STUDY OF THE NEW "THERMUS SCOTODUCTUS K1" STRAIN. YSU SCIENTISTS WILL PRESENT THE BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOENERGETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE METABOLISM OF EXTREMOPHILES

During the interview, she told us about the importance of the scientific topic, the research carried out within its framework, and the expected results.

- Hripsime, what are the features and uses of thermophilic bacteria?

- In recent decades, thermophilic bacteria belonging to the genus Thermus are of biotechnological interest. Due to high-temperature growth and unique macromolecular properties, thermophilic bacteria can have high metabolic rates, physically and chemically stable enzymes, and high-end product yields. Thermophilic processes are more stable, faster, and less expensive. These bacteria are applied in chemical raw materials, fuel production, enzyme technology, and single-cell protein production. They have the same basic types of nutrition and assimilate the same substrates as mesophiles.

- Why did you make that particular strain the subject of study, what is its peculiarity?

– Thermus scotoductus K1 is a new strain isolated from geothermal springs (Karvachar, Nagorno Karabakh). However, data on strain-specific physiology, metabolic pathways, and biochemical and bioenergetic characteristics are scarce, so it is necessary to investigate strain K1. Several biological characteristics of strain K1, basic biochemical, and bioenergetic indicators are planned to be studied. This research will provide insight into the physiology of T. scotoductus K1, which will be used to expand its potential for biotechnological applications in modern technologies according to human needs and requirements. If we have data on the growth performance of the T. scotoductus K1 strain and elucidate some of the metabolic pathways, we will be able to assess their potential in a given environment, as well as the advantages of producing targeted end products.

- In practice, what methods will you use to carry out the research?

- Thermus scotoductus K1 strain (provided by Ph.D., associate professor Hovik Panosyan) will be used for research, and various indicators will be measured, in particular,

1. Determination of specific growth rate and doubling time in the presence of different carbon sources, pH, temperature values, and an external electron acceptor using a spectrophotometer,
2. Membrane potential (ΔΨ) measurements using a TFF+ selective electrode, determining the steady-state distribution of tetraphenylphosphonium cation (TFF+) between the bacterial cytoplasm and the external environment, determining the pH and ORP values of the external environment pH - with sensitive and platinum electrodes,
3. Study of proton flows through the membrane by determining the activity of ions (ΔaH+) in the external environment, using an ion-selective pH electrode (Hanna Instruments, Portugal), etc.

- To what extent will the results obtained from the research contribute to the development of the field?

- The obtained results will complement and complete the information on the characterization of the missing biochemical and bioenergetic indicators of the metabolism of extremophiles (thermophiles) with the model of the newly isolated Thermus scotoductus K1 strain. These would be general data on strain characteristics that would open up a wide range of research directions and include other extremophiles that still need to be studied.

– How applicable will the obtained results be?

- The obtained data will be analyzed, the research will be presented at international conferences as theses and/or reports, and will be published in the form of articles in high-ranking international scientific periodicals.

During the research, it is planned to collaborate with an international research group(s) related to the project topic and expand research opportunities as well.

Marine Mkrtchyan