Mohammad Hossein Morowvat

Publications

• Single Cell Protein: Production and Process

  Nasseri A.T, Rasoul-Amini S, Morowvat M.H, Ghasemi Y

  American Journal of Food Technology. 01/2011;

  Single-cell proteins are the dried cells of microorganism, which are used as protein supplement in human foods or animal feeds. Microorganisms like algae, fungi, yeast and bacteria, utilize inexpensive feedstock and wastes as sources of carbon and energy for growth to produce biomass, protein concen... [more] Single-cell proteins are the dried cells of microorganism, which are used as protein supplement in human foods or animal feeds. Microorganisms like algae, fungi, yeast and bacteria, utilize inexpensive feedstock and wastes as sources of carbon and energy for growth to produce biomass, protein concentrate or amino acids. Since protein accounts for the quantitatively important part of the microbial cells, these microorganisms, also called single cell protein as natural protein concentrate. With increase in population and worldwide protein shortage the use of microbial biomass as food and feed is more highlighted. Although single cell protein has high nutritive value due to higher protein, vitamin, essential amino acids and lipid content, there is a doubt to be replaced to the conventional protein sources due to their high nucleic acid content and slower in digestibility. They also may be considered as foreign material by body, which may subsequently results in allergic reactions.
• 4.25

  Impact points

  Chlamydomonas as a "new" organism for biodiesel production.

  Mohammad Hossein Morowvat, Sara Rasoul-Amini, Younes Ghasemi

  Bioresource technology. 11/2009;

  The production of biodiesel from a naturally isolated strain of Chlamydomonas was investigated. The microalgal strain was isolated from the rice paddy-field soil samples during a screening program. The identification was done using physiological and molecular approaches. After reaching the stationar... [more] The production of biodiesel from a naturally isolated strain of Chlamydomonas was investigated. The microalgal strain was isolated from the rice paddy-field soil samples during a screening program. The identification was done using physiological and molecular approaches. After reaching the stationary phase of growth, the total content of the lipids was extracted. The extracted fatty acids were primarily esterified and then identified through TLC and GC/MS analysis. Several types of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were identified in the isolated microalga and the presence of at least nine FAMEs in Chlamydomonas sp. MCCS 026 was shown. The total fatty acid content of the isolated strain was 25%. The composition of fatty acids in the studied species of microalga was mainly docosanoic acid methyl ester, tetradecanoic acid methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester and nonanoic acid methyl ester.

• Biotransformation of monoterpenes by Oocystis pusilla

  Y. Ghasemi, A. Mohagheghzadeh, M. Moshavash, Z. Ostovan, S. Rasoul-Amini, M. H. Morowvat, M. B. Ghoshoon, M. J. Raee, S. B. Mosavi-Azam

  World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 01/2009; 25:1301-1304.

  The biotransformation of several monoterpenes by the locally isolated unicellular microalga, Oocystis pusilla was investigated. The metabolites were identified by thin layer chromatography and GC/MS. The results showed that O. pusilla had the ability to reduce the C=C double bond in (+)-carvone to y... [more] The biotransformation of several monoterpenes by the locally isolated unicellular microalga, Oocystis pusilla was investigated. The metabolites were identified by thin layer chromatography and GC/MS. The results showed that O. pusilla had the ability to reduce the C=C double bond in (+)-carvone to yield trans-dihydrocarvone and traces of cis-dihydrocarvone. O. pusilla also converted (+)-limonene to trans-carveol, as the main product, and yielded carvone and trans-limonene oxide. Furthermore, (-)-linalool was converted to trans-furanoid and trans-pyranoid linalool oxide, thymol was converted to thymoquinone, (-)-carveol was converted to carvone and trans-dihydrocarvone, (-)-menthone and (+)-pulegone were converted to menthol, (L)-citronellal was converted to citronellol, and (+)-β-pinene was converted to trans-pinocarveol. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

• C-20 ketone reduction of hydrocortisone by rice field microalga Chlorella vulgaris MCCS 013

