Articles published on Aspergillus niger
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- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s42770-026-01976-y
- Jul 1, 2026
- Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]
- Abdulrazaq Izuafa + 4 more
Chitin-rich organic wastes in aquatic environments provide ecological niches for chitinolytic microorganisms capable of converting chitin into chitosan, a high-value biopolymer with applications in agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental management. Microbial chitosan production represents a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical extraction; however, its efficiency is strongly influenced by environmental and physicochemical process parameters. This study investigated the occurrence, chitinolytic potential, and chitosan-producing capacity of indigenous microorganisms isolated from freshwater and sediment samples in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, and optimised production under controlled fermentation conditions. Physicochemical characteristics of water bodies were determined, followed by the isolation and characterisation of bacterial and fungal chitinolytic strains. Selected isolates were screened for chitinase activity and subjected to fermentation-based chitosan production. Process optimisation was performed using a five-factor central composite design to assess the effects of temperature, pH, glucose level (5-20g L⁻¹), nitrogen source concentration (1-5g L⁻¹), and incubation time, with response surface methodology applied for model development and interaction analysis. Low dissolved oxygen and moderate temperatures favoured chitinolytic genera, including Aspergillus, Bacillus, and Fusarium, with Aspergillus niger exhibiting the highest chitosan yield. Incubation time was the most significant factor (p < 0.001), while temperature, pH, and substrate concentration showed strong interaction effects. Initial batch fermentations yielded up to 0.20g L⁻¹ chitosan from selected isolates, while response surface optimisation with Aspergillus niger increased production to 1.46g L⁻¹ at 32.8°C, pH 5.12, 15.3g L⁻¹ glucose, 2.45g L⁻¹ yeast extract, and 5.2 days incubation. The optimised product exhibited a high degree of deacetylation, indicating suitability for agricultural and environmental applications. These findings highlight inland aquatic ecosystems as valuable reservoirs of chitinolytic microorganisms and provide an optimised, environmentally benign framework for scalable microbial chitosan production.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.saa.2026.127666
- Jul 1, 2026
- Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy
- Xinmei Cao + 2 more
Starfish-like gold nanotags aggregation induced high density hot-spots to boost surface-enhanced Raman scattering signals for ultrasensitive detection of foodborne pathogens.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s13205-026-04894-w
- Jul 1, 2026
- 3 Biotech
- Sharmili Roy + 1 more
This study aims to biosynthesize PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) mediated Silver Nanoparticles for further preparation of aqueous formulations and ultimately to check the impact of prepared formulations on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) through morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters. Antifungal activity of extract of PGPR strains was performed against phytopathogenic fungi: Magnoporthe grisea, Trychophyton ajelloi, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria solani, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii. We have procured five PGPR strains Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis and Bacillus atrophaeus and the two most potent PGPR strains were selected based on the antifungal activity. B. amyloliquefaciens showed very strong inhibition activity against four pathogens (11.5 ± 0.95mm against S. rolfsii, 9.5 ± 0.86mm against A. niger, 9 ± 0.91mm against M. grisea and 8.75 ± 1.31mm against A. solani) whereas, B. velezensis showed very strong inhibition activity against three pathogens (12.25 ± 094mm against S. rolfsii, 11.5 ± 0.28mm against A. solani and 10 ± 0.28mm against A. niger). Characterization of the nanoparticles by different techniques like UV-Vis (Ultraviolet-visible) Spectrometry, Fluorescence spectrometry, DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared), XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), Raman spectrometry, EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), TGA (Thermogravimetric analysis) and DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) were performed to confirm the synthesis of spherical dispersed nanoparticles. Size of the Nanoparticles were 14.69nm and 16.54nm for B. amyloliquefaciens and B. velezensis respectively. Rice seeds were primed with different sets of prepared formulation and their effect was studied on morphological, physiological and biochemical traits of thirty days old plants. Consortium of Nano formulations took the lowest time to initiate seed germination (2.66days), enhanced root length (4.8cm), leaf length (12.16cm), tiller no. (3), protein (603.52µg/mL), and chlorophyll content (44.67mg/g) in the plants, which were higher than all the other formulations. Highest antioxidant activity was shown in B. velezensis Nano treated plants (160.97 ± 18.21µg/mL). At the applied concentration, the silver nanoparticles exerted no detectable toxicological effect on the bacterial strains and on the rice plants.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1016/s1875-5364(26)61113-2
