TY - JOUR A1 - Pogorelova, Natalia A1 - Rogachev, Evgeniy A1 - Akimbekov, Nuraly A1 - Digel, Ilya T1 - Effect of dehydration method on the micro- and nanomorphological properties of bacterial cellulose produced by Medusomyces gisevii on different substrates JF - Journal of materials science N2 - Many important properties of bacterial cellulose (BC), such as moisture absorption capacity, elasticity and tensile strength, largely depend on its structure. This paper presents a study on the effect of the drying method on BC films produced by Medusomyces gisevii using two different procedures: room temperature drying (RT, (24 ± 2 °C, humidity 65 ± 1%, dried until a constant weight was reached) and freeze-drying (FD, treated at − 75 °C for 48 h). BC was synthesized using one of two different carbon sources—either glucose or sucrose. Structural differences in the obtained BC films were evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction. Macroscopically, the RT samples appeared semi-transparent and smooth, whereas the FD group exhibited an opaque white color and sponge-like structure. SEM examination showed denser packing of fibrils in FD samples while RT-samples displayed smaller average fiber diameter, lower surface roughness and less porosity. AFM confirmed the SEM observations and showed that the FD material exhibited a more branched structure and a higher surface roughness. The samples cultivated in a glucose-containing nutrient medium, generally displayed a straight and ordered shape of fibrils compared to the sucrose-derived BC, characterized by a rougher and wavier structure. The BC films dried under different conditions showed distinctly different crystallinity degrees, whereas the carbon source in the culture medium was found to have a relatively small effect on the BC crystallinity. Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10853-024-09596-3 SN - 1573-4803 (Online) SN - 0022-2461 (Print) N1 - Corresponding author: Ilya Digel VL - 2024 PB - Springer Science + Business Media CY - Dordrecht ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Savitskaya, Irina A1 - Zhantlessova, Sirina A1 - Kistaubayeva, Aida A1 - Ignatova, Ludmila A1 - Shokatayeva, Dina A1 - Sinyavsky, Yuriy A1 - Kushugulova, Almagul A1 - Digel, Ilya T1 - Prebiotic cellulose–pullulan matrix as a “vehicle” for probiotic biofilm delivery to the host large intestine JF - Polymers N2 - This study describes the development of a new combined polysaccharide-matrix-based technology for the immobilization of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) bacteria in biofilm form. The new composition allows for delivering the bacteria to the digestive tract in a manner that improves their robustness compared with planktonic cells and released biofilm cells. Granules consisting of a polysaccharide matrix with probiotic biofilms (PMPB) with high cell density (>9 log CFU/g) were obtained by immobilization in the optimized nutrient medium. Successful probiotic loading was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The developed prebiotic polysaccharide matrix significantly enhanced LGG viability under acidic (pH 2.0) and bile salt (0.3%) stress conditions. Enzymatic extract of feces, mimicking colon fluid in terms of cellulase activity, was used to evaluate the intestinal release of probiotics. PMPB granules showed the ability to gradually release a large number of viable LGG cells in the model colon fluid. In vivo, the oral administration of PMPB granules in rats resulted in the successful release of probiotics in the colon environment. The biofilm-forming incubation method of immobilization on a complex polysaccharide matrix tested in this study has shown high efficacy and promising potential for the development of innovative biotechnologies. KW - immobilization KW - prebiotic KW - bacterial cellulose KW - biofilms KW - Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym16010030 N1 - This article belongs to the Section "Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites" IS - 16(1) PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zhantlessova, Sirina A1 - Savitskaya, Irina A1 - Kistaubayeva, Aida A1 - Ignatova, Ludmila A1 - Talipova, Aizhan A1 - Pogrebnjak, Alexander A1 - Digel, Ilya T1 - Advanced “Green” prebiotic composite of bacterial cellulose/pullulan based on synthetic biology-powered microbial coculture strategy JF - Polymers N2 - Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer produced by different microorganisms, but