  Y. Ghasemi, S. Rasoul-Amini, M. H. Morowvat, M. B. Ghoshoon, M. J. Raee, S. Khoubani, N. Negintaji, F. Nouri, R. Parvizi

  Chemistry of Natural Compounds. 01/2009;

  A unicellular microalga, Chlorella vulgaris, was isolated from rice field and applied in the biotransformation experiment of hydrocortisone (1). This strain has not been previously tested for hydrocortisone bioconversion. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with 0.05% substrate... [more] A unicellular microalga, Chlorella vulgaris, was isolated from rice field and applied in the biotransformation experiment of hydrocortisone (1). This strain has not been previously tested for hydrocortisone bioconversion. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with 0.05% substrate at 25°C for 14 days incubation. The products obtained were chromatographically purified followed by their characterization using spectroscopic methods. 11β,17α,20β,21-Tetrahydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (2), 11β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (3), and 11β-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (4) were the main bioproducts in the hydrocortisone bioconversion. Bioreaction characteristics observed were 20-ketone reduction for accumulation of compound 2 and side chain degradation of the substrate to prepare compounds 3 and 4. Time course study showed the accumulation of the product 2 from the second day of the fermentation and 3 as well as 4 from the third day. All the metabolites reached their maximum concentration in seven days. Microalgal 18S rRNA gene was also amplified by PCR. PCR products were sequenced to confirm their authenticity as 18S rRNA gene of microalgae. The result of PCR blasted with other sequenced microalgae in NCBI showed 100% homology to the 18S small subunit rRNA of six strains of Chlorella vulgaris. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.

• PCR amplification of 18S rRNA, single cell protein production and fatty acid evaluation of some naturally isolated microalgae

  S. Rasoul-Amini, Y. Ghasemi, M. H. Morowvat, A. Mohagheghzadeh

  Food Chemistry. 01/2009; 116:129-136.

  Microalgae were isolated during a screening program from soil samples collected from paddy-fields of Fars province, south of Iran. The protein content was assayed by the Kochert method. Total genomic DNA were isolated and used for PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene. The sequences were determined... [more] Microalgae were isolated during a screening program from soil samples collected from paddy-fields of Fars province, south of Iran. The protein content was assayed by the Kochert method. Total genomic DNA were isolated and used for PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene. The sequences were determined for 12 species of microalgae. Some bioinformatic tools were used for more investigation on these biologic data. Total lipids from five microalgal species were extracted and used for determination of different types of fatty acids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method. In our experiments the green algae yielded a maximum protein of about 42% ± 1.64. The DNA sequences were published in the NCBI under specific accession numbers. The composition of fatty acids was mainly, myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and γ-linolenic acid. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

• PCR amplification of 18S rRNA, Single Cell Protein production and fatty acid evaluation of some naturally isolated Microalgae

  Mohammad Hossein Morowvat

  08/2008

  Degree: Pharm. D.

  Supervisor: Dr Younes Ghasemi, Dr Sara Rasoul-Amini, Dr Abdolali Mohagheghzadeh
• 1.74

  Impact points

  Characterization of Hydrocortisone Biometabolites and 18S rRNA Gene in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Cultures.

  Younes Ghasemi, Sara Rasoul-Amini, Mohammad Hossein Morowvat, Mohammad Javad Raee, Mohammad Bagher Ghoshoon, Fatemeh Nouri, Narges Negintaji, Rezvan Parvizi, Seyed Bagher Mosavi-Azam

  Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 02/2008; 13(10):2416-25.

  A unicellular microalga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, was isolated from rice paddy-field soil and water samples and used in the biotransformation of hydrocortisone (1). This strain has not been previously tested for steroid bioconversion. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with ... [more] A unicellular microalga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, was isolated from rice paddy-field soil and water samples and used in the biotransformation of hydrocortisone (1). This strain has not been previously tested for steroid bioconversion. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with 0.05% substrate at 25 masculineC for 14 days of incubation. The products obtained were chromatographically purified and characterized using spectroscopic methods. 11b,17b-Dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (2), 11b-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione (3), 11b,17a,20b,21-tetrahydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (4) and prednisolone (5) were the main products of the bioconversion. The observed bioreaction features were the side chain degradation of the substrate to give compounds 2 and 3 and the 20-ketone reduction and 1,2-dehydrogenation affording compounds 4 and 5, respectively. A time course study showed the accumulation of product 2 from the second day of the fermentation and of compounds 3, 4 and 5 from the third day. All the metabolites reached their maximum concentration in seven days. Microalgal 18S rRNA gene was also amplified by PCR. PCR products were sequenced to confirm their authenticity as 18S rRNA gene of microalgae. The result of PCR blasted with other sequenced microalgae in NCBI showed 100% homology to the 18S small subunit rRNA of two Chlamydomonas reinhardtii spp.

