Mycelial Extracts Research Articles

Extracellular Biosynthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Filamentous Fungi.

The green synthesis of metal nanoparticles has received substantial attention due to their applications in various domains. The aim of the study was to obtain silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by green synthesis with filamentous fungi, such as Cladosporium cladosporoides, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Purpureocillium lilacinum. Fungal species were grown on nutrient media and aqueous mycelium extracts were used to reduce Ag+ to Ag (0). The silver nanoparticles were analyzed by various techniques, such as UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential. The formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and the color change of the mixture containing metal precursor and aqueous mycelium extract. FTIR displayed different functional groups as capping and reducing agents for the biosynthesis of AgNPs. SEM and TEM provided information on the particles' morphology. DLS diagrams indicated mean particle diameters in the 124-168 nm region. All biosynthesized AgNPs had negative zeta values, which is a sign of good stability. Silver nanoparticles were evaluated for antimicrobial activity, and the most active were those synthesized with metabolites from Cladosporium, leading to 93.75% inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, 67.20% of Escherichia coli, and 69.56% of Candida albicans. With the highest microbial inhibition percentage and a very good Poly Dispersion Index (Pd I), Cladosporium cladosporoides was selected as an environmentally friendly source of silver nanoparticles that could be used as a potential antimicrobial agent.

Enhancement of antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of Fomitopsis pinicola mycelium extract

BackgroundFomitopsis pinicola is one of the most common fungi found in temperate zone of Europe, widely distributed spread in Asia and North America. Fungus has a wide range of therapeutic activity: antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antifungal, hepatoprotective, hemostatic action. A number of studies have confirmed the significant antioxidant activity of F. pinicola fruiting bodies. However, the controlled cultivation conditions that influence fungal growth and metabolite production of F. pinicola, particularly the mycelial growth and biosynthesis of metabolites in its culture broth, as well as the antioxidant activity of its mycelium, remain poorly understood.ResultsThis study investigated the impact of cultivation conditions on F. pinicola mycelium growth, phenols synthesis and antioxidant activity. Difference in the biosynthetic activity of F. pinicola under tested cultivation conditions was established. A highest value of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH•) inhibition (78.2 ± 0.9%) was found for a mycelium cultivated at 30 ºC, while cultivation at a lower temperature (20 ºC) was suitable for biomass growth (8.5 ± 0.3 g/L) and total phenolic content (TPC) 11.0 ± 0.6 mg GAE/g. Carbon and nitrogen sources in a cultivation broth significantly influenced the studied characteristics. Xylose supported the highest DPPH• inhibition (89.91 ± 0.5%) and TPC (16.55 ± 0.4 mg GAE/g), while galactose yielded the best biomass (4.0 ± 0.3 g/L). Peptone was the most effective nitrogen source for obtaining the mycelium with high potential of DPPH• radical inactivation (90.42 ± 0.5%) and TPC (17.41 ± 0.5 mg GAE/g), while the maximum biomass yield (7.8 ± 0.6 g/L) was found with yeast extract in cultivation medium. F. pinicola demonstrated the ability to grow and produce bioactive metabolites across a wide pH range from 2.5 to 7.5. Shaking cultivation resulted in the highest TPC (21.44 ± 0.10 mg GAE/g), though the same level of antioxidant activity (93%) was achieved under both shaking and static cultivation on the 7th and 28th days, respectively.ConclusionControlling cultivation parameters makes it possible to regulate the metabolic and biochemical processes of F. pinicola, facilitating the balance needed to obtain optimal biomass, phenols and antioxidant activity. The findings show the potential to increase phenol production by 2.25 and 2.23 times under shaking and static conditions, respectively, while maintaining a high level of activity.

