Effects of the wavelength and irradiance level of short-wave blue light on mycelial growth and deoxynivalenol production in Gibberella zeae.

Autoclave extraction applied to residual mushroom biomass: An efficient method for high-yield polysaccharide recovery.

This study looked at a fungal–cyanobacterial co-pellet system for cleaning up coffee waste and producing high-value polymers. Optimization focused on the pelletization process, waste removal efficiency, and biomass yield. Optimal conditions, including pH (6.5), glucose concentration (6 g/L), and shaking speed (130 rpm), achieved a maximum cyanobacterial immobilization efficiency of up to 97% on the fungal mycelium. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the formation of an integrated co-pellet structure, with fungal hyphae acting as a physical scaffold and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) enhancing cell–cell adhesion. The co-culture system exhibited superior performance compared to fungal (20.56 g/L) and algal (1.09 g/L) monocultures. It effectively removed major coffee effluent pollutants, achieving a significant reduction in total phenolic compounds (74.5%). Furthermore, the co-pellets displayed a remarkable final biomass yield (24.33 g/L) and high production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) (5.28 g/L) and intracellular polymeric substances (IPSs) (3.84 g/L). The synergistic relationship was further confirmed by high nitrogen contents in the co-pellets (15.24%), which significantly surpassed that of the individual fungal biomass, suggesting interspecies nutrient transfer. Valuable glycerol-lipids were detected and identified in the fermentative broth of the co-culture confirming a highly efficient bioconversion process. Analyses revealed a targeted metabolic flow toward the accumulation of monoglycerides, notably monooleoylglycerol and monopalmitin, highlighting a powerful cooperative compatibility for producing high-value emulsifiers. Overall, these findings firmly establish the cyano-fungal co-pellet system as a robust and sustainable biorefinery approach for treating complex industrial wastewater while producing a high-quality, value-added biomass suitable for utilization as a biofertilizer or animal feed.

Objective: To develop a bioaugmented compost in a pile system through the addition of submerged fermentation products derived from Trichoderma harzianum. Methodology: Biodegradation kinetics of newspaper were monitored over a 30-day period in a cylindrical air-lift bioreactor inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum (IrV6S1C7), aiming to generate fungal biomass and cellulolytic enzymes. Subsequently, the fermentation products were incorporated into a 60 kg pile of organic waste comprising banana, red mango, leaf litter, and lettuce to assess waste degradation time in comparison to an uninoculated control. Results: By day 30 of fermentation, biomass production of T. harzianum reached 67 g/L, while the activities of cellulolytic enzymes carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) and filter paperase (FPase) were 2095.51 U/L and 1471.75 U/L, respectively. The compost pile inoculated with T. harzianum suspension exhibited a more consistent stabilization of the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio over time relative to the control. Conclusions: The bioaugmented compost enriched with T. harzianum and its fermentation derivatives facilitated the production of a stable pre-compost with enhanced nitrogen availability, benefiting both plant growth and the proliferation of beneficial microbial communities.

The complex nature of leather dyes makes them resistant to conventional biological treatment processes. Fungi have proven to be a promising alternative due to their resilience in harsh environments and ability to remove dyes through bio-sorption, biodegradation, and bioaccumulation mechanism. This study explored the potential of unique fungal strains, Brown fungus (F1) and Green Fungus (F3) isolated from tannery solid waste to remediate leather dye biologically. A synthetic dye solution of acid brown was tested in the micoremediation process. Factors influencing dye removal by micoremediation were investigated using batch culture technique. Maximum dye removal achieved for the initial dye concentration of 50 mg/L and culture incubation time of 7 days for both the fungi. Optimal pH of dye removal was found to be 4 for F1 and 5 for F3. At the optimal experimental conditions fungus F3 remediated more dye in comparison with fungus F1 with the removal percentages of 92.32% and 88.24% respectively. Various carbon media to support fungal growth for dye removal were also tested where Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) achieved the highest removal. The fungal species F1 and F3 demonstrated dye removal efficiencies of 52.03% and 55.13% respectively at a dilution factor of 10, for real wastewater from leather dyeing operation showcasing its practical applicability in industrial wastewater treatment. Alcohol wash was identified as the best decolorizing solution for fungus reusability where dry fungal biomass of F1 was better reusable than F3. The SEM studies provided insights into the structure of fungi involved in the micoremediation process. This study reveals that, the novel fungal isolates have a potential for micoremediation of leather dyes at its optimal growth conditions for both synthetic dye solution and tannery dyeing waste liquor.