• An Optimized Medium for Screening of L-Asparaginase production by Escherichia coli

  Ghasemi Younes, Ebrahiminezhad Alireza, Rasoul-Amini Sara, Zarrini Gholamreza, Mohammad Bagher Ghoshoon, Mohammad Javad Raee, Mohammad Hossein Morowvat, Kafilzadeh Farshid, Kazemi Aboozar

  American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 01/2008;

  Purified L-asparaginase II from Escherichia coli has been supplied and employed in the acute leukemia and other malignant neoplasms chemotherapy. L-asparaginase II gene (ansB) in E. coli is under regulation and certain conditions is needed for expression of this gene. In this investigation ,the vari... [more] Purified L-asparaginase II from Escherichia coli has been supplied and employed in the acute leukemia and other malignant neoplasms chemotherapy. L-asparaginase II gene (ansB) in E. coli is under regulation and certain conditions is needed for expression of this gene. In this investigation ,the various concentrations of modified M9 medium ingredients and various carbon source were tested to optimize the medium for expression and identification of L-asparaginase in E. coli. Finally a semi-quantitative plate assay for L-asparaginase producing Escherichia coli is reported.

• Bioconversion of Hydrocortisone by Unicellular Microalga Oocystis pusilla

  Ghasemi Younes, Rasoul-Amini Sara, Mohammad Hossein Morowvat, Seyed Bagher Mosavi-Azam, Shokravi Shadman, Mohagheghzadeh Abdolali, Mohammad Bagher Ghoshoon, Mohammad Javad Raee

  Biotechnology. 01/2008;

  A unicellular microalga, Oocystis pusilla , was isolated from paddy-field and applied in the biotransformation experiment of hydrocortisone (1). This strain has not been previously tested for steroid bioconversion. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with 0.05% substrate at 25 ... [more] A unicellular microalga, Oocystis pusilla , was isolated from paddy-field and applied in the biotransformation experiment of hydrocortisone (1). This strain has not been previously tested for steroid bioconversion. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with 0.05% substrate at 25 °C for 14 days incubation. The products obtained were chromatographically purified followed by their characterization using spectroscopic methods. 11β, 17α, 20β, 21-tetrahydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (2), 11β, 17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (3) and 11β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3, 17-dione (4) were the main byproducts in the hydrocortisone bioconversion. Bioreaction characteristics observed were 20-ketone reduction for accumulation of compound 2 and side chain degradation of the substrate to prepare compounds 3 and 4. Time course study showed the accumulation of the product 2 from the second day of the fermentation and 3 as well as 4 from the third day. All the metabolites reached their maximum concentration in seven days. Optimum concentration of the substrate, which gave maximum bioconversion efficiency, was 0.5 mg mL<SUP>-1</SUP> in one batch. Growth was not influenced by the addition of steroid substrate. Biotransformation was completely inhibited in a concentration above 2.0 mg mL<SUP>-1</SUP>.

• Side-chain cleavage and C-20 ketone reduction of hydrocortisone by a natural isolate of Chroococcus dispersus

  Y. Ghasemi, M. A. Faramarzi, M. Arjmand-Inalou, A. Mohagheghzadeh, S. Shokravi, M. H. Morowvat

  Annals of Microbiology. 01/2007; 57:577-581.