in biotechnological practice, Komagataeibacter xylinus is used. The micro- and nanofibrillar structure of BC, which forms many different-sized pores, creates prerequisites for the introduction of other polymers into it, including those synthesized by other microorganisms. The study aims to develop a cocultivation system of BC and prebiotic producers to obtain BC-based composite material with prebiotic activity. In this study, pullulan (PUL) was found to stimulate the growth of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG better than the other microbial polysaccharides gellan and xanthan. BC/PUL biocomposite with prebiotic properties was obtained by cocultivation of Komagataeibacter xylinus and Aureobasidium pullulans, BC and PUL producers respectively, on molasses medium. The inclusion of PUL in BC is proved gravimetrically by scanning electron microscopy and by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Cocultivation demonstrated a composite effect on the aggregation and binding of BC fibers, which led to a significant improvement in mechanical properties. The developed approach for “grafting” of prebiotic activity on BC allows preparation of environmentally friendly composites of better quality. KW - coculture KW - pullulan KW - exopolysaccharides KW - prebiotic KW - bacterial cellulose Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym14153224 SN - 2073-4360 N1 - This article belongs to the Special Issue "Cellulose Based Composites" VL - 14 IS - 15 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Akimbekov, Nuraly S. A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Tastambek, Kuanysh T. A1 - Marat, Adel K. A1 - Turaliyeva, Moldir A. A1 - Kaiyrmanova, Gulzhan K. T1 - Biotechnology of Microorganisms from Coal Environments: From Environmental Remediation to Energy Production JF - Biology N2 - It was generally believed that coal sources are not favorable as live-in habitats for microorganisms due to their recalcitrant chemical nature and negligible decomposition. However, accumulating evidence has revealed the presence of diverse microbial groups in coal environments and their significant metabolic role in coal biogeochemical dynamics and ecosystem functioning. The high oxygen content, organic fractions, and lignin-like structures of lower-rank coals may provide effective means for microbial attack, still representing a greatly unexplored frontier in microbiology. Coal degradation/conversion technology by native bacterial and fungal species has great potential in agricultural development, chemical industry production, and environmental rehabilitation. Furthermore, native microalgal species can offer a sustainable energy source and an excellent bioremediation strategy applicable to coal spill/seam waters. Additionally, the measures of the fate of the microbial community would serve as an indicator of restoration progress on post-coal-mining sites. This review puts forward a comprehensive vision of coal biodegradation and bioprocessing by microorganisms native to coal environments for determining their biotechnological potential and possible applications. Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biology11091306 SN - 2079-7737 N1 - This article belongs to the Special Issue "Microbial Ecology and Evolution in Extreme Environments" VL - 11 IS - 9 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Akimbekov, Nuraly A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Abdieva, Gulzhamal A1 - Ualieva, Perizat A1 - Tastambek, Kuanysh T1 - Lignite biosolubilization and bioconversion by Bacillus sp.: the collation of analytical data JF - Biofuels N2 - The vast metabolic potential of microbes in brown coal (lignite) processing and utilization can greatly contribute to innovative approaches to sustainable production of high-value products from coal. In this study, the multi-faceted and complex coal biosolubilization process by Bacillus sp. RKB 7 isolate from the Kazakhstan coal-mining soil is reported, and the derived products are characterized. Lignite solubilization tests performed for surface and suspension cultures testify to the formation of numerous soluble lignite-derived substances. Almost 24% of crude lignite (5% w/v) was solubilized within 14 days under slightly alkaline conditions (pH 8.2). FTIR analysis revealed various functional groups in the obtained biosolubilization products. Analyses of the lignite-derived humic products by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrometry as well as elemental analysis yielded compatible results indicating the emerging products had a lower molecular weight and degree of aromaticity. Furthermore, XRD and SEM analyses were used to evaluate the biosolubilization processes from mineralogical and microscopic points of view. The findings not only contribute to a deeper understanding of microbe–mineral interactions in coal environments, but also contribute to knowledge of coal biosolubilization and bioconversion with regard to sustainable production of humic substances. The detailed and comprehensive analyses demonstrate the huge biotechnological potential of Bacillus sp. for agricultural productivity and environmental health. KW - humic acid KW - Bacillus sp KW - lignite KW - Biosolubilization Y1 - 2021 SN - 1759-7277 VL - 12 IS - 3 SP - 247 EP - 258 PB - Taylor & Francis CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Akimbekov, Nuraly S. A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Tastambek, Kuanysh T. A1 - Sherelkhan, Dinara K. A1 - Jussupova, Dariya B. A1 - Altynbay, Nazym P. T1 - Low-rank coal as a source of humic substances for soil amendment and fertility management JF - Agriculture N2 - Humic substances (HS), as important environmental components, are essential to soil health and agricultural sustainability. The usage of low-rank coal (LRC) for energy generation has declined considerably due to the growing popularity of renewable energy sources and gas. However, their potential as soil amendment aimed to maintain soil quality and productivity deserves more recognition. LRC, a highly heterogeneous material in nature, contains large quantities of HS and may effectively help to restore the physicochemical, biological, and ecological functionality of soil. Multiple emerging studies support the view that LRC and its derivatives can positively impact the soil microclimate, nutrient status, and organic matter turnover. Moreover, the phytotoxic effects of some pollutants can be reduced by subsequent LRC application. Broad geographical availability, relatively low cost, and good technical applicability of LRC offer the advantage of easy fulfilling soil amendment and conditioner requirements worldwide. This review analyzes and emphasizes the potential of LRC and its numerous forms/combinations for soil amelioration and crop production. A great benefit would be a systematic investment strategy implicating safe utilization and long-term application of LRC for sustainable agricultural production. KW - soil remediation KW - crop yield KW - soil health KW - soil amendment KW - low-rank coal Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11121261 SN - 2077-0472 N1 - This article belongs to the Special Issue "From Waste to Fertilizer in Sustainable Agriculture" VL - 11 IS - 12 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Akimbekov, Nuraly S. A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Sherelkhan, Dinara K. A1 - Lutfor, Afzalunnessa B. A1 - Razzaque, Mohammed S. T1 - Vitamin D and the Host-Gut Microbiome: A Brief Overview JF - Acta Histochemica et Cytochemica N2 - There is a growing body of evidence for the effects of vitamin D on intestinal host-microbiome interactions related to gut dysbiosis and bowel inflammation. This brief review highlights the potential links between vitamin D and gut health, emphasizing the role of vitamin D in microbiological and immunological mechanisms of inflammatory bowel diseases. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in PubMed and Google Scholar using combinations of keywords “vitamin D,” “intestines,” “gut microflora,” “bowel inflammation”. Only articles published in English and related to the study topic are included in the review. We discuss how vitamin D (a) modulates intestinal microbiome function, (b) controls antimicrobial peptide expression, and (c) has a protective effect on epithelial barriers in the gut mucosa. Vitamin D and its nuclear receptor (VDR) regulate intestinal barrier integrity, and control innate and adaptive immunity in the gut. Metabolites from the gut microbiota may also regulate expression of VDR, while vitamin D may influence the gut microbiota and exert anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. The underlying mechanism of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of bowel diseases is not fully understood, but maintaining an optimal vitamin D status appears to be beneficial for gut health. Future studies will shed light on the molecular mechanisms through which vitamin D and VDR interactions affect intestinal mucosal immunity, pathogen invasion, symbiont colonization, and antimicrobial peptide expression. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1267/ahc.20011 SN - 1347-5800 VL - 53 IS - 3 SP - 33 EP - 42 PB - Japan Society of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry CY - Osaka ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Akimbekov, Nuraly A1 - Qiao, Xiaohui A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Abdieva, Gulzhamal A1 - Ualieva, Perizat A1 - Zhubanova, Azhar T1 - The effect of leonardite-derived amendments on soil microbiome structure and potato yield JF - Agriculture N2 - Humic substances originating from various organic matters can ameliorate soil properties, stimulate plant growth, and improve nutrient uptake. Due to the low calorific heating value, leonardite is rather unsuitable as fuel. However, it may serve as a potential source of humic substances. This study was aimed at characterizing the leonardite-based soil amendments and examining the effect of their application on the soil microbial community, as well as on potato growth and tuber yield. A high yield (71.1%) of humic acid (LHA) from leonardite has been demonstrated. Parental leonardite (PL) and LHA were applied to soil prior to potato cultivation. The 16S rRNA sequencing of soil samples revealed distinct relationships between microbial community composition and the application of leonardite-based soil amendments. Potato tubers were planted in pots in greenhouse conditions. The tubers were harvested at the mature stage for the determination of growth and yield parameters. The results demonstrated that the LHA treatments had a significant effect on increasing potato growth (54.9%) and tuber yield (66.4%) when compared to the control. The findings highlight the importance of amending leonardite-based humic products for maintaining the biogeochemical stability of soils, for keeping their healthy microbial community structure, and for increasing the agronomic productivity of potato plants. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10050147 VL - 10 IS - Art. 147 SP - 1 EP - 17 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Bayer, Robin A1 - Temiz Artmann, Aysegül A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Falkenstein, Julia A1 - Artmann, Gerhard A1 - Creutz, Till A1 - Hescheler, Jürgen T1 - Mechano-pharmacological testing of L-Type Ca²⁺ channel modulators via human vascular celldrum model JF - Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry N2 - Background/Aims: This study aimed to establish a precise and well-defined working model, assessing pharmaceutical effects on vascular smooth muscle cell monolayer in-vitro. It describes various analysis techniques to determine the most suitable to measure the biomechanical impact of vasoactive agents by using CellDrum technology. Methods: The so-called CellDrum technology was applied to analyse the biomechanical properties of confluent human aorta muscle cells (haSMC) in monolayer. The cell generated tensions deviations in the range of a few N/m² are evaluated by the CellDrum technology. This study focuses on the dilative and contractive effects of L-type Ca²⁺ channel agonists and antagonists, respectively. We analyzed the effects of Bay K8644, nifedipine and verapamil. Three different measurement modes were developed and applied to determine the most appropriate analysis technique for the study purpose. These three operation modes are called, particular time mode" (PTM), "long term mode" (LTM) and "real-time mode" (RTM). Results: It was possible to quantify the biomechanical response of haSMCs to the addition of vasoactive agents using CellDrum technology. Due to the supplementation of 100nM Bay K8644, the tension increased approximately 10.6% from initial tension maximum, whereas, the treatment with nifedipine and verapamil caused a significant decrease in cellular tension: 10nM nifedipine decreased the biomechanical stress around 6,5% and 50nM verapamil by 2,8%, compared to the initial tension maximum. Additionally, all tested measurement modes provide similar results while focusing on different analysis parameters. Conclusion: The CellDrum technology allows highly sensitive biomechanical stress measurements of cultured haSMC monolayers. The mechanical stress responses evoked by the application of vasoactive calcium channel modulators were quantified functionally (N/m²). All tested operation modes resulted in equal findings, whereas each mode features operation-related data analysis. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.33594/000000225 SN - 1421-9778 VL - 54 SP - 371 EP - 383 PB - Cell Physiol Biochem Press CY - Düsseldorf ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Kern, Inna A1 - Geenen, Eva-Maria A1 - Akimbekov, Nuraly T1 - Dental plaque removal by ultrasonic toothbrushes JF - dentistry journal N2 - With the variety of toothbrushes on the market, the question arises, which toothbrush is best suited to maintain oral health? This thematic review focuses first on plaque formation mechanisms and then on the plaque removal effectiveness of ultrasonic toothbrushes and their potential in preventing oral diseases like periodontitis, gingivitis, and caries. We overviewed the physical effects that occurred during brushing and tried to address the question of whether ultrasonic toothbrushes effectively reduced the microbial burden by increasing the hydrodynamic forces. The results of published studies show that electric toothbrushes, which combine ultrasonic and sonic (or acoustic and mechanic) actions, may have the most promising effect on good oral health. Existing ultrasonic/sonic toothbrush models do not significantly differ regarding the removal of dental biofilm and the reduction of gingival inflammation compared with other electrically powered toothbrushes, whereas the manual toothbrushes show a lower effectiveness. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/dj8010028 SN - 2304-6767 VL - 8 IS - 28 SP - 1 EP - 13 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Pogorelova, Natalia A1 - Rogachev, Evgeniy A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Chernigova, Svetlana A1 - Nardin, Dmitry T1 - Bacterial Cellulose Nanocomposites: Morphology and Mechanical Properties JF - Materials N2 - Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a promising material for biomedical applications due to its unique properties such as high mechanical strength and biocompatibility. This article describes the microbiological synthesis, modification, and characterization of the obtained BC-nanocomposites originating from symbiotic consortium Medusomyces gisevii. Two BC-modifications have been obtained: BC-Ag and BC-calcium phosphate (BC-Ca3(PO4)2). Structure and physicochemical properties of the BC and its modifications were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and infrared Fourier spectroscopy as well as by measurements of mechanical and water holding/absorbing capacities. Topographic analysis of the surface revealed multicomponent thick fibrils (150–160 nm in diameter and about 15 µm in length) constituted by 50–60 nm nanofibrils weaved into a left-hand helix. Distinctive features of Ca-phosphate-modified BC samples were (a) the presence of 500–700 nm entanglements and (b) inclusions of Ca3(PO4)2 crystals. The samples impregnated with Ag nanoparticles exhibited numerous roundish inclusions, about 110 nm in diameter. The boundaries between the organic and inorganic phases were very distinct in both cases. The Ag-modified samples also showed a prominent waving pattern in the packing of nanofibrils. The obtained BC gel films possessed water-holding capacity of about 62.35 g/g. However, the dried (to a constant mass) BC-films later exhibited a low water absorption capacity (3.82 g/g). It was found that decellularized BC samples had 2.4 times larger Young’s modulus and 2.2 times greater tensile strength as compared to dehydrated native BC films. We presume that this was caused by molecular compaction of the BC structure. Y1 - 2020 SN - 1996-1944 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ma13122849 VL - 13 IS - 12 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Savitskaya, I.S. A1 - Kistaubayeva, A.S. A1 - Ignatova, L.V. A1 - Digel, Ilya T1 - Antimicrobial and wound healing properties of a bacterial cellulose based material containing B. subtilis cells JF - Heliyon Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02592 SN - 2405-8440 VL - 5 IS - 10 SP - Artikelnummer e02592 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Sagymbay, Altynay A1 - G.E., Nusupbaeva A1 - N.Zh, Tleumbetova A1 - A.S., Mutalieva A1 - Nurpeisova, Ainur A1 - D.B., Jussupova A1 - Digel, Ilya T1 - Molecular genetics features of the epidemic season 2017-2018 on the influenza in Kazakhstan JF - Eurasian Journal of Ecology Y1 - 2019 SN - 2617-7358 VL - 58 IS - 1 SP - 50 EP - 60 