Mold Species Research Articles

Comparison between mycobiota diversity and fungi and mycotoxin contamination of maize and wheat

Abstract The aim of this study was to establish the differences in fungi and mycotoxin contamination and mycobiota biodiversity between wheat and maize after harvesting. Determination of fungal contamination of wheat and maize is crucial, given that these grains are extensively used in food and feed production. Some moulds can produce toxic secondary metabolites, such as mycotoxins, which can cause serious health problems in humans and animals. Due to the metabolic activities of moulds, undesirable changes in food and feed colour, taste, and smell can occur. In this study, samples of wheat and maize, harvested during 2021 in the Northern Croatia, were analysed for mycological and mycotoxin contamination before storage. Also, potentially mycotoxigenic mould genera were identified at the species level in order to uncover the presence of toxigenic species. The presence of the following mycotoxins was examined: zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin, aflatoxin B1, T-2, and HT-2 toxin. The results indicate that both wheat and maize samples were contaminated with yeasts, with maize exhibiting a higher level of contamination as compared to wheat (1.5 × 104 to 1.8 × 106 vs 1.7 × 103 to 9.0 × 105). In wheat, the predominant mycotoxigenic mould species was Alternaria, as opposed to maize in which the Penicillium genus was the most represented. Mycotoxin analysis revealed that both maize and wheat were contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins. Aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin were not determined in any of the tested samples. The results point out that grains carry a different risk of contamination with Fusarium mycotoxins and that maize is more susceptible to fungus spoilage.

Distribution and environmental preferences of Saprolegnia and Leptolegnia (Oomycota) species in fish hatcheries in Hungary

We studied for the first time the abundance and species distribution of water molds (Oomycota, Saprolegniales) in fish hatcheries in Hungary, with a focus on Saprolegnia and Leptolegnia spp. A total of 182 water mold isolates were obtained from different developmental stages of fish (eggs, fry, and adults) and water samples collected during the spawning season of cyprinids and salmonids. Of the ten water mold species identified based on their ITS–rDNA sequences, S. parasitica, S. ferax, and S. australis were the most abundant. Statistical analyses of species proportions in relation to the sample source and host preference revealed that S. parasitica was significantly more abundant in the host than in water samples, whereas the opposite trend was observed for S. ferax and S. australis. In addition, our results confirmed previous findings that S. australis and S. ferax prefer warm water (+21–24 °C) and that S. parasitica has a wide temperature tolerance (+3–24 °C). The DNA sequence identity analysis showed that the species demarcation criterion for Saprolegnia spp. was approximately 98 % identity, based on ITS–rDNA sequences. Furthermore, our phylogenetic analyses suggest that taxonomic revision of Leptolegnia spp. is necessary.

SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND IN VITRO ANTIFUNGAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING OF ASPERGILLUS ISOLATED FROM VARIOUS CLINICAL SAMPLES

Objectives: Aspergillus is ubiquitous mold species present in environment in the form of spores. Infection due to Aspergillus is uncommon in immunocompetent individuals unless they possess any abnormality or have undergone any treatment with corticosteroids. In immunocompromised individuals, infection by this fungus is common among people with prolonged neutropenia, transplants, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. The symptoms are diverse, ranging from allergic reactions to invasive aspergillosis and life-threatening complications. The aim of this study is to isolate and identify Aspergillus species obtained from various clinical specimens and perform antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST). Methods: A total of 200 isolates in which positive direct microscopic findings correlated well with culture growth for Aspergillus were included. Antifungal susceptibility was performed by micro broth dilution technique according to clinical laboratory standard institute M38-A2 guidelines. Results: Aspergillus flavus was found to be predominant species followed by Aspergillus fumigatus. AFST was performed, where all Aspergillus strains exhibited low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum effective concentration (MEC) values for most of antifungal drugs tested except for one strain of A. flavus, which exhibited high MIC for voriconazole and high MEC for caspofungin. Conclusion: Polyenes, azoles, and echinocandin resistance are emerging in many parts of the world. Therefore, continued application of AFST combined with morphological characterization for species identification is critical in detecting the emergence of resistance among various Aspergillus species to reduce mortality, morbidity, and overcome treatment failure.

