosensors}, number = {6}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2227-9040}, doi = {10.3390/chemosensors10060202}, pages = {Arikel 202}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This work introduces a novel method for the detection of H₂O₂ vapor/aerosol of low concentrations, which is mainly applied in the sterilization of equipment in medical industry. Interdigitated electrode (IDE) structures have been fabricated by means of microfabrication techniques. A differential setup of IDEs was prepared, containing an active sensor element (active IDE) and a passive sensor element (passive IDE), where the former was immobilized with an enzymatic membrane of horseradish peroxidase that is selective towards H₂O₂. Changes in the IDEs' capacitance values (active sensor element versus passive sensor element) under H₂O₂ vapor/aerosol atmosphere proved the detection in the concentration range up to 630 ppm with a fast response time (<60 s). The influence of relative humidity was also tested with regard to the sensor signal, showing no cross-sensitivity. The repeatability assessment of the IDE biosensors confirmed their stable capacitive signal in eight subsequent cycles of exposure to H₂O₂ vapor/aerosol. Room-temperature detection of H₂O₂ vapor/aerosol with such miniaturized biosensors will allow a future three-dimensional, flexible mapping of aseptic chambers and help to evaluate sterilization assurance in medical industry.}, language = {en} } @techreport{SiegertBongaertsWagneretal.2022, author = {Siegert, Petra and Bongaerts, Johannes and Wagner, Torsten and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Selmer, Thorsten}, title = {Abschlussbericht zum Projekt zur {\"U}berwachung biotechnologischer Prozesse mittels Diacetyl-/Acetoin-Biosensor und Evaluierung von Acetoin-Reduktasen zur Verwendung in Biotransformationen}, address = {Aachen}, organization = {FH Aachen}, pages = {16 Seiten}, year = {2022}, language = {de} } @article{HaegerGrankinWagner2023, author = {Haeger, Gerrit and Grankin, Alina and Wagner, Michaela}, title = {Construction of an Aspergillus oryzae triple amylase deletion mutant as a chassis to evaluate industrially relevant amylases using multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 editing technology}, series = {Applied Research}, journal = {Applied Research}, number = {Early View}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, issn = {2702-4288}, doi = {10.1002/appl.202200106}, pages = {1 -- 15}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Aspergillus oryzae is an industrially relevant organism for the secretory production of heterologous enzymes, especially amylases. The activities of potential heterologous amylases, however, cannot be quantified directly from the supernatant due to the high background activity of native α-amylase. This activity is caused by the gene products of amyA, amyB, and amyC. In this study, an in vitro CRISPR/Cas9 system was established in A. oryzae to delete these genes simultaneously. First, pyrG of A. oryzae NSAR1 was mutated by exploiting NHEJ to generate a counter-selection marker. Next, all amylase genes were deleted simultaneously by co-transforming a repair template carrying pyrG of Aspergillus nidulans and flanking sequences of amylase gene loci. The rate of obtained triple knock-outs was 47\%. We showed that triple knockouts do not retain any amylase activity in the supernatant. The established in vitro CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to achieve sequence-specific knock-in of target genes. The system was intended to incorporate a single copy of the gene of interest into the desired host for the development of screening methods. Therefore, an integration cassette for the heterologous Fpi amylase was designed to specifically target the amyB locus. The site-specific integration rate of the plasmid was 78\%, with exceptional additional integrations. Integration frequency was assessed via qPCR and directly correlated with heterologous amylase activity. Hence, we could compare the efficiency between two different signal peptides. In summary, we present a strategy to exploit CRISPR/Cas9 for gene mutation, multiplex knock-out, and the targeted knock-in of an expression cassette in A. oryzae. Our system provides straightforward strain engineering and paves the way for development of fungal screening systems.