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Turlybekuly, Amanzhol A1 - Pogrebnjak, Alexander A1 - Sukhodub, L. F. A1 - Sukhodub, Liudmyla B. A1 - Kistaubayeva, A. S. A1 - Savitskaya, Irina A1 - Shokatayeva, D. H. A1 - Bondar, Oleksandr V. A1 - Shaimardanov, Z. K. A1 - Plotnikov, Sergey V. A1 - Shaimardanova, B. H. A1 - Digel, Ilya T1 - Synthesis, characterization, in vitro biocompatibility and antibacterial properties study of nanocomposite materials based on hydroxyapatite-biphasic ZnO micro- and nanoparticles embedded in Alginate matrix JF - Materials Science and Engineering C Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2019.109965 VL - 104 IS - Article number 109965 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Wehlitz, V. A1 - Kayser, Peter A1 - Figiel-Lange, A. A1 - Bassam, R. A1 - Rundstedt, F. von T1 - Suspension depletion approach for exemption of infected Solanum jasminoides cells from pospiviroids JF - Plant Pathology N2 - Despite numerous studies, viroid elimination from infected plants remains a very challenging task. This study introduces for the first time a novel ‘suspension depletion’ approach for exemption of Solanum jasminoides plants from viroids. The proposed method implies initial establishment of suspension cultures of the infected plant cells. The suspended cells were then physically treated (mild thermotherapy, 33 °C), which presumably delayed the replication of the viroid. The viroid concentration in the treated biomass was monitored weekly using pospiviroid-specific PCR. After 10–12 weeks of continuous treatment, a sufficient decrease in viroid concentration was observed such that the infection became undetectable by PCR. The treated single cells then gave rise to microcolonies on a solid culture medium and the obtained viroid-negative clones were further promoted to regenerate into viroid-free plants. Three years of accumulated experimental data suggests feasibility, broad applicability, and good efficacy of the proposed approach. Y1 - 2018 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ppa.12750 SN - 1365-3059 VL - 67 IS - 2 SP - 358 EP - 365 PB - Wiley CY - Oxford ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Savitskaya, I. S. A1 - Kistaubayeva, A. S. A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Shokatayeva, D. H. T1 - Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Composite Films Based on Bacterial Cellulose and Chitosan for Wound Dressing Materials JF - Eurasian Chemico-Technological Journal Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.18321/ectj670 SN - 2522-4867 VL - 19 IS - 3 SP - 255 EP - 264 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kowalski, Julia A1 - Linder, Peter A1 - Zierke, S. A1 - Wulfen, B. van A1 - Clemens, J. A1 - Konstantinidis, K. A1 - Ameres, G. A1 - Hoffmann, R. A1 - Mikucki, J. A1 - Tulaczyk, S. A1 - Funke, O. A1 - Blandfort, D. A1 - Espe, Clemens A1 - Feldmann, Marco A1 - Francke, Gero A1 - Hiecker, S. A1 - Plescher, Engelbert A1 - Schöngarth, Sarah A1 - Dachwald, Bernd A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Artmann, Gerhard A1 - Eliseev, D. A1 - Heinen, D. A1 - Scholz, F. A1 - Wiebusch, C. A1 - Macht, S. A1 - Bestmann, U. A1 - Reineking, T. A1 - Zetzsche, C. A1 - Schill, K. A1 - Förstner, R. A1 - Niedermeier, H. A1 - Szumski, A. A1 - Eissfeller, B. A1 - Naumann, U. A1 - Helbing, K. T1 - Navigation technology for exploration of glacier ice with maneuverable melting probes JF - Cold Regions Science and Technology N2 - The Saturnian moon Enceladus with its extensive water bodies underneath a thick ice sheet cover is a potential candidate for extraterrestrial life. Direct exploration of such extraterrestrial aquatic ecosystems requires advanced access and sampling technologies with a high level of autonomy. A new technological approach has been developed as part of the collaborative research project Enceladus Explorer (EnEx). The concept is based upon a minimally invasive melting probe called the IceMole. The force-regulated, heater-controlled IceMole is able to travel along a curved trajectory as well as upwards. Hence, it allows maneuvers which may be necessary for obstacle avoidance or target selection. Maneuverability, however, necessitates a sophisticated on-board navigation system capable of autonomous operations. The development of such a navigational system has been the focal part of the EnEx project. The original IceMole has been further developed to include relative positioning based on in-ice attitude