Structural characteristics and biological evaluation of copper coating cotton material obtained by chemical reduction method

The article describes the preparation of new cotton materials obtained by chemical deposition of copper sulfide. This two-stage process consists of chelation of copper sulfate on cellulose chains of cotton (COT → COT-CuSO4) with subsequent precipitation of copper in the form of copper sulfide (COT-CuSO4 → COT-CuS) using sodium sulfide. The obtained COT-CuS composites were characterized physicobiologically. Thus, the structural characteristic of the Cotton-CuS material was determined by microscopy analysis (SEM), Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Flame Excitation (FAAS), specific surface area and total pore volume analysis (BET). The copper functionalized cotton fabric was subjected to microbial activity tests against colonies of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria and Chaetomium globosum, Aspergillus niger fungal molds species. Biochemical evaluation includes hematological tests of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT). The substantial antimicrobial properties of the newly synthesized COT-CuS material with the lack of influence on blood coagulation processes offer prospects of a potential use as applications as an antibacterial/antifungal material.

Molecular Identification and Antifungal Activity of Candida chrysomelidarum and Rhodotorula toruloides Isolated from Indonesian Indigenous Fruit Flacourtia inermis Roxb. (Lobi-lobi) against Pathogenic Mold Aspergillus flavus

Aspergillus flavus is one of the main contaminating mold species in most feed products, significantly impacting human and animal health. This study aims to isolate the epiphytic yeasts from the fruit Flacourtia inermis Roxb and test their potential ability to act as biocontrol agents for A. flavus. The antagonistic test was performed using a dual culture method, and the potential yeast isolates were then identified using a combination of morphology characterization and molecular sequence analysis. From 42 yeast isolated from F. inermis fruit, 2 yeast isolates (LCA 75 and LCA 102) demonstrated the highest inhibition growth against A. flavus (32.32 and 32.30 %, respectively). The isolates LCA 75 and LCA 102 were identified as Candida chrysomelidarum and Rhodotorula toruloides, respectively. Rhodotorula toruloides, identified as one of the yeast isolates (LCA 102), is an unconventional red yeast demonstrating notable antagonistic effects against A. flavus, inhibiting its growth by 32.30 %. This yeast, also known as Rhodosporidium toruloides, R. rubescens, R. glutinis, or R. gracilis, belongs to the subphylum Pucciniomycotina within the division Basidiomycota. The significant inhibition of mycelium growth and sporulation observed in our study highlights the potential of R. toruloides, along with C. chrysomelidarum (LCA 75), as effective biocontrol agents to reduce mycotoxin contamination in chicken feed by A. flavus. This study represents a significant advancement in the management of A. flavus contamination in animal feed. The findings not only underscore the viability of yeast-based biocontrol strategies but also contribute to a safer, more sustainable approach to preventing mycotoxin proliferation in feedstocks. HIGHLIGHTS Founding Out of 42 yeast isolates, two (LCA 75 and LCA 102) demonstrated the highest inhibition growth against A. flavus, with inhibition rates of 32.32 and 32.30 %, respectively. Identified Yeasts: LCA 75 as Candida chrysomelidarum LCA 102 as Rhodotorula toruloides (alternatively referred to as Rhodosporidium toruloides, R. rubescens, R. glutinis, or R. gracilis). Characteristics of Rhodotorula toruloides Unconventional red yeast belonging to the subphylum Pucciniomycotina within Basidiomycota. Commonly associated with various plant species and found on plant surfaces, including leaves, stems, and fruits. Identified yeast isolates exhibited inhibition activities leading to reduced mycelium growth and sporulation of A. flavus. These yeast isolates have potential as biocontrol agents to prevent mycotoxin contamination in chicken feed caused by A. flavus. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

E-nose detection of changes in volatile profile associated with early decay of ‘Golden Delicious’ apple by Penicillium expansum

The ability of an electronic nose system to differentiate alterations in the volatile organic compound (VOCs) profile caused by early spoilage of ‘Golden Delicious’ apples due to Penicillium expansum was thoroughly evaluated. Three strains of this mould species (M639, pe2280 and pe2278) were individually used to inoculate ‘Golden Delicious’ apples, resulting in four different batches: (i) M639, (ii) pe2280, (iii) pe2278 and (iv) a control group (inoculated with sterile water). Volatile compounds were identified and quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and signals from an electronic nose system (E-nose) were recorded for each batch with three different growth diameters: early stage (10 mm), middle stage (20 mm) and late stage (40 mm). A strong correlation was observed between the responses from multiple E-nose biosensors and the aromatic profile associated with fungal alterations in apples. Using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) models based on E-nose sensor data from the specified batches, we successfully differentiated healthy and infected samples, specifically three distinct groups: control, M639+pe2280 and pe2278. Remarkably, the recognition rates for total external samples exceeded 87% and reached 97% for samples in the early stage of fungal infection. These results validate the online capability of E-nose technology for the non-destructive evaluation of apple storage processes.

Invasive fungal infections are rare in pediatric and young adult autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.

Pediatric and young adult patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (auto-HSCT) face a crucial, yet understudied, risk of invasive fungal infections (IFI), especially compared to allogeneic transplants. This gap underscores the need for research in pediatric patients undergoing auto-HSCT. Our objective was to evaluate the incidence of IFI in pediatric and young adult patients during the first year after auto-HSCT. We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of 150 pediatric and young adult auto-HSCT patients who underwent transplant from January 2013 to January 2023. We focused on IFI incidence within the first-year post transplant, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria for IFI identification. Among the 150 patients analyzed, with 240 unique transplant episodes, the primary indication was neuroblastoma (37.3%), and micafungin was extensively used for prophylaxis (82.7%). There was an absence of IFI from yeast and mold species, suggesting a low IFI risk in this cohort. The incidence of IFI in pediatric auto-HSCT recipients receiving micafungin primary antifungal prophylaxis is rare. The findings advocate for further research to refine prophylaxis guidelines and highlight the need for individualized risk assessment to optimize post-transplant care.

Limited Effectiveness of Penicillium camemberti in Preventing the Invasion of Contaminating Molds in Camembert Cheese.

Mold-ripened cheese acquires a distinctive aroma and texture from mold cultures that mature on a fresh cheese wheel. Owing to its high moisture content (aw = 0.95) and pliability, soft cheese is prone to contamination. Many contaminating mold species are unable to grow at colder temperatures, and the lactic acid produced by the cheese bacteria inhibits further infiltration. Thus, Camembert cheese is generally well protected against contamination by a wide range of species. In this study, cocultures of Penicillium camemberti and widely distributed mycotoxin-producing mold species were incubated on different types of agars, and purchased Camembert samples were deliberately contaminated with mycotoxin-producing mold species capable of growing at both 25 °C and 4 °C. The production of mycotoxins was then monitored by the extraction of the metabolites and their subsequent measurement by means of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based targeted metabolite profiling approach. The production of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) was highly dependent on the species cocultivated with Penicillium camemberti, the temperature and the substrate. Contamination of Camembert cheese with Penicillium chrysogenum, Mucor hiemalis, or Penicillium glabrum induced CPA production at 25 °C. Although mold growth on cheese was not always evident on biofilms for certain cultures, except for Penicillium citrinum, which stained the monosaccharide agar yellow, mycotoxins were detected in many agar and cheese samples, as in all monosaccharide agar samples. In conclusion, cheese should be immediately discarded upon the first appearance of mold.

Antifungal Activity of Efinaconazole Compared with Fluconazole, Itraconazole, and Terbinafine Against Terbinafine- and Itraconazole-Resistant/Susceptible Clinical Isolates of Dermatophytes, Candida, and Molds.

Recently, an increasing number of resistant-to-terbinafine dermatophytosis cases have been reported. Thus, identifying an alternative antifungal agent that possesses broad-spectrum activity, including against resistant strains, is needed. We compared the antifungal activity of efinaconazole with that of fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine against clinical isolates of dermatophytes, Candida, and molds using in vitro assays. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of each antifungal agent were quantified and compared. Susceptible and resistant clinical isolates of Trichophyton mentagrophytes (n = 16), Trichophyton rubrum (n = 43), Trichophyton tonsurans (n = 18), Trichophyton violaceum (n = 4), Candida albicans (n = 55), Candida auris (n = 30), Fusarium spp, Scedosporium spp, and Scopulariopsis spp (n = 15 for each) were tested. Efinaconazole was the most active antifungal agent tested against dermatophytes, with MIC50 and MIC90 (concentrations that inhibited 50% and 90% of strains tested, respectively) values of 0.002 and 0.03 µg/mL, respectively. Fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine showed MIC50 and MIC90 values of 1 and 8 µg/mL, 0.03 and 0.25 µg/mL, and 0.03 and 16 µg/mL, respectively. Against Candida isolates, efinaconazole MIC50 and MIC90 values were 0.016 and 0.25 µg/mL, respectively, whereas fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine had MIC50 and MIC90 values of 1 and 16 µg/mL, 0.25 and 0.5 µg/mL, and 2 and 8 µg/mL, respectively. Against various mold species, efinaconazole MIC values ranged from 0.016 to 2 µg/mL versus 0.5 to greater than 64 µg/mL for the comparators. Efinaconazole showed superior potent activity against a broad panel of susceptible and resistant dermatophyte, Candida, and mold isolates.

Preventing Fungal Spoilage from Raw Materials to Final Product: Innovative Preservation Techniques for Fruit Fillings.

Spoilage fungi are a significant cause of financial loss in the food and beverage industry each year. These fungi thrive in challenging environments characterized by low acidity, low water activity and high sugar content, all of which are common in fruit fillings used in pastry products. Fruit fillings are therefore highly susceptible to fungal spoilage. Fungal growth can cause sensory defects in foods, such as changes in appearance, odor, flavor or texture, and can pose health risks due to the production of mycotoxins by certain mold species. To reduce food loss and waste and extend product shelf-life, it is critical that we prevent fungal spoilage. Synthetic chemicals such as sorbic acid and potassium sorbate are commonly used as preservatives to prevent fungal spoilage. However, with consumer demand for 'natural' and 'chemical-free' foods, research into clean-label preservative alternatives to replace chemical preservatives has increased. The objectives of this review are (i) to provide an overview of the sources of fungal contamination in fruit filling production systems, from pre-harvest of raw materials to storage of the final product, and to identify key control factors; and (ii) to discuss preservation techniques (both conventional and novel) that can prevent fungal growth and extend the shelf-life of fruit fillings.

PCR-Based Microarray Enhances Diagnosis of Culture-Negative Biopsied Tissue in Patients with Invasive Mold Infections: Real-World Experience in a Tertiary Medical Center.

A fungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifies conserved genes across diverse species, combined with the subsequent hybridization of amplicons using a specific oligonucleotide microarray, allowing for the rapid detection of pathogens at the species level. However, the performance of microarrays in diagnosing invasive mold infections (IMI) from infected tissue samples is rarely reported. During the 4-year study period, all biopsied tissue samples from patients with a suspected IMI sent for microarray assays were analyzed. A partial segment of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified by nested PCR after DNA extraction. Amplicons were hybridized with specific probes for a variety of mold species using an in-house oligonucleotide microarray. A total of 80 clinical samples from 74 patients were tested. A diagnosis of an IMI was made in 10 patients (4 proven, 1 probable, 3 possible, 2 clinical suspicion). The PCR/microarray test was positive for three out of four proven IMIs, one probable IMI, and one out of three possible IMIs. Two patients with positive PCR/microarray findings were considered to have clinical suspicion of an IMI, and their responsible physicians initiated antifungal therapy despite the absence of supporting microbiological and histological evidence. Clinical diagnoses were categorized into non-IMI and IMI groups (including proven, probable, possible, and clinical suspicion). The sensitivity and specificity of the microarray in diagnosing the IMIs were 70% and 95.7%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of the culture and histological findings were 10%/96.3% and 40.0%/100%, respectively. PCR-based methods provide supportive microbiological evidence when culture results are inconclusive. The combination of a microarray with fungal culture and histology promotes the precise diagnosis of IMIs in difficult-to-diagnose patients.

Plant-Based Alternatives to Mold-Ripened Cheeses as an Innovation among Dairy Analogues.

There is a growing demand for vegan products and plant-based food when dealing with the impact of livestock on the climate crisis. The aim of this study was to develop a formulation for a plant-based analogue of mold-ripened cheese. Were investigated the following plant materials: cashews, pistachios, soy flour, chickpea flour, pea protein, pumpkin protein, hemp protein, and spirulina powder. Plant matrices were fermented with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starter cultures and cheese starter cultures of mold species Geotrichum candidum and Penicillium camemberti. All microorganisms' growth were tested in a vegan-type culture medium. Calcium supplementation was applied and followed by an in-depth analysis of the elemental composition of selected analogues with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The physicochemical and organoleptic analyses of plant-based alternatives of Camembert were conducted. This is the first paper describing novel formulations for plant-based alternatives for Camembert cheese prepared with techniques mimicking the original milk product.