}, language = {en} } @article{HaegerWirgesTanzmannetal.2023, author = {Haeger, Gerrit and Wirges, Jessika and Tanzmann, Nicole and Oyen, Sven and Jolmes, Tristan and Jaeger, Karl-Erich and Sch{\"o}rken, Ulrich and Bongaerts, Johannes and Siegert, Petra}, title = {Chaperone assisted recombinant expression of a mycobacterial aminoacylase in Vibrio natriegens and Escherichia coli capable of N-lauroyl-L-amino acid synthesis}, series = {Microbial Cell Factories}, journal = {Microbial Cell Factories}, number = {22}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, issn = {1475-2859}, doi = {10.1186/s12934-023-02079-1}, pages = {Article number: 77 (2023)}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Background Aminoacylases are highly promising enzymes for the green synthesis of acyl-amino acids, potentially replacing the environmentally harmful Schotten-Baumann reaction. Long-chain acyl-amino acids can serve as strong surfactants and emulsifiers, with application in cosmetic industries. Heterologous expression of these enzymes, however, is often hampered, limiting their use in industrial processes. Results We identified a novel mycobacterial aminoacylase gene from Mycolicibacterium smegmatis MKD 8, cloned and expressed it in Escherichia coli and Vibrio natriegens using the T7 overexpression system. The recombinant enzyme was prone to aggregate as inclusion bodies, and while V. natriegens Vmax™ could produce soluble aminoacylase upon induction with isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), E. coli BL21 (DE3) needed autoinduction with lactose to produce soluble recombinant protein. We successfully conducted a chaperone co-expression study in both organisms to further enhance aminoacylase production and found that overexpression of chaperones GroEL/S enhanced aminoacylase activity in the cell-free extract 1.8-fold in V. natriegens and E. coli. Eventually, E. coli ArcticExpress™ (DE3), which co-expresses cold-adapted chaperonins Cpn60/10 from Oleispira antarctica, cultivated at 12 °C, rendered the most suitable expression system for this aminoacylase and exhibited twice the aminoacylase activity in the cell-free extract compared to E. coli BL21 (DE3) with GroEL/S co-expression at 20 °C. The purified aminoacylase was characterized based on hydrolytic activities, being most stable and active at pH 7.0, with a maximum activity at 70 °C, and stability at 40 °C and pH 7.0 for 5 days. The aminoacylase strongly prefers short-chain acyl-amino acids with smaller, hydrophobic amino acid residues. Several long-chain amino acids were fairly accepted in hydrolysis as well, especially N-lauroyl-L-methionine. To initially evaluate the relevance of this aminoacylase for the synthesis of N-acyl-amino acids, we demonstrated that lauroyl-methionine can be synthesized from lauric acid and methionine in an aqueous system. Conclusion Our results suggest that the recombinant enzyme is well suited for synthesis reactions and will thus be further investigated.}, language = {en} } @techreport{HaegerBongaertsSiegert2023, author = {Haeger, Gerrit and Bongaerts, Johannes and Siegert, Petra}, title = {Abschlussbericht Teil II: Eingehende Darstellung Neue biobasierte Lipopeptide aus nachhaltiger Produktion (LipoPep)}, pages = {17Seiten}, year = {2023}, language = {de} } @article{JanusAchtsnichtTempeletal.2023, author = {Janus, Kevin Alexander and Achtsnicht, Stefan and Tempel, Laura and Drinic, Aleksaner and Kopp, Alexander and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Influence of fibroin membrane composition and curing parameters on the performance of a biodegradable enzymatic biosensor manufactured from Silicon-Free Carbon}, series = {Physica status solidi : pss. A, Applications and materials science}, volume = {220}, journal = {Physica status solidi : pss. A, Applications and materials science}, number = {22}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6300 (Print)}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.202300081}, pages = {Artikel 2300081}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Herein, fibroin, polylactide (PLA), and carbon are investigated for their suitability as biocompatible and biodegradable materials for amperometric biosensors. For this purpose, screen-printed carbon electrodes on the biodegradable substrates fibroin and PLA are modified with a glucose oxidase membrane and then encapsulated with the biocompatible material Ecoflex. The influence of different curing parameters of the carbon electrodes on the resulting biosensor characteristics is studied. The morphology of the electrodes is investigated by scanning electron microscopy, and the biosensor performance is examined by amperometric measurements of glucose (0.5-10 mM) in phosphate buffer solution, pH 7.4, at an applied potential of 1.2 V versus a Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Instead of Ecoflex, fibroin, PLA, and wound adhesive are tested as alternative encapsulation compounds: a series of swelling tests with different fibroin compositions, PLA, and Ecoflex has been performed before characterizing the most promising candidates by chronoamperometry. Therefore, the carbon electrodes are completely covered with the particular encapsulation material. Chronoamperometric measurements with H2O2 concentrations between 0.5 and 10 mM enable studying the leakage current behavior.}, language = {en} }