Acremochlorin S and other prenylated chlorophenol antimicrobial metabolites from the fungus Acremonium sp. Strain MNA-F-1

Chemical prospection for the mycelial extract of the fungus Acremonium sp. Strain MNA-F-1, derived from the inner tissue of anise roots (Pimpnella anisum L., family Apiaceae), led to the isolation and characterization of one previously undescribed natural product, acremochlorin S (1), together with five related derivatives (2–6) and an alkaloidal metabolite, ilicicolin H (7). Structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was determined through comprehensive 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic analyses and HR-ESI-MS measurements. The absolute configuration of acremochlorin S (1) was concluded based on the comparison of its experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra implementing Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). All isolated compounds were assessed for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, where several compounds revealed potent activities against tested Gram-positive strains.

Biological active compounds from edible mushroom: Effect on hela cells

Background: Mushrooms are unique organisms rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, which allows them to be used not only as a source of nutrition but also in cosmetics and medicine. The fungus P. ostreatus possesses two strong enzymatic complexes – lignin-decaying and cellulose-decaying. Objective: The research aimed to study the antitumor activity of treated mm-wave mycelial extracts of mushrooms on the HeLa cell line. Research on edible mushrooms against tumors is very actual and important for the field of functional food science and bioactive compounds field. Methods: The effect of the fungal culture extract on the cyto-photometric and morphometric indices of the HeLa cell line culture was studied according to the nature of proliferation and transcription of malignant tissues. Using high-resolution liquid chromatography, the amino acid composition of acid-soluble proteins in mycelial extracts of a mushroom culture treated with mm waves was studied. Results: Extracts of P. ostreatus mycelial culture significantly suppressed the growth of proliferative activity of human tumor cultures and completely suppressed the mitotic activity of continuous HeLa cell cultures to 72 hours. Our study revealed a significant increase in glutamic and aspartic acids in mycelial culture extracts treated by mm-waves. Conclusion: Based on HPLC analysis, we suggest polyfunctional peroxidase as the candidate for the role of biologically active compound in the composition of aqueous extracts of the mycelial culture. So, the polyfunctional peroxidase plays an active role in the therapeutic properties of the oyster mushroom. Keywords: anticancer activity, ant-inflammation activity, mm-waves, mushroom`s, mycelial extracts, HPLC of acid-soluble proteins, HeLa cell line.

Optimization of Fermentation Conditions of Cordyceps militaris and In Silico Analysis of Antifungal Property of Cordycepin Against Plant Pathogens.

Cordyceps militaris, a medicinal fungus, has gained considerable attention owing to its potential health benefits, notably the production of bioactive compounds such as cordycepin. Cordycepin possesses significant antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The present study focused on optimizing the fermentation conditions for C.militaris to boost the production of mycelia and cordycepin, alongside investigating its antifungal properties using in silico and in vitro approaches. The optimal conditions, yielding the highest cordycepin and mycelial biomass, were a temperature of 20°C and a pH range of 4-6, with glucose and sucrose as carbon sources and yeast extract and casein hydrolysate as nitrogen sources. Under these conditions, cordycepin production peaked at low pH (600-1000 mg/L) and with carbon and maltose (400-500 mg/L). The low temperature favored cordycepin production (400 mg/L), whereas casein hydrolysate as a nitrogen source boosted cordycepin yield (600 mg/L). The docking analysis indicated that cordycepin had the highest binding affinity for the tubulin beta chain 2 (-10.4 kcal/mol) compared to the fungicide tebuconazole (-7.9 kcal/mol for both targets). The in silico results were corroborated by in vitro studies, where the mycelial extract of C.militaris inhibited approximately 75% of fungal growth at a concentration of 6000 ppm. These findings suggest that optimizing fermentation conditions significantly enhances cordycepin production, and cordycepin shows antifungal solid activity, making it a promising agent for biocontrol in agriculture.

Enhancement of Mycelial Biomass Production and Bioactive Properties Related to Cosmeceuticals of Calocybe indica (Milky Mushroom) by Optimization of Submerged Culture Conditions

Calocybe indica or milky mushroom grown in submerged culture was investigated as a new source of antioxidants and anti-collagenase substances, and for its ability to inhibit three bacteria that trigger inflammatory acne, Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and S. aureus. To facilitate C. indica submerged cultivation and achieve high productivity, a three-level four-factor Box-Behnken design was utilized to find the optimal culture conditions for its mycelial biomass production. The model estimated the optimal conditions as 30 °C, a medium pH of 5.9, and incubation for 14 days under static culture, with results verifi ed by validation experiments. The optimal conditions gave mycelial biomass of 7.12 g/L, which is 5-fold higher than the original condition. This statistical method facilitated rapid identification and integration of key factors for C. indica high mycelial biomass production with significantly improved cosmeceutical properties in terms of antioxidant and antibacterial activities against acne-causing bacteria, especially C. acnes at 19-fold and 18-fold, respectively, compared to the original condition. An ethanolic extract derived from C. indica mycelia was nontoxic to human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT). These diverse functionalities indicate that the mycelial extract of C. indica may represent a promising source of bioactive substances for cosmeceutical applications.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Pleurotus nebrodensis extract : application in a functional tea

This study was designed to examine the nitric oxide production, hyaluronidase, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibitory activities for the anti-inflammatory effect and DPPH and ABS radical scavenging activities for antioxidant effect using Pleurotus nebrodensis mycelium extract for a functional tea development. The cell viability was confirmed that all extracts were not cytotoxic to RAW264.7 cell within a concentration of 90 μg/mL irrespective of solvent extracts. The nitric oxide inhibitory activity in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells was the highest at 43.6% using 90 μg/mL of hot water extract. The PGE2 inhibitory level was the highest 32.9% of 90 μg/mL of hot water extract. The hyaluronidase inhibitory activity as the highest 53.5% using 90 μg/mL of hot water extract. On the other hand, in the case of antioxidant activity, the maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity using 90μg/mL of ethanol extract obtained 69.6%. The maximum ABS radical scavenging activity using 90μg/mL of ethanol extract obtained 71.3%. When hot water extract was mixed in green tea, they was considered an excellent extract because the sensory evaluation showed a relatively high value. Based on the results of these experiments, it was possible to confirm the possibility of the functional material development of the tea beverage for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents using the hot water and ethanol extract of P. nebrodensis mycelium.

RESEARCH OF GANODERMA LUCIDUM EXTRACTS’ ANTIOXIDATIVE AND MEMBRANE STABILLIZING PROPERTIES IN VITRO CONDITION

The using of bioactive compounds received from natural raw as nutriceutics is aknowledged as well as strengthening, immunomodulatory, adaptogenic agents and in order to reduce the risk of emergence of various diseases. Ganoderma Lucidum or Reishi mushroom is known on east during centuries and has been used in different aims. Modern researches of Reishi mushroom show its high antioxidative potential. Our experiments have shown that extracts made from micelium and fruiting body of ganoderma reduce the intensity of lipoperoxidation in membranes and increase the resistance in vitro conditions.Micelium extract inhibited the level of products of lipoperoxidation up to 37,6% at concentration 10 mkg, 21,1% at 20 mkg, 14,9% at 50 mkg. At influence the same concentrations of ascorbic acid means of level of lipid peroxidation amount 74,3%, 60,4% and 36,4% - respectively, for vitamin E - Е-70,2%, 65,3%, 53,5% and 38%respectively. Antioxidative effect of fruit body’s extract significantly have shown at 10-50 mkg – level of LPO decreased on 80% from origin level, the increasing of concentration from 50 to 100 mkg leaded to practically total inhibition of formation LPO products. At concentrations lower than 10 mkg antioxidative effect of the testing agents didn’t differ significantly. The experiments revealed that the mycelium extracts' antioxidant properties exceed the well-known antioxidant agents such as vitamins E and C, while the extract of the fruit body has a substantially similar effect of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherolResults of study have shown that extracts of ganoderma possess pronounced property to stabilize the structure of cell membrane. Severity of membrane stabilizing effect of extracts depended on concentration. In concentration 0-200 mkg in samples incubated in the presence of mycelium and fruit body extracts the hemolysis decreased on 19,8% and 25% at 10 mkg, on 27% and 37% at 20 mkg, on 55% and 57,2% at 50 mkg, on 63% and 68% at 100 mkg, on 69% and 65% at 200 mkg respectively, whereas at the introducing in samples the ascorbic acid in analogical concentrations the hemolysis have descended on 10%, 14,5%, 25%, 40% and 44%, and at the cariing in α-tocopherol the hemolysis lowered on 5%, 22%, 32%, 40%, 45% and 50% respectively.The researches of total polyphenols and flavonoids in extracts showed, that in extracts abscent compounds, which are related to flavonoids, whereas have found the existence of another polyphenolic compounds.

A Phytotoxin with Selective Herbicidal Activity and Related Metabolites from the Phytopathogenic Fungus Bipolaris cookei SYBL03.

Weeds are a serious threat to crop production, and the utilization of secondary metabolites of phytopathogenic fungi is considered to be an effective method of weed control. In this study, eight compounds were isolated and purified from the mycelium and fermentation broth extracts of Bipolaris cookei SYBL03. The compounds (1-8), except 2 and 6, are reported for the first time from this genus. The herbicidal activities of compounds 1-8 were studied by evaluating their effects on the seed germination and seedling growth of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weeds. The results indicated that compound 7 (Cyclo-N-methylphenylalanyltryptophenyl, cNMPT) exhibited a concentration-dependent dual effect on the growth of weed seedlings and selective herbicidal activity against dicotyledonous weeds. We further investigated the morphological and physiological responses of roots of Amaranthus retroflexus, a dicotyledonous weed, to compound 7. Some changes were found in seedlings grown in 400 μg/mL compound 7 solution for 96 h, such as shortening and swelling of elongation zone cells, reduced number and length of root hairs, damage and wrinkling of the root surface, occurrence of electrolyte leakage, and an increase in ethylene content. These results suggest that compound 7 may exert herbicidal activity by causing stress to weed seedlings. Increased ethylene production could be involved in the response of plants to compound 7.

Comparison of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of submerged culture mycelium and basidioma extracts of Tropicoporus linteus

Comparison of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of submerged culture mycelium and basidioma extracts of Tropicoporus linteus

Effect of the Administration of Cordyceps militaris Mycelium Extract on Blood Markers for Anemia in Long-Distance Runners.

In the present study, we conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison trial in which an extract of Cordyceps militaris (CM) mycelium was administered to long-distance runners for 16 weeks during the pre-season training period and blood test markers for anemia were investigated. The results indicated that the change rates of serum ferritin levels were moderately increased in the CM group (n = 11) but decreased in the placebo group (n = 11) during the study period, and the levels were significantly increased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the test food intake (p < 0.05). Moreover, the change rates of hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly increased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 8 weeks after the test food intake (p < 0.05). These observations suggest that the intake of test food containing Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract is expected to effectively maintain the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in long-distance runners, possibly via the suppression of the decrease in iron storage, which is reflected by serum ferritin, during pre-season training. Furthermore, the levels of creatine kinase were increased above the normal range in both the placebo and CM groups at registration. Interestingly, the creatine kinase levels were significantly decreased in the CM group compared with those in the placebo group at 16 weeks after the test food intake (p < 0.05). These results suggest that Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract exhibits a protective action on the muscle damage observed in long-distance runners and may suppress muscle injury. Together, these observations suggest that Cordyceps militaris mycelium extract exhibits an improving effect on the markers for not only anemia, but also muscle injury in long-distance runners during pre-season training.

Screening Antibacterial Photodynamic Effect of Monascus Red Yeast Rice (Hong-Qu) and Mycelium Extracts