- Jul 1, 2026
- Chinese journal of natural medicines
- Le Chen + 6 more
As a globally known medicinal and aromatic herb, Artemisia argyi (A. argyi) has excellent health benefit and economic value, especially in the field of anti-pathogenic microorganisms. At present, pathogens such as parasites, fungi, bacteria, and viruses, pose a serious threat to human health and environmentally friendly, becoming a substantial global medical burden. Researchers worldwide are focusing on developing natural antibacterial drugs. Thereinto, we collected data on the pharmacological effects of A. argyi on pathogenic microorganisms from ancient Chinese herbal texts and medical books, and the publications referring to the effects of A. argyi on bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other pathogenic microorganisms from 2005 to 2025. Simultaneously, patent searches were conducted to explore the development and utilization of the anti-pathogenic activity of A. argyi in various fields over the past 20 years. We found that A. argyi has excellent efficacy and extensive practical applications against pathogenic microorganisms. Modern studies have confirmed its inhibitory effects on common bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus; human and crop pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger; and viruses such as herpes zoster virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and hepatitis B virus. Moreover, the development and application of anti-pathogenic activity of A. argyi are broad. In brief, this study provides perspectives for fully utilizing the advantages of A. argyi in anti-pathogenic effect, and supporting its potential for functional product development and applications in the fields of daily health products, agriculture and the pharmaceutical industry.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.carbpol.2026.125335
- Jul 1, 2026
- Carbohydrate polymers
- Ying-Chen Chen + 8 more
Unveiling mechanistic insights of inactivated Aspergillus niger spore by fishery-waste-derived chitosan via synchrotron radiation tomography.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s13205-026-04929-2
- Jul 1, 2026
- 3 Biotech
- Nudrat Jabeen + 4 more
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-026-04929-2.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s12866-026-05330-y
- Jun 30, 2026
- BMC microbiology
- Mary Fosuah + 3 more
Hospital environments serve as reservoirs of diverse airborne microorganisms, including fungi and multidrug-resistant bacteria, which pose serious risks to neonatal health. Although vernix caseosa provides initial protection against these microorganisms, neonates remain vulnerable to healthcare-associated infections due to their immature immune system and fragile protective barriers. A longitudinal study involving 59 neonates was conducted at the maternity ward of the University of Cape Coast Hospital from October to December 2023. A total of 845 swab samples were collected from indoor air, high-touch surfaces, neonatal skin and the palms of the neonates' mothers and nurses. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, Nutrient Agar, and MacConkey Agar and incubated for bacterial and fungal growth. Fungal isolates were identified using phenotypic methods, while bacterial isolates were identified using Gram staining and standard biochemical tests. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, and the chi-square test was employed to assess the association between early microbial colonization and post-discharge neonatal infections, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent isolate recovered from indoor air and neonatal skin, accounting for 19.1% (60/314) and 34.9% (29/83), respectively, while Aspergillus niger (15.1%, 31/205) was the predominant isolate recovered from high-touch surfaces in the maternity ward. Initial bacterial colonization of the skin was observed in 79.7% (47/59) of neonates after birth. Out of these, 11 (23.4%) developed infections during follow-up, with skin infections accounting for the majority of cases (72.7%, 8/11). However, bacterial colonization after birth was not statistically associated with bacterial infections after discharge (p = 0.06). Considering the high levels of bacterial and fungal contamination recovered from indoor air and high-touch surfaces within the maternity ward, neonates may be exposed to potentially pathogenic microorganisms, highlighting the importance of infection prevention and environmental hygiene measures.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1002/jsfa.70834
- Jun 29, 2026
- Journal of the science of food and agriculture
- Marcos Ortega + 4 more