  A unicellular cyanobacterium, Chroococcus dispersas (Keissl.) Lemmermann, was isolated from paddy-field and tested in biotransformation experiments of hydrocortisone (compound 1). This strain has not been previously examined for steroid substance modification. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 m... [more] A unicellular cyanobacterium, Chroococcus dispersas (Keissl.) Lemmermann, was isolated from paddy-field and tested in biotransformation experiments of hydrocortisone (compound 1). This strain has not been previously examined for steroid substance modification. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with 0.05% substrate at 25 °C for seven days incubation. The metabolites were chromatographically purified and characterised using spectroscopic methods. The fermentation yielded 11β,17α,20β,21- tetrahydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (compound 2), 11β,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4- en-3,17-dione (compound 3), and 11β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione (compound 4). Bioreaction characteristics observed were 20-ketone reduction for accumulation of compound 2 and side chain degradation of the substrate to give compounds 3 and 4. Time course study showed the accumulation of the product 2 from the second day of the fermentation and product 3 as well as product 4 from the third day. All the metabolites reached their maximum concentration in seven days. Aeration and continuous light or light duration (16/8 hours light/dark) have no effect on the transformation yield. Optimum concentration of the substrate, which gave maximum bioconversion efficiency, was 0.5 mg ml ^-1 in the transformation experiment. Growth was not influenced by the addition of steroid substrate. Biotransformation was completely inhibited when steroid concentration was above 2.0 mg ml^-1.

• Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil and Extract of Hypericum elongatum

  Ghasemi Younes, Khalaj Amir, Mohagheghzadeh Abdolali, Ahmad Reza Khosravi, Mohammad Hossein Morowvat

  Journal of Applied Sciences. 01/2007;

  HOFARIGHUN, RAEE flower, thousand eyes wort are popular names for Hypericum sp in Persian language mostly called H. perforatum . It has been used as antispasmodic, diuretic, antimigraine, antiepileptic and cholagouge. Tisane of these plants in red wine was used as snake bite and burning remedy. The ... [more] HOFARIGHUN, RAEE flower, thousand eyes wort are popular names for Hypericum sp in Persian language mostly called H. perforatum . It has been used as antispasmodic, diuretic, antimigraine, antiepileptic and cholagouge. Tisane of these plants in red wine was used as snake bite and burning remedy. The volatile constituents, obtained from air-dried aerial parts of fruiting Hypericum elongatum were analyzed by GC/MS method. Thirty four components of about 96.50% of total oil were identified. Pinene <α> (80.43%), Terpinene <γ> (4.23%) and Pinene <߾(2.59%) were the principal components (87.16%). The essential oil and hydroalcoholic extract were evaluated for antibacterial, antifungal and anti-yeast activities by using disc diffusion method. Screening of the antimicrobials was investigated on Gram positive bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 1112, Staphylococcus epidermidis PTCC 1114, Bacillus subtilis PTCC 1023, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 8043), Gram negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli PTCC 1338, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC 1047, Salmonella typhi PTCC 1609), yeasts ( Candida albicans ATCC 14053, Candida kefyr ATCC 3826) and fungi ( Aspergillus niger PLM 1140, Aspergillus fumigatus PLM 712). The MIC of essential oil also was identified. Antimicrobial activity of essential oil against all of the microorganisms was observed, except Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus . In spite of antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic extract against bacteria, there was no antimicrobial activity against fungi and yeasts. A survey of the literature revealed no reports dealing with chemical composition of essential oil and antimicrobial activity of Hypericum elongatum .

• Antifungal and Antibacterial Activity of the Microalgae Collected from Paddy Fields of Iran: Characterization of Antimicrobial Activity of Chroococcus dispersus

  Ghasemi Younes, Moradian Ameneh, Mohagheghzadeh Abdolali, Shokravi Shadman, Mohammad Hossein Morowvat

  Journal of Biological Sciences. 01/2007;