The fungus Monascus is a well-known source of secondary metabolites with interesting pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. In particular, Monascus pigments possess a wide range of biological activities (e.g. antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or antitumoral). To broaden the scope of their possible application, this study focused on testing Monascus pigment extracts as potential photosensitizing agents efficient in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) against bacteria. For this purpose, eight different extracts of secondary metabolites from the liquid- and solid-state fermentation of Monascus purpureus DBM 4360 and Monascus sp. DBM 4361 were tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative model bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli and further screened for ESKAPE pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To the bacterial culture, increasing concentration of extracts was added and it was found that all extracts showed varying antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria in dark, which was further increased after irradiation. Gram-negative bacteria were tolerant to the extracts’ exposure in the dark but sensitivity to almost all extracts that occurred after irradiation. The Monascus sp. DBM 4361 extracts seemed to be the best potential candidate for aPDT against Gram-positive bacteria, being efficient at low doses, i.e. the lowest total concentration of Monascus pigments exhibiting aPDT effect was 3.92 ± 1.36 mg/L for E. coli. Our results indicate that Monascus spp., forming monascuspiloin as the major yellow pigment and not-forming mycotoxin citrinin, is a promising source of antimicrobials and photoantimicrobials.

Laburnicotides A-F: Acyclic N-Acetyl Oligopeptides from the Nematode-Cyst-Associated Fungus Laburnicola nematophila.

Nematode-associated fungi revealed the potential to produce a broad spectrum of chemical scaffolds. In this study, a mycelial extract of Laburnicola nematophila, a fungal strain derived from the cereal cyst nematode Heterodera filipjevi, was chemically explored and afforded six unprecedentedly reported acylic N-acetyl oligopeptides, laburnicotides A-F (1-6). Structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was established based on comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses together with the acquired HR-ESI-MS spectrometric data. The absolute configuration of amino acid residues in 1-6 was established by performing advanced Marfey's derivatization method. All isolated compounds were assessed for their cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antiviral, and nematicidal activities with no potential activity observed.

Facile engineering of aptamer-coupled silk fibroin encapsulated myogenic gold nanocomposites: investigation of antiproliferative activity and apoptosis induction.

Nanocomposites selectively induce cancer cell death, holding potential for precise liver cancer treatment breakthroughs. This study assessed the cytotoxicity of gold nanocomposites (Au NCs) enclosed within silk fibroin (SF), aptamer (Ap), and the myogenic Talaromyces purpureogenus (TP) against a human liver cancer cell (HepG2). The ultimate product, Ap-SF-TP@Au NCs, results from a three-step process. This process involves the myogenic synthesis of TP@Au NCs derived from TP mycelial extract, encapsulation of SF on TP@Au NCs (SF-TP@Au NCs), and the conjugation of Ap within SF-TP@Au NCs. The synthesized NCs are analyzed by various characteristic techniques. Ap-SF-TP@Au NCs induced potential cell death in HepG2 cells but exhibited no cytotoxicity in non-cancerous cells (NIH3T3). The morphological changes in cells were examined through various biochemical staining methods. Thus, Ap-SF-TP@Au NCs emerge as a promising nanocomposite for treating diverse cancer cells.

Endophytic fungi of Panax sokpayensis produce bioactive ginsenoside Compound K in flask fermentation

Endophytes of Panax have the potential to produce their host plant secondary metabolites, ginsenosides. Panax sokpayensis, an endemic traditional medicinal plant of the Sikkim Himalayas was explored for the isolation of endophytic fungi. In the present study, we have isolated 35 endophytic fungal cultures from the rhizome of P. sokpayensis and screened for ginsenosides production by HPLC by comparing the peak retention time with that of standard ginsenosides. The HPLC analysis revealed that out of 35 isolates, the mycelial extracts of four fungal endophytes (PSRF52, PSRF53, PSRF49 and PSRF58) exhibited peaks with a similar retention time of the standard ginsenoside, Compound K (CK). LC–ESI–MS/MS analysis led to the confirmation of ginsenoside CK production by the four fungal endophytes which showed a compound with m/z 639.6278, similar to that of standard ginsenoside CK with yield in potato dextrose broth flask fermentation ranging from 0.0019 to 0.0386 mg/g of mycelial mass in dry weight basis. The four prospective fungal endophyte isolates were identified as Thermothielavioides terrestris PSRF52, Aspergillus sp. PSRF49, Rutstroemiaceae sp. strain PSRF53, and Phaeosphaeriaceae sp. strain PSRF58 based on ITS sequencing. The present finding highlights the need for further study on growth optimization and other culture parameters to exploit the endophytes as an alternative source for ginsenoside CK production.

Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses reveal the antifungal mechanism of cell-free supernatant from Aspergillus luchuensis YZ-1 against Aspergillus flavus

Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) and its metabolites, aflatoxins, are widespread in crops and foods, threatening public health. Using chemical fungicides to control A. flavus can pose safety hazards and cause environmental pollution. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safe and effective antifungal agents to control A. flavus. In this study, we isolated Aspergillus luchuensisYZ-1 cell-free supernatant (CFS), volatiles, and mycelial extracts to investigate their inhibitory effects on A. flavus. Results indicate that the CFS exhibited greater efficacy in impeding the growth and synthesis of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in A. flavus. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant downregulation of lipid metabolism, biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites, and glycan metabolism in A. flavus treated with CFS. Approximately 94% of the genes in the aflatoxin synthesis pathway were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, the CFS treatment significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in A. flavus, affected its energy metabolism, and upregulated methane metabolism and the pentose phosphate pathway. We then investigated the inhibitory mechanism of YZ-1 against A. flavus by biochemical analysis. It was further confirmed that CFS had destructive effects in the cell wall and cell membrane of A. flavus, as indicated by leakage of nucleic acids, proteins, alkaline phosphatase (AKP), as well as decreased chitin and ergosterol content. In summary, this study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of CFS against A. flavus, suggesting its potential as a biocontrol agent in food and agriculture.

Exploring Indonesian Sponge-Associated Marine Aspergillus hortai: Characterization of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Anti-Escherichia coli Properties

Sponge-associated marine fungi are potential source for secondary metabolite compounds. The aim of this research was to investigate sponge-associated marine fungus as secondary metabolite producers against Escherichia coli. The fungus was isolated from Indonesian marine sponge Stylissa sp. and identified as Aspergillus hortai through a combination of morphological and molecular characteristics of ITS DNA and β-tubulin genes. The fungus was tested against E. coli using fungal broth and mycelial extracts. The optimized condition was achieved by fungal broth grown in corn meal broth at 6-days of shaking incubation. Fungal extract was produced using three liters of filtered fungal broth and extracted in ethyl acetate. The antibiotic activity of the extract is vulnerable to 45°C heat and basic or acidic conditions. Therefore, the extraction was done at pH 7 with evaporation at 40°C. The extract shows 7 major bands on TLC with 1 band shows activity against E. coli (Rf 0.81) on bioautogram. The band was observed as a yellow color and turned black in short-wave UV and did not show any fluorescence in long-wave UV. This research shows that sponge-associated marine fungi obtained from Indonesia has the potential as anti E. coli worth to be explored for searching new antibiotics.

The Nitrogen Content in the Fruiting Body and Mycelium of Pleurotus Ostreatus and Its Utilization as a Medium Component in Thraustochytrid Fermentation.

Following the idea of a circular bioeconomy, the use of side streams as substitutes for cultivation media (components) in bioprocesses would mean an enormous economic and ecological advantage. Costly compounds in conventional media for the production of the triterpene squalene in thraustochytrids are the main carbon source and complex nitrogen sources. Among other side streams examined, extracts from the spent mycelium of the basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus were best-suited to acting as alternative nitrogen sources in cultivation media for thraustochytrids. The total nitrogen (3.76 ± 0.01 and 4.24 ± 0.04%, respectively) and protein (16.47 ± 0.06 and 18.57 ± 0.18%, respectively) contents of the fruiting body and mycelium were determined. The fungal cells were hydrolyzed and extracted to generate accessible nitrogen sources. Under preferred conditions, the extracts from the fruiting body and mycelium contained 73.63 ± 1.19 and 89.93 ± 7.54 mM of free amino groups, respectively. Cultivations of Schizochytrium sp. S31 on a medium using a mycelium extract as a complex nitrogen source showed decelerated growth but a similar squalene yield (123.79 ± 14.11 mg/L after 216 h) compared to a conventional medium (111.29 ± 19.96 mg/L, although improvable by additional complex nitrogen source).

Erinacine S, a small active component derived from Hericium erinaceus, protects oligodendrocytes and alleviates mood abnormalities in cuprizone-exposed rodents

Hericium erinaceus mycelium extract (HEM), containing erinacine A (HeA) and erinacine S (HeS), has shown promise in promoting the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) into mature oligodendrocytes (OLs), crucial for myelin production in the central nervous system (CNS). The main aim of this study was to characterize the protective effects of HEM and its components on OLs and myelin in demyelinating rodents by exposure to cuprizone (CPZ), a copper chelating agent commonly used to induce demyelination in the corpus callosum of the brain. Rats were fed by CPZ-containing diet and simultaneously orally administered HEM, HeA, or HeS on a daily basis for three weeks. We found that HEM and HeS preserved myelin and OLs in the corpus callosum of CPZ-fed rats, along with reduced microglia and astrocyte activation, and downregulated IL-1β expression. Furthermore, post-treatment with HeS, in mouse models with acute (6 weeks) or chronic (12 weeks) CPZ-induced demyelination demonstrated oral administration during the final 4 weeks (HeS4/6 or HeS4/12) effectively preserved myelin in the corpus callosum. Additionally, HeS4/6 and HeS4/12 inhibited anxious and depressive-like behaviors in CPZ-fed mice. In summary, simultaneous administration of HEM and HeS in rats during short-term CPZ intoxication preserved OLs and myelin. Furthermore, post-administration of HeS not only inhibited demyelination and gliosis but also alleviated anxiety and depression in both acute and chronic CPZ-fed mice. This study presents compelling evidence supporting the potential of HeS as a promising small active compound for protecting OLs and preserving myelin in demyelinating diseases associated with emotional disorders.

Strain-specific features of Pleurotus ostreatus growth in vitro and some of its biological activities

BackgroundThe production of Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium as a promising object for use in food and other industries is hampered by a lack of information about the strain-specificity of this fungus mycelium growth and its acquisition of various biological activities. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate mycelial growth of different P. ostreatus strains on varies solid and liquid media as well as to evaluate strains antagonistic, antibacterial, antiradical scavenging activities, and total phenolic content.ResultsPotato Dextrose Agar medium was suitable for all strains except P. ostreatus strain 2460. The best growth rate of P. ostreatus 2462 strain on solid culture media was 15.0 ± 0.8 mm/day, and mycelia best growth on liquid culture media—36.5 ± 0.2 g/l. P. ostreatus strains 551 and 1685 were more susceptible to positive effect of plant growth regulators Ivin, Methyur and Kamethur. Using of nutrient media based on combination of natural waste (amaranth flour cake and wheat germ, wheat bran, broken vermicelli and crumbs) has been increased the yield of P. ostreatus strains mycelium by 2.2–2.9 times compared to the control. All used P. ostreatus strains displayed strong antagonistic activity in co-cultivation with Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Issatchenkia orientalis, Fusarium poae, Microdochium nivale in dual-culture assay. P. ostreatus 2462 EtOAc mycelial extract good inhibited growth of Escherichia coli (17.0 ± 0.9 mm) while P. ostreatus 2460 suppressed Staphylococcus aureus growth (21.5 ± 0.5 mm) by agar well diffusion method. The highest radical scavenging effect displayed both mycelial extracts (EtOH and EtOAc) of P. ostreatus 1685 (61 and 56%) by DPPH assay as well as high phenolic content (7.17 and 6.73 mg GAE/g) by the Folin-Ciocalteu’s method. The maximal total phenol content (7.52 mg GAE/g) demonstrated of P. ostreatus 2461 EtOH extract.ConclusionsIt is found that the growth, antibacterial, antiradical scavenging activity as well as total phenolic content were dependent on studied P. ostreatus strains in contrast to antagonistic activity. The proposed culture mediums of natural waste could be an alternative to commercial mediums for the production mycelial biomass of P. ostreatus strains.