Tannases (tannin acyl hydrolases, EC 3.1.1.20) catalyze the hydrolysis of galloylated polyphenols, releasing gallic acid and other bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. These enzymes have a wide range of applications in the food and beverage industry, particularly for improving tea quality. In this study, a tannase gene from Aspergillus niger CECT 2907 was cloned and heterologously expressed in Komagataella phaffii. Two recombinant variants were generated: a double-chain enzyme (AnTanDC) and a single-chain variant (AnTanSC) obtained by mutating two Kex2 protease cleavage sites. Both enzymes were biochemically characterized, and the potential of AnTanSC to enhance the antioxidant properties of black tea was evaluated. Both recombinant tannases were efficiently secreted and produced in 5 L bioreactors, reaching activities of 4238 ± 16 U L-1 (AnTanDC) and 6505 ± 362 U L-1 (AnTanSC). AnTanDC was proteolytically processed into two subunits, whereas AnTanSC remained as a single-chain enzyme. Both variants showed similar pH and temperature activity profiles, with maximal activity around pH 6.0 and 40 °C. AnTanSC showed improved thermal stability compared with AnTanDC, although lower activity toward tannic acid was observed. Treatment of black tea infusions with AnTanSC increased soluble phenolic content 1.94-fold and enhanced antioxidant capacity 5.76-fold and 3.12-fold according to TEAC and FRAP assays, respectively. The engineered single-chain tannase AnTanSC combined improved thermal stability with effective enhancement of the antioxidant properties of black tea, supporting its potential application as a biocatalyst for the processing of tea beverages and other polyphenol-rich foods. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2026.107937
- Jun 28, 2026
- Ultrasonics sonochemistry
- Muhammad Waheed Iqbal + 7 more
Sustainable extraction of polyphenols from Pleurotus eryngii using ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvents with process optimization and biological activity.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2026.111930
- Jun 27, 2026
- International journal of food microbiology
- Sherilyn Ho + 3 more
Impact of Aspergillus and Rhizopus solid-state fermentation on the non-volatile and volatile profiles of Moringa oleifera seeds.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s43630-026-00941-w
- Jun 25, 2026
- Photochemical & photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology
- Hubza Ruatt Khan + 1 more
Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) represent a versatile class of biocompatible nanomaterials for photodynamic therapy (PDT). In present study, nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots derived from the polyfloral resources of R. indica and H. rosa-sinensis (N-PFCQDs) were prepared and chemically characterized via different spectroscopic techiniques. N-PFCQDs were studied for their photodynamic antimicrobial and anticancer effects upon blue light exposure for different time intervals. Agar well diffusion assay demonstrated a light and time-dependent increase in their antimicrobial potential against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger with a zone of inhibition (mm) ranging from 14.8 ± 0.46 at 0min to 29.8 ± 0.44 at 90min of exposure time for bacterial strains and for fungal strains ranging from 13.8 ± 0.16 at 0min to 23.1 ± 0.21. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) analysis identified their potential for high levels of bactericidal action for Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 15.2 to 7.3mg/L and MBC: 30.3 to 18.2mg/L) and Escherichia coli (MIC: 16.2 to 8.1mg/L and MBC: 29.8 to 19.3mg/L) upon exposure to blue light from 0 to 90min time interval. The combined treatment of conventional antibiotics with blue-light-activated N-PFCQDs revealed the enhancement of bacterial susceptibility. Under PDT, N-PFCQDs effectively inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation, achieving up to 96.33 ± 1.20% and 98.67 ± 0.88% respectively. In addition, the concentration and time-dependent cytotoxicity effect was observed by utilizing the PDT approach with ROS generation on HepG2 cancer cells. Over all, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of N-PFCQDs as photosensitizing agents for therapeutic potential.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s12870-026-09252-9
- Jun 24, 2026
- BMC plant biology
- Meiyan Jiang + 9 more
Angelica dahurica var. formosana is a medicinal and edible plant. Higher abundance of Proteobacteria is an excellent characteristic of its rhizosphere bacterial community. Aspergillus niger ZJ-17 (AN17) significantly improved plant yield and quality while reducing fertilizer input application in both pot and field experiments. However, the impact of inoculants on resident soil bacteria directly determines their field application. Therefore, to systematically analyze how AN17 remodels host rhizosphere bacterial communities, we inoculated AN17 into the roots of A. dahurica var. formosana. The rhizosphere bacterial communities and root exudates were investigated at the harvest stage. Rhizosphere bacteria were isolated for in vitro experiments to elucidate the reasons for the changes in the rhizosphere bacterial community. AN17 promoted nutrient utilization and absorption in rhizosphere soil and increased the accumulation of IAA and JA in plant roots. In the microbiome, the relative abundance of rhizosphere Proteobacteria increased after inoculation. A total of 832 bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of the host for in vitro experiments. In in vitro experiments, AN17 induced the enrichment of Proteobacteria through microbial interactions and the modulation of host root exudates. These root exudates promoted the proliferation of bacterial genera with higher abundance and diversity. In the metabolome, host root activity increased following AN17 inoculation. According to the KEGG analysis of root exudates, AN17 upregulated microbial metabolism in diverse environments, the biosynthesis of alkaloids derived from the shikimate pathway and tryptophan metabolism. Correlation analysis and in vitro tests revealed that AN17 regulated the secretion of phenolic acids (4-chlorophenol, 2-oxoadipic acid, pyrogallol, and vanillic acid) from roots, which serve as crucial components driving the enrichment of Proteobacteria. In both plate and pot experiments, these bacteria promoted the growth of A. dahurica var. formosana and activated nutrient availability. We supplemented multiple growth-promoting strategies by which AN17 improves rhizosphere bacterial communities. Phenolic acids in root exudates were recognized during the stimulation of rhizosphere bacterial proliferation by AN17. The interaction relationships among plants, beneficial fungi and rhizobacteria were explored and revealed. This result provides a sustainable approach for rhizosphere bacterial optimization and chemical fertilizer reduction in agricultural production.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s11274-026-05053-2
- Jun 22, 2026
- World journal of microbiology & biotechnology
- Saleem Ahmad + 3 more
α-amylases are indispensable industrial biocatalysts, yet their recombinant production faces significant biochemical and cellular bottlenecks. Recent scientific advancement shifts the paradigm from traditional cloning toward a design-parameter framework, where host selection predominantly Bacillus subtilis, Pichia pastoris, and Aspergillus niger is dictated by secretion capacity, folding landscapes, and metabolic compatibility. While Escherichia coli remains a common host, its lack of efficient extracellular secretion often leads to inclusion body formation and metabolic stress. Advanced strategies are being employed to overcome these limits, including signal peptide optimization, chaperone co-expression, and the fusion of carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) to enhance raw-starch degradation. Furthermore, how rational design, aided by artificial intelligence and molecular dynamics simulations, enables the engineering of hyper-thermostable and alkaline-tolerant variants capable of withstanding extreme industrial processing conditions. The advent of CRISPR-Cas technology has further revolutionized the field, allowing for precise genome editing and metabolic rewiring to achieve record-breaking enzyme titers, such as 102,893 U/mL in engineered B. subtilis. By balancing transcriptional levels with enhanced secretion pathways and stress-mitigation systems, modern synthetic biology provides the tools to tailor α-amylases for specific needs, ranging from biofuel production to high-purity malto-oligosaccharide synthesis. Therefore, this comprehensive analysis underscores that reconciling host biology with enzyme biochemistry is essential for meeting global industrial demands.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s11671-026-04737-w
- Jun 22, 2026
- Discover nano
- Chellasamy Panneerselvam + 5 more
The present study reports the green synthesis and characterisation of β-cyclodextrin-capped silver nanoparticles (β-CD@AgNPs) using Peganum harmala L. fruit extract as both a reducing and stabilising agent. Multiple spectroscopic and microscopic techniques confirmed the nanoparticles. UV-visible analysis revealed surface plasmon resonance bands at 405 and 549nm, confirming AgNP formation and β-CD mediated stabilisation. FTIR spectra indicated the involvement of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and glycosidic functional groups in nanoparticle capping, while XRD confirmed crystalline, face-centred cubic AgNPs with additional β-CD peaks. TEM analysis showed well-dispersed spherical nanoparticles sized 4-24nm, while DLS and zeta potential analyses confirmed colloidal stability (-26.8mV). The antimicrobial activity of β-CD@AgNPs demonstrated strong inhibitory effects against plant pathogens, including Xanthomonas campestris, Pseudomonas syringae, Bacillus subtilis, and Aspergillus niger in a dose-dependent manner, with low MIC and MBC/MFC values indicating potent bactericidal and fungicidal activity. Insecticidal bioassays against Spodoptera exigua revealed significant concentration- and time-dependent larval mortality, reduced leaf consumption, and strong feeding deterrence. LD50 and LT50 values confirmed enhanced toxicity with prolonged exposure and higher concentrations. The findings highlight that β-CD@AgNPs exhibit dual antimicrobial and larvicidal activities, offering an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative to conventional pesticides and chemical agents. The synergistic role of β-CD enhanced nanoparticle stability, dispersibility, and bioavailability, contributing to prolonged biological efficacy. Thus, β-CD@AgNPs synthesised from P. harmala L. fruit extract hold promise as green nanobiopesticides for integrated crop protection and plant disease management.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s44187-026-01073-x
- Jun 21, 2026
- Discover Food
- Ahmed Soliman Mohamed Soliman + 3 more
Abstract Moringa stenopetala is widely consumed as a nutritious food source and has long been utilized in traditional medicine for the management of various ailments. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the phytochemical composition and biological activities of M. stenopetala leaves using different solvent extracts. Antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP assays), antimicrobial activity, phytochemical quantification, vitamin analysis, phenolic and flavonoid profiling using HPLC, and volatile compound identification using GC–MS were performed. Antioxidant capacity revealed marked solvent-dependent variations. The methanolic extract exhibited the strongest radical-scavenging activity in ABTS, achieving an IC₅₀ of 15.85 µg/mL, approaching the potency of ascorbic acid. Ethanol and water extracts also displayed notable activity, whereas non-polar fractions showed considerably weak effects. Similar trends were observed in the FRAP assay, where methanol again demonstrated the highest reducing power (IC₅₀ = 39.08 µg/mL), followed by ethanol and water, indicating that antioxidant activity is largely associated with polar phytoconstituents. Antimicrobial screening using the agar diffusion method showed selective inhibition patterns among the tested microorganisms. Ethanolic extract produced the strongest antibacterial activity, particularly against Bacillus subtilis , comparable to the standard gentamycin. Moderate activity was also observed with acetone, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions against Staphylococcus aureus . Conversely, all extracts failed to inhibit Escherichia coli , Proteus vulgaris , Aspergillus niger , and Candida albicans , suggesting that the antimicrobial constituents of M. stenopetala are more effectual against Gram-positive rather than Gram-negative or fungal pathogens. Phytochemical quantification of the methanolic extract demonstrated a rich profile of secondary metabolites, including considerable levels of alkaloids (53.56 mg/g) and phenolics (38.23 mg/g). HPLC profiling further confirmed the dominance of several potent phenolic and flavonoid compounds, with gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, and rutin representing the major peaks. These compounds are well—known for strong antioxidant and therapeutic properties, supporting the high radical-scavenging performance observed. The vitamin composition analysis identified both water- and fat-soluble micronutrients. Riboflavin (B₂) and α-tocopherol were detected at relatively high concentrations, indicating additional nutritional and antioxidant contributions. GC–MS analysis of volatile constituents revealed six major components, with 13-docosenamide (Z) and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid derivatives as dominant peaks. These volatiles are known for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and bioactive properties, further enriching the biochemical profile of the extract. These results indicate that the leaves of M. stenopetala are a promising source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1080/00084433.2026.2686925
- Jun 20, 2026
- Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly
- L Maimoune + 11 more
ABSTRACT A new piperidinyl-acetamide derivative, N-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(piperidin-1-yl)acetamide (IM4), was synthesised and characterised using FT-IR, NMR and mass spectrometry. This corrosion inhibition performance of carbon steel in 1M HCl was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), surface analyses (SEM-EDS, AFM and contact angle measurements), density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS). In silico antimicrobial activity and molecular docking studies were also carried out using Escherichia coli (1T9U), Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 (2UV0) and Aspergillus niger phytase (3K4P). Electrochemical results showed that the excellent inhibition efficiencies obtained were 95.8% (EIS) and 95.2% (PDP) at 10−3 M. The charge-transfer resistance increased from 21.57 to 512.6 Ω cm−2 while the corrosion current density decreased from 1104.1 to 35.1 μA/cm−2. By using PDP measurements, it was found that IM4 is a mixed-type inhibitor. The adsorption was of Langmuirian type and mostly chemisorptive. The results of the surface characterisation verified the presence of a protecting film on the steel surface and DFT and MDS calculations corroborated the experimental results. In addition, SEM-EDS and AFM showed that the surface of the materials is smoother and more hydrophobic when IM4 is present. The docking results indicated good interactions between IM4 and the targeted microorganisms.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1038/s41598-026-55684-6
- Jun 18, 2026
- Scientific reports
- Sweta Shrivastava + 1 more
The pulp and paper industry is one of the main pillars of the global economy. The average global paper upcycling rate is 60%, with < 30% paper upcycling rate in India. The present investigation focuses the exploration of enzymatic deinking technology (EDT) for the upcycling of used-paper (photocopied/print) using laccase and cellulase enzymes, produced from fungal isolates. Among all the isolated strains, Metarhizium granulomatis and Aspergillus niger showed maximum enzyme activity for laccase (196.786U/mL) and cellulase (8.471U/mL), respectively. Gene-specific analysis and protein profiling approach revealed the presence of genes (β-tubulin, eglB, and cbh) responsible for the respective enzyme production. A comparative analysis for paper upcycling between the experimental set (enzyme extract, commercial cellulase, and chemical treatment) revealed an enhancement in the optical/physical properties of upcycled paper (enzyme extract treated). Microbial cellulase achieved the highest deinking efficiency (95.29%) as compared to others. Current novel technology can be deployed for upcycling of used-paper having potential for revitalizing paper upcycling industry globally.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3390/biology15120957
- Jun 18, 2026
- Biology
- Saleh M Al-Sager + 7 more
The present study was conducted to study the effect of exposure time to ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation on seed germination, fungal suppression and seedling growth of three Egyptian rice cultivars, namely, Sakha 105, Sakha 108, and Giza 183. Experiments were carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. Rice seeds were exposed to UV-C radiation with a wavelength of 253.7 nm and intensity of 1960 µW cm2 for 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min. Initial seed health testing showed the presence of several seed-borne fungi, mainly Alternaria alternata, Rhizoctonia solani, and Fusarium verticillioides, in addition to Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. Results revealed that UV-C exposure time, rice cultivar and their interactions significantly (p < 0.05) affected germination percentage, reduction percentage of seed fungal infection, and seedling growth parameters. The optimum exposure time was 30 min, which was found to maximize germination and improve shoot and root growth to achieve high levels of fungal suppression. Giza 183 exhibited the highest average germination percentage (92.40%), while Sakha 105 obtained the highest shoot height (17.00 cm) and root length (12.91 cm). The results indicate that UV-C irradiation is an effective, residue-free and environmentally sustainable seed treatment technology for improving rice seed quality as well as early seedling performance.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s42770-026-01988-8
- Jun 16, 2026
- Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]
- Nisha Sharma + 5 more
The production of bioactive compounds by endophytes, exhibiting various properties like antibacterial, insecticidal, antioxidant, antitumor, and antidiabetic, renders them potential models for pharmaceutical development. In a previous investigation, we documented the diversity of 210 endophytic fungi isolated from Albizia lebbeck collected from Jammu & Kashmir. To investigate the bioactive potential of these fungal endophytes, we prepared ethyl acetate extracts and tested their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and In vitro cytotoxic activities. We evaluated antimicrobial effects against several human pathogens, including Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus NCIM 5021 and Bacillus subtilis NCIM 2063), a Gram-negative bacterium (Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIM 5029), a yeast (Candida albicans NCIM 3557), and a fungal pathogen (Aspergillus niger NCIM 1196) using MIC and MBC/MFC in 96-well microtiter plates and performed antioxidant activity tests using the DPPH assay. Cytotoxic potential was determined against three cancer cell lines: A549, HCT-116, and MCF-7 using the SRB assay. Several isolates exhibited promising bioactivities, with ALE-12 demonstrating potent and selective anticancer activity, further validated through apoptosis induction, ROS generation, and colony inhibition assays. This study highlights endophytic fungi from an underexplored region as a potential source of bioactive compounds.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s11671-026-04716-1
- Jun 15, 2026
- Discover Nano
- Faisal Zaman + 4 more
The need for sustainable synthesis of bioactive silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has driven interest in plant-mediated nanotechnology. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of Crataegus songarica K. Koch was investigated in this study. To determine the formation, size, surface morphology, and composition of the synthesized AgNPs, various techniques were used, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and DLS, to validate the formation of AgNPs. A typical absorption peak (447 nm) in the UV-Vis spectrum indicated the formation of spherical AgNPs, and FTIR analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds in the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles (NPs). XRD was used to determine that the crystallite size was 28.01 nm on average to ensure that the AgNPs were crystalline. SEM images showed clearly defined rounded particles with a size ranging from 20 to 60 nm, and EDX analysis revealed the presence of metallic silver. The produced AgNPs exhibited high biological activity, as demonstrated by their strong antibacterial effect against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, with the largest linear fungal growth inhibition observed against Staphylococcus epidermidis. In addition, AgNPs were effective as antifungal agents against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger and as dose-dependent anticancer agents against HepG2 cancer cells. As demonstrated in their antioxidant tests, the DPPH and FRAP assays showed good radical scavenging and ferric ion reduction potentials, which are similar to those of ascorbic acid. This study demonstrates that AgNPs mediated by C. songarica are a promising bioactive product that is safe for use in biomedical research and has potential in antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant therapies.