  Antifungal and antibacterial activity of the microalgae from paddy fields in the south of Iran were studied. Soil samples were collected from paddy fields of Fars province and were cultured in BG11 medium. Supernatants, methanolic and hexane extracts from biomass of 60 strains of microalgae were iso... [more] Antifungal and antibacterial activity of the microalgae from paddy fields in the south of Iran were studied. Soil samples were collected from paddy fields of Fars province and were cultured in BG11 medium. Supernatants, methanolic and hexane extracts from biomass of 60 strains of microalgae were isolated and screened against six strains of bacteria and four strains of fungi. The culture supernatants of 21 strains of microalgae and methanolic extracts of 8 strains exhibited significant antibacterial effect and 17 strains showed antifungal effect. No antimicrobial activity was detected in the hexane extracts and no methanolic extracts inhibited the growth of fungi. In present screening, Chroococcus dispersus , Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Chlorella vulgaris appeared to be the most promising strains and it was shown that they excreted a broad spectrum of antimicrobial substances in the culture medium. Among all of the species studied in this investigation for antibacterial and antifungal activity, Chroococcus dispersus PTCC 1677 indicated widespread spectrum of antimicrobial activities. Bioautography and Bioassay-guided fraction of culture medium of the Chroococcus dispersus exhibited a polar substance in the culture medium as well.

• Characterization of hydrocortisone bioconversion and 16S RNA gene in Synechococcus nidulans cultures.

  S Rasoul-Amini, Y Ghasemi, M H Morowvat, M B Ghoshoon, M J Raee, S B Mosavi-Azam, N Montazeri-Najafabady, F Nouri, R Parvizi, N Negintaji, S Khoubani

  Prikladnaia biokhimiia i mikrobiologiia. 46(2):205-11.

  A unicellular cyanobacterium, Synechococcus nidulans (Pringsheim) Komárek, was isolated from paddy-fields and applied in the biotransformation experiment of hydrocortisone (1). This strain has not been previously tested for steroid bioconversion. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium suppleme... [more] A unicellular cyanobacterium, Synechococcus nidulans (Pringsheim) Komárek, was isolated from paddy-fields and applied in the biotransformation experiment of hydrocortisone (1). This strain has not been previously tested for steroid bioconversion. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with 0.05% substrate at 25 degrees C for 14 days of incubation. The obtained products were chromatographically purified followed by their characterization using spectroscopic methods. 11beta,17beta-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (2), 11beta-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione (3), and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (4) were the main bioproducts in the hydrocortisone bioconversion. The observed bioreaction characteristics were the side chain degradation of the substrate to prepare compounds (2) and (3) following the 11beta-dehydroxylation for accumulation of the compound (4). Time course study showed the accumulation of the product (2) from the second day of the fermentation and compounds (3) and (4) from the third day. All the metabolites reached their maximum concentration in seven days. Cyanobacterial 16S rRNA gene was also amplified by PCR. Sequences were amplified using the universal prokaryotic primers which amplify a approximately 400-bp region of the 16S rRNA gene. PCR products were sequenced to confirm their authenticity as 16S rRNA gene of cyanobacteria. The result of PCR blasted with other sequenced cyanobacteria in NCBI showed 99% identity to the 16S small subunit rRNA of seven Synechococcus species.

• Isolation and characterization of some moderately halophilic bacteria with lipase activity.

  Y Ghasemi, S Rasoul-Amini, A Kazemi, G Zarrinic, M H Morowvat, M Kargar

  Mikrobiologiia. 80(4):477-81.

  Lipases are an important class of enzymes which catalyze the hydrolysis of long chain triglycerides and constitute the most prominent group ofbiocatalysts for biotechnological applications. There are a number of lipases, produced by some halophilic microorganisms. In this study, some lipase producin... [more] Lipases are an important class of enzymes which catalyze the hydrolysis of long chain triglycerides and constitute the most prominent group ofbiocatalysts for biotechnological applications. There are a number of lipases, produced by some halophilic microorganisms. In this study, some lipase producing bacteria from Maharlu salt lake located in south of Iran were isolated. All isolates were screened for true lipase activity on plates containing olive oil. The lipase activity was measured using titrimetric methods. Among thirty three isolates, thirteen strains demonstrating orange zone around colonies under UV light, were selected for identification using the molecular methods and some morphological characteristics. The bacterium Bacillus vallismortis BCCS 007 with 3.41 +/- 0.14 U/mL lipase activity was selected as the highest lipase producing isolate. This is the first report of isolation and molecular identification of lipase producing bacteria from Maharlu lake.