determination, acoustic positioning, ultrasonic obstacle and target detection integrated through a high-level sensor fusion. This paper describes the EnEx technology and discusses implications for an actual extraterrestrial mission concept. Y1 - 2016 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2015.11.006 SN - 0165-232X IS - 123 SP - 53 EP - 70 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Aimenova, Zh. E. A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Eshibaev, А. А. T1 - Dynamics of accumulation of lagochirzin in Lagochilus setulosus phytomass during the growing season and also features of its cultivation in the conditions of a typical sierozem JF - KazNU Bulletin. Biology series N2 - L.setulosus is offered for creation of biopreparation «Setulin», possesing he- mostatic action, the basic reactant of biopreparation is diterpen – lagochirzin. Results under the maintenance and dynamics of diterpen lagochirzin accumula- tion in various parts of L.setulosus are presented: in roots, stalks, leaves, flowers and calyx lobes during the growing season, and also results on conditions of cultivation L.setulosus in the conditions of a typical sierozem are resulted. From the obtained data is visible, that the given species of a plant is endemic. It is established, that dynamics of accumulation of lagochirzin in phytomass accrues from the beginning to the middle of the growing season. The chemical analysis of L.setulosus on a localization of lagochirzin in various organs of a plant, has shown, that the greatest quantity of lagochirzin collects in calyx lobes of the plants. Also it is established, that L.setulosus can be cultivated in the conditions of the typical sierozem, a mineral food is necessary for the given species of plants of Lagochilus genus, except nitric fertilizers. Comparative studying of wild-growing and cultural forms of L.setulosus has shown, that in the cultivated phytomass of plants the maintenance of lagochirzin on 17-20 % higher than in the wild-growing species. Y1 - 2016 SN - 1563-0218 N1 - Original in russischer Sprache VL - 69 IS - 4 SP - 4 EP - 11 PB - Al-Farabi Kazakh National University CY - Almaty ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Turaliyeva, M. A1 - Yeshibaev, A. A1 - Saparbekova, A. A1 - Akynova, L. A1 - Abildayeva, R. A1 - Sadenova, M. A1 - Sartayeva, K. A1 - Schieffer, Andre A1 - Digel, Ilya T1 - Species composition and injuriousness of stranger xylophilous fauna affecting indigenous urban dendroflora of Central Asia JF - Asian journal of microbiology, biotechnology & environmental sciences : AJMBES N2 - At the present time, one of the most serious environmental problems of Central Asia and South Kazakhstan is the ongoing large-scale deterioration of principal urban tree populations. Several major centers of massive spread of invasive plant pests have been found in urban dendroflora of this region. The degree of damage of seven most wide-spread aboriginal tree species was found to range from 21.4±1.1 to 85.4±1.8%. In particular, the integrity of the native communities of sycamore (Platanus spp.), willow (Salix spp.), poplar (Populus spp.) and elm (Ulmus spp.) is highly endangered. Our taxonomic analysis of the most dangerous tree pests of the region has revealed them as neobiontic xylophilous insects such as Cossus cossus L. (Order: Lepidoptera L.) Monochamus urussovi Fisch., Monochamus sutor L., Acanthocinus aedelis L. and Ñetonia aureate L. (Order: Coleoptera L.). We relate the origin of this threatening trend with the import of industrial wood in the mid 90’s of the last century that was associated with high degree of the constructional work in the region. Because of the absence of efficient natural predators of the pest species, the application of microbiological methods of the pest control and limitation is suggested. Y1 - 2016 SN - 0972-3005 VL - 18 IS - 2 SP - 359 EP - 366 PB - EM International ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Konstantinidis, Konstantinos A1 - Flores Martinez, Claudio A1 - Dachwald, Bernd A1 - Ohndorf, Andreas A1 - Dykta, Paul A1 - Bowitz, Pascal A1 - Rudolph, Martin A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Kowalski, Julia A1 - Voigt, Konstantin A1 - Förstner, Roger T1 - A lander mission to probe subglacial water on Saturn's moon enceladus for life JF - Acta astronautica Y1 - 2015 SN - 1879-2030 (E-Journal); 0094-5765 (Print) VL - Vol. 106 SP - 63 EP - 89 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER -