Black Fungus Research Articles

Emulsification stability of <i>Auricularia auricula</i> polysaccharides and its effect on steady-state properties of β-carotene embedding

Emulsification stability of <i>Auricularia auricula</i> polysaccharides and its effect on steady-state properties of β-carotene embedding

Potencial inibitório de extratos bioativos de cogumelos do sul do Brasil sobre o oomiceto patogênico Pythium insidiosum

ABSTRACT: Pythium insidiosum is an important oomycete pathogen of mammals that causes pythiosis, an endemic disease in warm climates that stands out for its unfavorable prognosis, lethality in the affected species, and difficulties in treatment. This study evaluated in vitro anti-P. insidiosum potential of aqueous, hydroethanolic, and ethanolic extracts of indigenous wild mushrooms from southern Brazil. The extracts were prepared from Amanita gemmata, Amanita muscaria, Auricularia auricula, Gymnopilus junonius, Lactarius deliciosus, Laccaria laccata, Psilocybe cubensis, and Russula xerampelina. In vitro susceptibility assays employed the microdilution technique according to the M38-A2 protocol CLSI. The hydroethanolic and ethanolic extracts of R. xerampelina showed anti-P. insidiosum activity at minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1.87-7.50 mg/mL. The other mushroom species extracts showed no inhibitory effects on growth of P. insidiosum. This is the first study to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of mushrooms on oomycetes, evidencing the antimicrobial potential of R. xerampelina on the pathogen P. insidiosum. So, the present study expands new perspectives, since the secondary metabolites produced by mushrooms can be potential targets for the development of new categories of medicines. However, considering the wide biodiversity of Brazilian mushrooms, we suggested that the search for other basidiomycetes species with anti-P. insidiosum action needs to be expanded.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dentists regarding mucormycosis as a possible orofacial manifestation of COVID-19 in postpandemic times: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a rare but serious fungal infection usually seen in immunocompromised hosts. There are cluster of cases being reported and diagnosed as mucormycosis in treated COVID-19 patients in the postpandemic times. The aim of the present study was to assess awareness among dentists regarding mucormycosis and other possible oral manifestations of COVID-19 in the postpandemic times and the associated complications. Materials and Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, a well-structured questionnaire composed of a total of 17 closed-ended questions was used to cover questions to assess awareness among dentists regarding the possible oral manifestations of post-COVID-19. Furthermore, statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA), while the Chi-square test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data statistically. Results: The Chi-square test was used to analyze the association of the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores regarding COVID-19 and the academic qualification of the participants revealed that despite having sufficient information (knowledge and attitude scores), no significant difference (P = 0.7288) was observed in the practices of the participants irrespective of their academic qualification. On analyzing the data further, though, a significant positive correlation was observed between all the components of the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores of the participants (P = 0.0001) using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Conclusion: From the findings of the present study, it could be concluded that dentists were well aware of the possible oral manifestations of COVID-19, including mucormycosis, though the possibility of increasing awareness among dentists regarding the multidisciplinary approach required for the management of deep fungal infections such as mucormycosis cannot completely be ruled out. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Practice-based learning and improvement, Patient care and procedural skills, Systems-based practice, Medical knowledge.

Rehabilitation of Post-COVID-19 Mucormycosis Surgical Defect Using an Unconventional Obturator with Precision Attachments: A Case Report

Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a rare fungal disease caused by a filamentous fungus that primarily affects the nose, paranasal sinuses, and brain. A significant number of mucormycosis cases were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which required surgical intervention. Parts of orofacial structures such as the alveolar process of the maxilla, palate, contents of the orbit, and nasal cavity were often removed to prevent a fatalities. The extent of hard tissue structures removed depended on the degree of involvement. Following surgical procedures, individuals were left with a variety of defects, ranging from lost alveolar processes and teeth to partial or total maxillectomy, and oronasal communication due to a missing palate. In such situations, Prosthodontists play a critical role in rehabilitating patients prosthetically. They analyse the defects in each case and design a prosthesis to replace the missing structures, aiding in the restoration of function and aesthetics. Hereby, the authors present a case report of 36-year-old-male with missing teeth in the upper left posterior and anterior regions and this clinical report aimed to describe an innovative aesthetic alternative to conventional cast partial obturators using OT attachments to achieve retention.

Insoluble/soluble fraction ratio determines effects of dietary fiber on gut microbiota and serum metabolites in healthy mice.

Both soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) play pivotal roles in maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis; whether the effects of the different ratios of IDF and SDF are consistent remains unclear. Consequently, we selected SDFs and IDFs from six representative foods (apple, celery, kale, black fungus, oats, and soybeans) and formulated nine dietary fiber recipes composed of IDF and SDF with a ratio from 1 : 9 to 9 : 1 (NDFR) to compare their impact on microbial effects with healthy mice. We discovered that NDFR treatment decreased the abundance of Proteobacteria and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. The α diversity and relative richness of Parabacteroides and Prevotella at the genus level showed an upward trend along with the ratio of IDF increasing, while the relative abundance of Akkermansia at the genus level and the production of acetic acid and propionic acid exhibited an increased trend along with the ratio of SDF increasing. The relative abundance of Parabacteroides and Prevotella in the I9S1DF group (the ratio of IDF and SDF was 9 : 1) was 1.72 times and 5.92 times higher than that in the I1S9DF group (the ratio of IDF and SDF was 1 : 9), respectively. The relative abundance of Akkermansia in the I1S9DF group was 17.18 times higher than that in the I9S1DF group. Moreover, a high ratio of SDF (SDF reaches 60% or more) enriched the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway; however, a high ratio of IDF (IDF reaches 80% or more) regulated the tricarboxylic acid cycle. These findings are helpful in the development of dietary fiber supplements based on gut microbiota and metabolites.

Black Fungus of the Foot: An Unusual Presentation of COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis.

Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a rare but aggressive fungal disease with high morbidity and mortality rates that tends to affect patients who are severely immunocompromised. Early recognition of the infection and prompt intervention is critical for treatment success. In recent years the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a surge in the number of cases of mucormycosis. This study aims to report an unfortunate event involving an immunocompromised elderly man with mucormycosis of the foot who died as a result of sepsis caused by COVID-19. It is important to have a high clinical suspicion for mucormycosis when a clinical lesion develops, and to appropriately perform biopsy the lesion in question, particularly in the context of COVID-19. Raising awareness of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis may allow for early detection of the disease, thus enabling the initiation of rapid treatment, ultimately saving lives.

Synthesis of azepane-acridine heterocyclic adducts assisted by the catalytic influence of γ-Fe2O3@TiO2-Vitamin B1 and evaluation of their medicinal potential through in vitro antimicrobial, QSAR, and molecular docking studies

Present work elicits synthesis of novel azepane-acridines, assisted by titania-encapsulated γFe2O3 nanoparticles supported on Vitamin B1 (γFe2O3@TiO2-Vitamin B1) as a new magnetically recyclable heterogeneous nano-catalytic system. The reaction was accomplished using biocompatible PEG-200 (Polyethylene glycol) as the solvent under ultrasonic irradiations. The structure and morphology of synthesized magnetic nano-catalyst was ascertained based on data obtained from powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and VSM (Vibrating-sample magnetometer) TGA, DTA and DTG techniques. The characteristic size of the prepared heterogenous nano-catalyst is 34.62 nm. Also, the structures of all the synthesized azepane-acridine heterocyclic scaffolds were corroborated through spectro-analytical data. These new compounds were found to have remarkable biological activity profile against the bacterium S.aureus with IC50 values ranging from 1.41 to 2.75 µg/mL. Further, these in-vitro studies were correlated with statistically significant 2D/3D- QSAR models. The best 2D-QSAR models reveal the positive influence of slogp and Vander Waal Surface area descriptors while the negative influence of the polar surface area and T_2_N_6 descriptors on the bioactivity with ideal values of squared correlation coefficient (r2), cross-validated correlation coefficient (q2) with high values of Fisher ratio (F-test) indicating the model to be statistically relevant. The finest 3D-QSAR models MLR (Multiple Linear Regression method) provide practical information in the characterization and differentiation of compound binding sites. Moreover, molecular docking studies were performed to evaluate the antifungal activity of synthesized scaffolds against the black fungi crystal protein, indicating remarkable bioassay scores. Atom economy, practical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, minimum reaction time, High yields, and an additive-free process are the foremost advantages of the developed methodology.

