Fibroblast growth factor-4 maintains cellular viability while enhancing osteogenic differentiation of stem cell spheroids in part by regulating RUNX2 and BGLAP expression.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are growth factors that were initially identified as proteins that stimulate fibroblast proliferation. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of FGF-4 on the morphology, cellular viability and osteogenic differentiation of stem cell spheroids. Stem cell spheroids were generated using concave microwells in the presence of FGF-4 at concentrations of 0, 50, 100 and 200 ng/ml.

Ginsenoside compound K production from ginseng root extract by a thermostable beta-glycosidase from Sulfolobus solfataricus.

Ginsenoside compound K was produced from ginseng root extract using a thermostable recombinant beta-glycosidase from Sulfolobus solfataricus. The pH and temperature for maximum production were 5.5 and 90 degrees C.

Ginsenoside Rd production from the major ginsenoside Rb(1) by beta-glucosidase from Thermus caldophilus.

Under optimum conditions (pH 5, 75 degrees C, and 0.2 U purified enzyme ml(-1)), 4 mg ginsenoside Rd was produced from 5 mg reagent-grade ginsenoside Rb(1) in 5 ml after 30 min by beta-glucosidase from Thermus caldophilus GK24. Using a ginseng root extract containing 1 mg ginsenoside Rb(1) ml(-1) and 3.

High concentration cultivation of Bifidobacterium bifidum in a submerged membrane bioreactor.

In batch cultures, after 25 h, the maximum cell mass of Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 was 4.5 g/L, and the maximum cell count was 3.0 x 10(9) cfu/mL at pH 6.