Apple Blossom Agricultural Residues as a Sustainable Source of Bioactive Peptides through Microbial Fermentation Bioprocessing.

This study explored the impact of starter-assisted fermentation on apple blossoms to enhance their potential as a source of antioxidant and antifungal molecules. Fructobacillus fructosus PL22 and Wickerhamomyces anomalus GY1 were chosen as starters owing to their origin and promising ability to modify plant secondary metabolites. An initial assessment through microbiological and physicochemical analyses showed superior outcomes for starter-assisted fermentation compared to the spontaneous process. Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins, primarily controlled by starters, orchestrated the generation of new low-molecular-weight peptides. W. anomalus GY1 also induced modifications in the phenolic profile, generating a diverse array of bioactive metabolites. These metabolic changes, particularly the release of potentially bioactive peptides, were associated with significant antioxidant activity and marked antifungal efficacy against three common mold species. Our results shed light on the potential of microbial starters to valorize agricultural wastes and convert them into a valuable resource for industry.

Analysis of the stakes of the Xianyang Ancient Ferry Site, Shaanxi, China

Historical records indicate that Xianyang Ancient Ferry Site, dating back over three millennia to the late Shang Dynasty, has been an important transportation hub in ancient times. The use of combined wooden stakes and stones is a special method for flood control among ancient flood prevention techniques. This research aims to evaluate the current preservation condition of these ancient wooden stakes. The dating of the wooden stakes at the site ranges between 940 ± 30 BP and 320 ± 30 BP. The fiber cross-section and microstructure images of the wooden samples indicate that the wood is attributed to Platycladus orientalis. SEM images indicate decay and deterioration of the wooden samples, with the presence of mold spores within the cavities. XRD, FTIR, and TG/DSC spectra of historical wooden samples collected from the site and fresh Platycladus orientalis wood samples demonstrate a significant decrease of cellulose crystallinity in the historical samples, leading to severe deterioration of the wood at the site. Five dominant mold species were identified, i.e., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium citrinum, Trichoderma, and Phanerochaete chrysosporium, which accelerate the degradation of cellulose and other polysaccharides. This research provides scientific evidence for the selection of reinforcement materials and guides curators and conservators to formulate conservation strategies in the future.

Mycotoxin contamination in moldy slices of bread is mostly limited to the immediate vicinity of the visible infestation

Bread is an important staple food that is susceptible to spoilage, making it one of the most wasted foods. To determine the safety of partially moldy bread, five types of bread were inoculated with common mold species. After incubation, the metabolite profile was determined in and under the inoculation spot, as well as at a lateral distance of 3 cm from the moldy spot. The result showed that the metabolites were exclusively concentrated in the inoculation area and directly below the inoculation area. The only exception was citrinin, a mycotoxin produced by Penicillia such as Penicillium citrinum, which was detected in almost all tested bread areas when inoculated with the corresponding strains. The results of our study suggest that the removal of moldy parts may be a solution to reduce food waste if the remaining bread is to be used, for example for insect farming to produce animal feed.

Biochemical Behavior, Influence on Cell DNA Condition, and Microbiological Properties of Wool and Wool-Copper Materials.

The paper presents the study concerning the preparation and physio-chemical and biological properties of wool-copper (WO-Cu) materials obtained by the sputter deposition of copper onto the wool fibers. The WO-Cu material was subjected to physio-chemical and biological investigations. The physio-chemical investigations included the elemental analysis of materials (C, N, O, S, and Cu), their microscopic analysis, and surface properties analysis (specific surface area and total pore volume). The biological investigations consisted of the antimicrobial activity tests of the WO-Cu materials against colonies of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, and fungal mold species (Chaetomium globosum). Biochemical-hematological tests included the evaluation of the activated partial thromboplastin time and pro-thrombin time. The tested wool-copper demonstrated the ability to interact with the DNA in a time-dependent manner. These interactions led to the DNA's breaking and degradation. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the WO-Cu materials suggest a potential application as an antibacterial/antifungal material. Wool-copper materials may be also used as customized materials where the blood coagulation process could be well controlled through the appropriate copper content.

Antagonism and mycoparasitism mechanism of T. harzianum against pathogenic fungus species of F. oxysporum and Capnodium sp.

The purpose of this study was to test the ability of T. harzianum to inhibit the growth of pathogenic mold species and to determine the effectiveness of T. harzianum mold species in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic molds, as well as investigate how T. harzianum and pathogenic molds interact with each other. The Microbiology Laboratory of the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, State University of Malang, is where this research was conducted. The dual culture method was used for this test by using Czapek Agar (CA) medium. The isolated molds were then incubated for 4x24 hours at 25O–27OC. After that, the antagonism power was calculated. The results of macroscopic and microscopic observations were used to assess the mechanism of T. harzianum mold antagonism against pathogenic molds. The results showed that Trichoderma mold species were more resistant to the pathogenic mold Fusarium oxysporum than the pathogenic mold Capnodium. The antagonistic power of T. harzianum was 80%, with the antagonistic power of Capnodium sp. at 66.7%. The mechanism of mycoparasitism occurs when the hyphae of T. harzianum attach or entangle the hyphae of pathogenic molds, causing damage to the hyphal structure and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic molds.

Evaluation of Cold Plasma–Activated water “…Enriched Metal…” Cations as an Antifungal Agent for Controlling of Penicillium italicum and Penicillium digitatum Molds

The utilization of Cold Plasma (CP) technology for decontamination and disinfection has garnered considerable attention across diverse industries. This study aims to investigate the interaction between pH and electrical conductivity (EC) (μS/cm) in Cold Plasma-Activated Water (CPAW) enriched with metal cations and its potential as an antifungal agent against two Penicillium (P.) mold strains. The investigation focuses on elucidating the augmented chemical interactions induced by plasma between radicals, charged particles, and microorganisms' cell membranes within an aqueous environment. Our findings demonstrate a positive correlation between the inactivation potential of CPAW (operating at 10 kV voltage, 2.5 kHz high frequency, and 500 mA current intensity) and pH and EC(μS/cm) values. Notably, the relative chemical reactivity and solubility of calcium oxide emerge as significant factors, highlighting the pronounced link between P. Italicum and Plasma-Activated Water containing Copper cations (CPAW + Cu2+) (p < 0.05). Our study distinctly emphasizes (1) the substantial impact of both activated water type and mold species on CFU/mL values (p < 0.05); (2) the mold-specific effect of activated water on CFU/mL; and (3) the noteworthy EC(μS/cm) enhancement and pH decrease with prolonged activation time, attaining statistical significance (p < 0.01).

Selection and analysis of the characteristics of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum with antifungal activity

Phytophthora drechsleri is a prevalent spoilage-associated organism found in fruits and vegetables that causes serious economic loss and is a public health concern. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is one of the most promising candidates for use in food as a fungal antagonist and biodetoxification agent. In this study, 347 of L. plantarum strains were preliminarily evaluated for antifungal activity against P. drechsleri Tucker. Only 5.48% of the L.plantarum strains tested exerted strong antagonism against P. drechsleri Tucker. L. plantarum IMAU70087 showed the greatest inhibitory activity and exhibited broad antifungal activity against seven test mold species. Moreover, the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of IMAU70087 exhibited strong thermostability and protease resistance. The potential antifungal metabolites were identified in IMAU70087 CFS by UPLC/QTOF/MS metabolomics analysis. These metabolites were mainly organic acids, some of which exhibited potential antifungal properties. This study provided valuable insights into the potential of IMAU70087 as a fungal inhibitor for enhancing food preservation.

Nutritional and Medicinal Properties of Microbial Oil

Plant and animal oils and fats currently dominate the edible oil market, but a new sustainable alternative of lipids from single-celled organisms has become advantageous in human nutrition and pharmacy. Single-cell oils (SCOs) are lipids biosynthesized and accumulated in the lipid bodies of oleaginous species of bacteria, yeasts, molds, and algae. The review has investigated SCOs’ composition, with a detailed review of the described beneficial impact in medicine, cosmetics, pharmacy, and nutrition. Although microbial oil has been known for more than 100 years, it was not applied until the 21st century, when commercial SCO production for human use started and administrative regulations governing their use were completed. This article discusses the applications of SCOs, which can be easily found in microorganisms, in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. In addition, some aspects of 15- or 17-carbon-atom-long fatty acids were also pointed out. Furthermore, some challenges for heterotrophic single-cell oil synthesis and improvements in its extraction efficiency have also been concluded, which can further contribute to their broadened use in pharmacy, medicine, cosmetics, and food applications.