Amphotericin B: Insight into the advances in preclinical and clinical development

Amphotericin B (AmB) is a recognized antifungal drug derived from a natural source that has been used for more than five decades to treat various fungal as well as protozoal infections. In the past two years, the drug has returned to the forefront of medical discussions as the preferred treatment for COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM), popularly known as black fungus infections. AmB acts by binding to ergosterol present in the fungal cells resulting in the formation of pore ion channels and thus making the fungal cell membrane dysfunctional. It also produces free radicals inside fungal cells and thus impairs vital cellular pathways of the fungus. Low fungal resistance and broad-spectrum activity against an array of fungal species support the continued use of AmB for decades. However, nephrotoxicity produced by conventional formulations of AmB is a major limitation of their use and is the reason for the search for safer advanced lipid-based formulations and nano-formulations. The price of the medication with newer AmB formulations and the intravenous route of administration are the major obstacles to their widespread clinical use. Due to its significant toxicity, AmB is mainly used to treat life-threatening fungal infections and leishmaniasis only. This review provides an insight into the preclinical and clinical advancement of various AmB formulations, including its nano-formulations, promising for the therapy of susceptible infections in humans and animals.

Tackling Ear Fungus: A Comparative Analysis of Betadine and Clotrimazole in Otomycosis Management

OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy of Betadine and Clotrimazole in treatment of otomycosis Study Design: Randomized Clinical Trial Place & duration of the study : “Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad” from 04 February 2022 to 03 July 2023. METHODOLOGY: An approved letter was taken from Ethics Committee prior to starting this study. Patients were filtered from OPD of ENT Department, PIMS, Islamabad. Informed consent was taken from all patients prior to any intervention as a part of ethical concern. Patients were informed about their inclusion in the study, the procedure they underwent, its benefits and risks involved. In the study, patients were divided into the two groups, Group A and Group B. Group A was comprised of patients who were treated with standard antifungal drug i.e. Clotrimazole while Group B was given Betadine for the treatment of Otomycosis. The collected data was analyzed by using the SPSS 23 version. RESULTS: We enrolled 110 patients in current study with mean age of patients treated with betadine was 46.45±13.59 years and those treated with clotrimazole was 45.36±12.88 years. We found complete response rate in betadine and clotrimazole treated patients at Day 4 was (14.5% vs 9.1%, p=0.555), at Day 10 was (56.4% vs 45.5%, p=0.417) and at Day 20 was (92.7% vs 74.5%, p=0.036). Hence the response of betadine was better than clotrimazole in the treatment of otomycosis. CONCLUSION: We concluded that efficacy of betadine is better than clotrimazole in treatment of otomycosis. Betadine is effective in the treatment of Otomycosis as compared to Clotrimazole.

Characterization and biological activities of polysaccharides extracted from Auricularia auricula with different extraction methods

Polysaccharides derived from Auricularia auricula exhibit diverse biological activities and hold significant potential for commercial utilization as functional food ingredients. In this investigation, polysaccharides from A. auricula were obtained using six extraction techniques (ammonium oxalate solution extraction, sodium hydroxide solution extraction, hot water extraction, pectinase and cellulase-assisted extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction). Subsequently, a comprehensive comparison was conducted to evaluate their physicochemical properties and biological functionalities. The ammonium oxalate solution extraction method yielded a higher extraction rate (11.76%) and polysaccharide content (84.12%), as well as a higher uronic acid content (10.13%). Although the six Auricularia polysaccharides had different molecular weight distributions, monosaccharide molar ratios, similar monosaccharide compositions, and characteristic functional groups of polysaccharides, they exhibited different surface morphology. In vitro assays showed that polysaccharides extracted by ammonium oxalate solution possessed good scavenging ability against DPPH free radical, hydroxyl free radical and superoxide anion free radical as well as reduction power of iron ion. At the same time, both polysaccharides extracted by ammonium oxalate solution and sodium hydroxide solution promoted NO production in mouse macrophages along with the secretion of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. These results indicated significant differences in the structure and characteristics among Auricularia polysaccharides prepared by various extraction methods, which may be related to the variety or origin of A. auricula; furthermore, their bioactivities varied accordingly in vitro assays where the ammonium oxalate solution extraction method was found more beneficial for obtaining high-quality bioactive Auricularia polysaccharides.

Edible Mushrooms in The Surroundings of Bangbayang Village, Situraja, Sumedang, West Java

Bangbayang is one of the villages located in the Situraja Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency, West Java. The natural conditions around the area are very cool with various types of plants, which also make it likely to find mushrooms, especially macro mushrooms that have the potential as food ingredients, but have not been reported. This study aims to inventory macro mushrooms with the potential as food ingredients in Bangbayang Village, Situraja Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency, West Java. The research method used is exploratory, and each sample of macro mushrooms obtained is observed based on the macroscopic characteristics of its fruiting body. The results of the study obtained a total of 12 species of macro mushrooms with the potential as food ingredients, namely; Agaricus campestris, Auricularia auricula, A. cornea, Boletus edulis, Cortinarius caperatus, Filoboletus manipularis, Lentinus sajor-caju, Lepista nuda, Russula rosea, Sarcomyxa edulis, Termitomyces clypeatus, and Tricholoma fraticum.

Preparation of an N-S dual-doped black fungus porous carbon matrix and its application in high-performance Li-S batteries.

A nitrogen-sulfur dual-doped black fungus porous carbon (NS-FPC) matrix was prepared with natural black fungus as the carbon source and cysteine as the nitrogen-sulfur source. A black fungus-based solution was obtained by hydrothermal treatment. After further carbonization activation and combination with sulfur processing, the NS-FPC/S positive electrode materials were prepared. The uniform recombination of biomass carbon provides an efficient conductive framework for sulfur. The porous structure is conducive to the transport of electrolytes. Heteroatom doping can provide a more active site. The structure and composition analyses of the materials were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electronic binding energy and bonding state were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The specific surface area and pore size distribution were analyzed using an N2 adsorption-desorption experiment. Sulfur loading was determined through thermogravimetric analysis. The electrochemical performance of NS-FPC/S in Li-S batteries was systematically investigated. The result shows that the NS-FPC/S electrode maintains more than 1,000mAhg-1 reversible capacity after 100 cycles at 0.2C current density, with a capacity retention of 85%. The cycle and rate performance are both considerably superior to those of traditional activated carbon materials.

Symbiosis of acetic acid bacteria and yeast isolated from black tea fungus mimicking the kombucha environment in bacterial cellulose synthesis

The symbiotic effect of acetic acid bacteria and yeast on bacterial cellulose (BC) synthesis in kombucha was explored. Firstly, the optimal culture ratio of acetic acid bacteria and yeast was optimised through single factor and orthogonal test. The results showed that when Komagataeibacter intermedius:Brettanomyces bruxellensis:Zygosaccharomyces bisporus ratio was 1:10:10, and the inoculation amounts of K. intermedius, B. bruxellensis, and Z. bisporus were 104, 105, and 105 CFU/mL, respectively, the yield of BC was the highest, and the dry basis was 5.51 g/L. It was determined that the metabolites of B. bruxellensis and Z. bisporus could promote the synthesis of BC by K. intermedius. In addition, the composition of yeast filtrate was analysed by amino acid analyser, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC). Results showed that 16 amino acids were detected in yeast filtrate, and cysteine was only detected in yeast filtrate. The increase in isoleucine before and after fermentation was the highest, which was 11.64 times that of the control group. The increase in aspartic acid and glycine were second and third, accounting for 60.00 and 41.67%, respectively. The main volatile substances were alcohols, accounting for 84.89%, of which the relative content of ethanol was the highest at 77.35%. The relative contents of 3-methyl-1-butanol and phenylethanol were also high, accounting for 4.13 and 3.14%, respectively. Tartaric, citric, and succinic acids were detected in the yeast filtrate. The chemical species did not change before and after fermentation, but the content decreased. Vitamins B2 and B6 were detected in yeast filtrate, and the species and content did not change significantly before and after fermentation. A theoretical basis for kombucha fermentation and BC synthesis was provided.

Exploring the characteristics of Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans: Growth, bongkrekic acid production, and potential risks of food contamination in wet rice noodles and vermicelli

This research investigated the presence of Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans (BGC) in wet rice and starch products, Tremella, and Auricularia auricula in Guangzhou, China. It examined BGC growth and bongkrekic acid (BA) production in wet rice noodles and vermicelli with varying rice flour, edible starch ratios, and oil concentrations. A qualitative analysis of 482 samples revealed a detection rate of 0.62%, with three positive for BGC. Rice flour-based wet rice noodles had BA concentrations of 13.67 ± 0.64 mg/kg, 2.92 times higher than 100% corn starch samples (4.68 ± 0.54 mg/kg). Wet rice noodles with 4% soybean oil had a BA concentration of 31.72 ± 9.41 mg/kg, 5.74 times higher than those without soybean oil (5.53 ± 1.23 mg/kg). The BA concentration correlated positively (r = 0.707, P < 0.05) with BGC contamination levels. Low temperatures (4 °C and −18 °C) inhibited BGC growth and BA production, while higher storage temperatures (26 °C and 32 °C) promoted BGC proliferation and increased BA production. Reducing edible oil use and increasing edible starch can mitigate the risk of BGC-related food poisoning in wet rice noodles and vermicelli production. Further research is needed to find alternative oils that do not enhance BA production. Strengthening prevention and control measures is crucial across the entire production chain to address BGC contamination and BA production.

Recolonization dynamics of marble monuments after cleaning treatments: A nine-year follow-up study

The prevention and control of biological patinas on outdoor stone monuments represent a demanding challenge for the conservation of cultural heritage also due to some microorganisms, particularly resistant to treatments, such as black meristematic fungi, an eco-physiological group well known for its tolerance to extreme conditions. Even if several methods and eco-friendly products have been proposed as new alternatives, traditional biocides are still far from being completely replaced. Recolonization is a natural process that occurs sooner or later after cleaning. The time that elapses until its occurrence can vary considerably depending on environmental conditions and the used products; unfortunately, the papers describing the effect of treatments over time are rare. This work aims to shed light on the recolonization process of marble surfaces in the ancient monumental cemetery of Bonaria (Cagliari) after nine years from treatments, evaluating the long-term efficiency of two different cleaning methods, namely dimethyl sulfoxide-based gel (DMSO-based gel) and Biotin T (a didecyldimethylammonium chloride-based product-). In this context, the microflora present before treatments and in the following years was assessed by culture-based methods and identified by molecular techniques, with attention on black meristematic fungi, which were used as reference for the most resistant lithobiontic organisms. Different environmental parameters, such as temperature, exposition, dominant winds, and rainfall, were considered, and infrared thermography, portable light microscopy, and image analysis were used. This research evidenced the influence of water availability and lightning in recolonization processes, the transition from the pioneer fungal community versus more resistant black fungal species after Biotin T treatment, and the long-lasting efficiency of the DMSO-based gel. These findings prove that this low-impact method deserves more attention in the conservation of outdoor marble monuments, emphasizing the importance of long-term studies.

Combating Black Fungus: Using Allicin as a Potent Antifungal Agent against Mucorales.

Invasive fungal (IF) diseases are a leading global cause of mortality, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic further exacerbated this scenario, intensifying comorbid IF infections such as mucormycoses of the nasopharynx. In the work reported here, it is shown that zygomycetes, significant contributors to mycoses, are sensitive to the natural product allicin. Inhibition of Mucorales fungi by allicin in solution and by allicin vapor was demonstrated. Mathematical modeling showed that the efficacy of allicin vapor is comparable to direct contact with the commercially available antifungal agent amphotericin B (ampB). Furthermore, the study revealed a synergistic interaction between allicin and the non-volatile ampB. The toxicity of allicin solution to human cell lines was evaluated and it was found that the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of allicin was 25-72 times higher in the cell lines as compared to the fungal spores. Fungal allicin sensitivity depends on the spore concentration, as demonstrated in a drop test. This study shows the potential of allicin, a sulfur-containing defense compound from garlic, to combat zygomycete fungi. The findings underscore allicin's promise for applications in infections of the nasopharynx via inhalation, suggesting a novel therapeutic avenue against challenging fungal infections.

In vitro antioxidant activity of the polysaccharide from Auricularia auricula and its structural characterisation

A new polysaccharide (AAP) was extracted from Auricularia auricula by water extraction and alcohol precipitation. The antioxidant activity in vitro showed that AAP had a good scavenging effect on ABTS free radicals. Then AAP was purified by DEAE-52 ion exchange chromatography to obtain the purified component pAAP. The structure analysis showed that the molecular weight (Mw) of pAAP was 96.768 kDa, which was composed of rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), fucose (Fuc), xylose (Xyl), mannose (Man), glucose (Glu) and galactose (Gal), with the ratio of 0.1:0.157:0.33:2.797:2.881:2.988:0.587, and contained α-pyranose configuration and β-pyranose configuration. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed the special conformation of pAAP in the ring and chain shape.

Pickering emulsion gel stabilized by Auricularia auricula protein

Pickering emulsion is a new stable emulsion system with high safety. In this study, Auricularia auriculata mycelium protein-xanthan gum composite pickering emulsion (AAMP/XG PE) 3D printing ink was prepared and characterized. The results of particle size, Zeta potential and FTIR showed that electrostatic force and hydrogen bond force promoted the formation of XG-AAMP complex. The morphology of the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) indicated that adding XG reduced the droplet size of AAMP/XG PE, promoting the formation of its tight structure. The rheological properties showed that AAMP/XG Pickering emulsion gel containing 2% XG had excellent water holding capacity, extrudability and supportability, which enhanced the stability and resolution of 3D printing AAMP/XG Pickering ink. Finally, AAMP/XG PE gel had good storage stability (30 days). In this study, we used AAMP/XG Pickering emulsion to create semi-solid structure to replace hydrogenated oil. It has provided a new way to increase the application diversity of AAMP/XG Pickering emulsion in food sectors.

Investigation the nutritional properties of Auricularia auricula pulp fermented with Lactobacillus strains and their effects on gut microbiota.

Auricularia auricula is rich in bioactive components, and microbial fermentation can further dramatically increase its content and bioavailability. However, there are few studies on the relationship between fermented A. auricula pulp (FAAP) and gut microbiota. In this study, standard strains Lactobacillus plantarum 21801 and 21805 purchased from the China Center of Industrial Culture Collection were used to ferment A. auricula pulp at a ratio of 2:1, with an inoculum of 5%, a fermentation temperature of 31 °C, and a fermentation time of 22 h. The nutritional properties, aroma, and color of FAAP and their effects on the body characteristics of mice and the structure and abundance of gut microbiota are discussed. The results showed that, compared with A. auricula pulp, FAAP significantly increased the nutritional properties while maintaining favorable sensory quality and flavor profiles. Among them, the content of total polyphenols and total flavonoids reached 22.04 μg mL-1 and 20.56 μg mL-1 respectively, and the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid free-radical scavenging rate increased to 73.21%. The consumption of FAAP had no negative effects on weight or liver and kidney function in mice and dramatically enhanced the antioxidant capacity in the liver and serum. The production of short-chain fatty acids in the gut was promoted, the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, norank_f__Muribaculaceae and unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae) increased, and the growth of some pathogenic bacteria (Helicobacter, Mucispirillum, and Alloprevotella) was inhibited. These findings demonstrate that FAAP is rich in nutrients and has unique functional properties that promote host health and regulate the gut microbiota. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ruthenium nanoparticles encrusted with nitrogen & sulphur magnetic quantum dots as an efficient electrochemical sensor for simultaneous determination of itraconazole and terbinafine; a dual regimen for black fungus: Magnetic solid phase micro-extraction for urine and plasma analysis

After COVID-19 pandemic, Mucormycosis (black fungus) spreads as one of its related complications, due to the decrease in immunity system after administration of COVID-19 treatment drugs. A combination therapy of Itraconazole (ITR) and Terbinafine (TEB) was proved to be effective for treatment of black fungus. A novel electrochemical sensor was designed for estimation of ITR & TEB simultaneously by square wave voltammetric (SWV) technique. The sensor was fabricated using N&S-codoped magnetic quantum dots (N,S-MQDs) and ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru NPs). The fabricated sensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscope (SEM), powder X ray diffraction (pXRD), Fourier transform-Infrared (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Full optimization study for various experimental and instrumental parameters, in addition to method validation following International conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines was achieved. A good linearity in the range of 0.5–30 μg mL−1 with limit of detection (LOD) 0.24 and 0.19 μg mL−1 for ITR and TEB, respectively were obtained. The sensor was applied for analysis of ITR and TEB simultaneously in human plasma and urine samples without any interferences by applying dispersive magnetic solid phase micro-extraction (dMSPE) technique, where excellent recovery results exceeding 95 % were achieved.