Biopreservation using lactic acid bacteria has gained a growing interest as an alternative to chemical preservatives and/or as a complementary tool to prevent fungal spoilage in dairy products. Among the action mechanisms of antifungal LAB, competitionexclusion for trace elements has recently been highlighted. To further investigate this mechanism, two antifungal LAB strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L244 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CIRM-BIA1759, were studied in a yogurt model. Firstly, the antifungal activity of these strains against four main dairy spoilage fungi (Penicillium biforme, Mucor racemosus, Galactomyces geotrichum and Yarrowia lipolytica) was evaluated with or without trace element (6 metals and 12 vitamins) supplementation. Only manganese supplementation led to a suppression of the antifungal activity of both L. plantarum L244 and L. rhamnosus CIRM-BIA1759 against P. biforme and/or Y. lipolytica. The scavenging of trace elements was then measured using HR-ICP-MS in both cell-free yogurt whey and fungal biomass. HR-ICP-MS results showed a significant scavenging of Mn in L. plantarum L244 and L. rhamnosus CIRM-BIA1759 whey, as well as Cu for L. rhamnosus CIRM-BIA1759. Moreover, element uptake profiles, including metal and non-metal elements, for each of the target fungi were affected by the use of antifungal cultures. Finally, the role of competitionexclusion for manganese in the inhibition of 25 fungal spoilers was evaluated via oCelloScope growth follow-up. Growth inhibition by antifungal LAB strains was suppressed after Mn supplementation in cell-free whey for the 16 (out of 25) fungi initially inhibited without Mn supplementation. The nine other fungi were not inhibited or were poorly inhibited in the different tested conditions. This study confirmed the role of competitionexclusion for Mn in the antifungal activity of L. plantarum L244 and L. rhamnosus CIRM-BIA1759 strains but also revealed that this mechanism is not generic among fungal species, as the growth behavior of several tested species was not impacted by Mn scavenging.

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG), the main lignocellulosic by-product of the beer industry, represents an abundant yet underutilized resource with high potential for valorization. This study presents an integrated biorefinery approach to convert BSG into second-generation (2G) ethanol, bioactive vinasse for plant growth promotion, and fungal biomass as a potential mycoprotein source. The biomass was first subjected to biological delignification using the white-rot fungus Ganoderma lucidum, after which two valorization routes were explored: (i) evaluation of the fungal biomass as a mycoprotein candidate and (ii) alcoholic fermentation for ethanol production. For the latter, three pretreatment strategies were assessed (diluted sulfuric acid and two deep eutectic solvents (DESs) based on choline chloride combined with either glycerol or lactic acid) followed by a one-pot enzymatic saccharification and fermentation using Kluyveromyces marxianus SLP1. The highest ethanol yield on substrate (YP/S) was achieved with [Ch]Cl:lactic acid pretreatment (0.46 g/g, 89.32% of theoretical). Vinasse, recovered after distillation, was characterized for organic acid content and tested on Solanum lycopersicum seed germination, showing promising biostimulant activity. Overall, this work highlights the potential of BSG as a sustainable feedstock within circular economy models, enabling the production of multiple bio-based products from a single residue.

Differential effects of ammonium and nitrate on lignocellulose degradation and nitrogen metabolism of Irpex lacteus in wheat straw.

Future food court in an urban shopping center can supply feedstocks for microbial protein production.

ABSTRACTAmino acid uptake is crucial for the pathogenicity of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), the causative agent of wheat stripe rust. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of cystine accumulation in wheat leaves during Pst infection and identified Pst cystine transporters involved in this process. Amino acid profiling revealed a marked increase in cystine content at early infection stages. Phylogenetic analysis and expression profiling identified four candidate Pst cystine transporter genes, among which PstAZ2B02G00053 (designated as PstCYN1) was functionally validated through yeast complementation assays. Subcellular localisation studies confirmed PstCYN1 as a plasma membrane transporter. Silencing of PstCYN1 via BSMV‐VIGS and RNAi significantly reduced Pst virulence, as evidenced by decreased fungal biomass, reduced haustorial formation and fewer urediniospore pustules. Furthermore, apoplastic cystine accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were elevated in PstCYN1‐silenced plants, indicating that PstCYN1 mediates not only cystine uptake but also redox regulation at the infection interface. These findings highlight the critical role of PstCYN1 in Pst nutrient acquisition and defence suppression, providing potential targets for enhancing wheat resistance against stripe rust.

Heavy metals (HM) exhibit a dual effect on fungal growth and development, displaying both toxicity and stimulatory properties. At low concentrations, HM can enhance fungal biomass, colony growth, sporulation, nucleic acid synthesis, gene expression, and toxin production. Given that membrane lipids and cytosolic biomolecules (storage lipids, carbohydrates, and polyols) serve as crucial indicators of fungal vitality under both optimal and stress conditions, we hypothesized that growth-stimulating HM exposure would alter their composition, revealing stress responses. Specifically, this study investigated the impact of growth-stimulating zinc concentrations (resulting in a 50-60% increase in biomass) on the membrane and storage lipid profiles, as well as the cytosolic osmolyte profiles, of the soil filamentous fungi Clonostachys farinosa, Fusarium equiseti, Trichoderma asperellum, and Trichoderma harzianum. All fungi exhibited a hormetic response to zinc, evidenced by increased biomass and stimulated sporulation. Zinc altered the composition of both membrane lipids and intracellular biomolecules. Specifically, we observed a consistent decrease in membrane sterol content, an increase in the unsaturation of membrane phospholipid fatty acids, and a reduction in storage triacylglycerides across all species. Mannitol dominated the carbohydrate and polyol profiles, and its proportion increased in the presence of zinc ions, while trehalose levels remained unchanged or decreased. These collective findings suggest a predominantly hormetic, rather than a stress-induced, response to zinc exposure.

The Industrial Revolution is one of the most significant developments in human well-being. However, owing to the use of toxic synthetic dyes in industries such as textiles, cosmetics, and wool, the effluents from these industries pose a serious environmental problem. These effluents must be treated before being discharged into the receiving environment. Biological processes have also been employed to remove synthetic dyes. Among these biological processes, biodegradation is an enzymatic reaction that removes pollutants from wastewater by breaking down dye molecules using fungal biomass. This study investigated the biodegradation process of malachite green (MG) bio-decolorization using Fusarium tricinctum SF11 fungal biomass. The effects of pH, time, initial dye concentration, biomass dose, temperature, and stirring speed on MG bio-decolorization were investigated. Fusarium tricinctum SF 11 biomass removed 99.8% of the MG bio-decolorization under optimal conditions: pH = 7, initial dye concentration = 5 mg/L, biomass dose = 10 g/L, time = 48 h, stirring speed =100 rpm, and temperature = 20 °C. In addition, it was determined that the zero-kinetic model best fit the kinetic studies. The ΔG° values (3.24, −1.85, −6.94 and −12.03 kJ/mol) calculated in the thermodynamic studies were negative, and the process occurred spontaneously. According to these findings, it was observed that Fusarium tricinctum SF11 fungal biomass is an effective and eco-friendly biomaterial for MG bio-decolorization.

This study evaluates the bioremediation potential of eight indigenous fungal strains isolated from chromium- and zinc-contaminated soils of the Korangi Industrial Estate, Karachi, Pakistan. The site, a major industrial hub hosting tanneries, metal plating, and chemical plants, has long suffered from heavy metal pollution due to untreated effluent discharge. To assess the remediation efficiency of these native fungi, bioleaching experiments were conducted under controlled ex-situ conditions using five nutrient media-Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB), Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB), Yeast Peptone Dextrose (YPD), Yeast Peptone Glucose (YPG), and Czapek Dox Broth (CDB). Each 250mL flask contained 100mL of sterilized medium inoculated with 1mL of spore suspension (≈10⁸ spores mL⁻1) and 1g of contaminated soil. Incubation was maintained at 32°C, 150rpm, and pH 6.5 for 144h, with uninoculated controls to monitor abiotic metal release. Residual metal concentrations in the leachates were quantified by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Uptake capacity (mg g⁻1) was calculated based on the dry fungal biomass obtained after centrifugation and oven drying at 80°C. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05) to evaluate the effects of medium composition and fungal strain on bioleaching efficiency. Among all isolates, Aspergillus niger (K8) achieved the highest chromium removal (98.6%) with a maximum uptake of 0.3178mgg⁻1 in SDB, while Penicillium notatum (K1) exhibited superior zinc removal (94.5%) and uptake of 0.32mgg⁻1 in CDB. FTIR analysis confirmed that hydroxyl, amine, alkene, nitro, and tertiary alcohol functional groups on the fungal cell wall were actively involved in metal binding. SEM imaging further revealed hyphal curling and surface deformation after metal exposure, reflecting structural adaptation under stress. These findings demonstrate that indigenous fungal species are highly effective for the ex-situ removal of Cr and Zn from polluted soils. While laboratory-scale results are promising, future field-level applications must address pH sensitivity, fungal survival in native soils, and competition with existing microbiota. Nonetheless, A. niger (K8) and P. notatum (K1) represent potent, eco-friendly candidates for sustainable bioremediation and restoration of metal-contaminated industrial sites in Pakistan.

Abstract Soil health is critical to sustain crop productivity and ecosystem functions. However, assessing soil health remains challenging due to variability in soil types, management practices, and climatic conditions. The objective of this study is to compare selected soil health indicators between croplands and undisturbed reference sites across a gradient of soil and climatic conditions in Nebraska. Four paired sites were selected from Cropland Reference Ecological Units representing distinct soil textures and precipitation regimes in Major Land Resource Areas (MLRAs) 106 and 67A. Soil samples were analyzed for organic matter (OM), β‐glucosidase (BG) and phosphomonoesterase (PME), inorganic phosphorus (P), pH, bulk density (BD), and microbial community components (fungal‐to‐bacterial ratio and total fungal biomass). Reference sites with higher precipitation and finer soil textures had greater OM, BG, and PME and lower pH than those with low precipitation and coarse soils. Croplands at sites with manuring and no‐till recorded lower OM depletion from reference site levels (28%) than sites with continued conventional tillage (31%–54%), underscoring the benefits of low‐intensity land preparation and organic amendments. Croplands had lower PME activity than reference sites, suggesting that crop production entirely depends on P input to meet crop P requirements. A manured cropland had a higher BD than the reference site, illustrating the overall impact of management on soil health, which would have been otherwise overlooked had it not been compared against reference sites. Such comparisons between croplands and reference sites with regional consideration also help establish site‐specific soil health targets.

The current paper investigated the potential of oleaginous fungus Rhizopus oryzae B97 for lipid accumulation under varying process variables. The fungal strain was isolated from bread mold and analyzed for its potential to grow on sludge with simultaneous production of microbial lipids. The sludge sample was sourced from the wastewater treatment plant located in Sector I-9, Islamabad. The effects of various process variables, such as pH, temperature, carbon and nitrogen sources, and shaking, on lipid accumulation, cell dry weight (CDW), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and volatile solids (VS) removal were investigated. It was found that glucose and yeast promoted the maximum lipid accumulation. At the same time, the fungal biomass reached its maximum value of up to 64% at 30 °C and at pH 4 (CDW: 28 g/L). These process conditions also improved the sludge treatment efficiency, achieving 68% COD and 55% VS removal in 168 h. FTIR analysis of the accumulated lipids indicated strong characteristic peaks of functional groups associated with fatty acids. The GC-MS analysis confirmed the production of essential FAMEs required in biodiesel production from the corresponding fatty acids, such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and erucic acid. Operation in a continuous-shaking aerobic batch reactor (CSABR) system under optimum conditions further improved the process efficiency. Overall, the results indicated the competent potential of oleaginous fungus Rhizopus oryzae B97 for lipid-based biofuel production through fatty acid transesterification.

Abstract Background and Objective Quantifying phytic acid in complex or fermented foods is essential for assessing nutritional quality. Conventional enzymatic assays often overestimate phytic acid due to nonspecific hydrolysis of phosphorylated compounds. This study aimed to develop a modified enzymatic method with improved specificity by correcting for non‐phytate phosphorus interference. Results The modified protocol introduced a parallel alkaline phosphatase (ALP)‐only control to determine background phosphate release. Phytic acid content was then calculated as the difference between total (phytase + ALP) and background (ALP‐only) phosphorus. The method was validated using chicken, fungal biomass, fermented oats, and oat flour. It showed a detection limit of 11.29 mg P per 100 g (≈40 mg phytic acid per 100 g) and linearity from 0.5 to 7.5 μg P per assay. In interference‐prone samples, the apparent phytic acid content was reduced by 85%–99% compared with the standard Megazyme K‐PHYT assay (e.g., chicken: 0.45 → &lt;0.04%), with results aligning closely with high‐performance ion chromatography (HPIC) data (e.g., fungal biomass: 0.07% vs. 0.15%). Conclusions The modified enzymatic assay improves analytical specificity and accuracy for phytic acid quantification in complex food matrices. It provides a robust, low‐cost, and high‐throughput alternative to chromatographic methods. This method introduces a simple background‐correction step for enzymatic phytic acid analysis, enhancing reliability in fermented or protein‐rich foods and facilitating integration into automated compositional analysis workflows.

Microbe-induced gene silencing targeting VdEno of Verticillium dahliae for the control of cotton Verticillium wilt

The present study investigated the biosorption characteristics of live biomass of a wood rot fungus Cyathus striatus Willd. for removal of potentially toxic metals, particularly cadmium, lead, zinc, and strontium from aqueous solution. The parameters including metal ion concentrations, pH, temperature, contact time influences the biosorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity of 65.94, 64.55, 71.33, 56.15 mg/g was observed for Cd(II), Pb(II), Zn(II), and Sr(II) respectively at optimized conditions. The experimental data showed good compliance with Langmuir, Freundlich, and DKR isotherm model along with pseudo second order and Elovich kinetic model which implies the complex interaction between surface interaction and chemisorption. The thermodynamic parameters, ΔGº, ΔHº, ΔSº confirms that the biosorption process is endothermic and spontaneous at temperature range of 303.15–353.15 K. The morphological changes of metal-loaded hyphae were observed using SEM. The probable involvement of functional groups of fungal biomass including carbonyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, halide groups were confirmed by FTIR. The application of live fungal biomass of C. striatus in the sequestration of potentially toxic metals is significant since it enhances the field of mycoremediation by advancing our basic understanding of fungus biosorption mechanisms and provides an accessible and environmentally friendly substitute over conventional physicochemical remediation approaches.

Indoor fungal contamination has significant implications for both structural integrity and public health. Benchmarking fungal levels across the UK building stock requires standardized testing protocols to ensure comparability of results. Current fungal sampling protocols use a wide ranging sampling and analysis techniques, vary between non-activated and activated approaches and typically do not detail the pre-sampling environmental conditions, leading to inconsistencies in reported fungal loads. This study investigates fungal contamination levels in 20 rooms across 8 homes in the UK using activated air sampling techniques. A leaf blower was used to resuspend settled particles before air sampling, and fungal biomass quantification was performed using both impaction and filtration methods. The correlation analysis of fungal levels with various fungal species and allergen loads highlighted inconsistencies arising from different environmental settings prior to testing. The findings stress the necessity of standardizing sampling protocols to improve reliability. Future research should focus on refining testing methodologies to ensure that environmental settings prior to sampling remain consistent across studies. This standardization would enhance the comparability of fungal contamination levels across different buildings and allow for a more robust benchmarking framework within the UK building stock.

Indoor air pollution and mould growth in buildings pose a significant threat to indoor air quality (IAQ). This study aimed to quantify airborne fungal indicators, including those related to water damage, and describe fungal diversity on mouldy surfaces in 60 residences in Nunavik. Three sampling campaigns were done between 2023 and 2024. Active air and surface samples from visible mouldy areas were collected. Airborne moulds were quantified in the air with qPCR tools and the fungal diversity of the surfaces was described following fungal cultivation and Sanger-type sequencing. Results showed significant differences in fungal biomass indicators between indoor and outdoor airborne fungal indicators with a marked seasonal variation. Surface samples exhibited similar fungal communities across seasons, suggesting that moisture-related factors in the building contribute to the persistent presence of mould. These findings highlight the impact of seasonal variations and building-related factors on fungal growth and IAQ in Nunavik housing.