Penicillium Chrysogenum Research Articles

Novel Antifungal and Antifeedant Metabolites from Penicillium chrysogenum Co-Cultured with Nemania primolutea and Aspergillus fumigatus.

The endophyte Nemania primolutea, inhibited the growth of Penicillium chrysogenum in the coculture system. Four new compounds, nemmolutines A-B (1-2), and penigenumin (3) from N. primolutea, penemin (4) from P. chrysogenum were isolated from the coculture. On the other hand, P. chrysogenum inhibited the Aspergillus fumigatus in the coculture. Induced metabolites (13-16) with monasone naphthoquinone scaffolds including a new one from P. chrysogenum were produced by the coculture of P. chrysogenum, and A. fumigatus. Interesting, cryptic metabolites penicichrins A-B isolated from wild P. chrysogenum induced by host Ziziphus jujuba medium were also found in induced P. chrysogenum cultured in PDB ordinary medium. So the induction of penicichrin production by supplementing with host extract occurred in the fungus P. chrysogenum not the host medium. The productions of penicichrins were the spontaneous metabolism, and the metabolites (13-16) were the culture driven. Compounds 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, and 15 showed significant antifungal activities against the phytopathogen Alternaria alternata with MICS of 1-8 μg/mL, and compounds 7, 9, and 12 indicated significant antifeedant activities against silkworms with feeding deterrence indexes (FDIs) of 92 %, 66 %, and 64 %. The carboxy group in 4-(2-hydroxybutynoxy)benzoic acid derivatives, and xylabisboeins; the hydroxy group in mellein derivatives; and the quinoid in monasone naphthoquinone increased the antifungal activities.

Adaptive Capacity of two Varieties of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Crude Oil Polluted Soil

Arachis hypogaea L. (Groundnut) production in Niger Delta, Nigeria is limited as the crop has not been well adapted to this region. This research was carried out to determine the adaptive capability of groundnut in crude oil polluted soil. Seeds of two varieties (Java and Bold Type) were planted in soil polluted with 0.8% and 0% of crude oil. Growth parameters were measured every 10 days up to 50 days after planting. Nodules were isolated from the roots 50 days after planting and cultured in YEMA solid medium and further subcultured in PDA medium to obtain pure cultures. Result showed that they adapted to the crude oil polluted soil with Java variety having the optimum agronomic performance, root architecture and rhizobium population. Nodules formed from day 10 to day 50 after planting shows that the highest number of nodules formation occurred on day 50 for the Java variety in polluted soil (32 nodules) while the bold variety had the lowest (5 nodules). Four fungal organisms identified in the pure-cultures were penicillium chrysogenum , Aspergillus niger , Mucor circinelloides , Botrydiplodia theobromae . This research suggested that the ability of groundnut to grow in crude oil polluted soil could be due to their root architecture and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. Further adaptation studies should be carried out covering other part of Niger Delta region. Keywords: Groundnut, Nodule, Adaptive Capacity DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/13-4-06 Publication date: March 31 st 2023

Ochratoxin A contamination and related high-yield toxin strains in Guizhou dried red chilies

Dried red chili is an popular spice widely used in the world, but is vulnerable to be contaminated by toxigenic fungi, resulting in ochratoxin A contamination. The current study detected OTA contents in both chili peels (n = 49) and seeds (n = 49) of Guizhou dried red chilies. Results showed that 22.45% of chili peels and 34.70% of chili seeds exceeded the EU regulatory limit of OTA content (20 μg/kg), whereas the highest OTA level was up to 54.12 μg/kg in chili peels and 36.67 μg/kg in chili seeds. In total, 34 fungal strains were isolated from Guizhou dried red chilies with 9 of them had OTA-producing abilities, belonging to Penicillium chrysogenum (4 strains), Penicillium rubens (3 strains), Aspergillus niger (1 strain) and Aspergillus fumigatus (1 strain) by morphology and molecular techniques. In vitro and in vivo experiments identified A. niger DTZ-12 (GenBank accession number: ON383976) and P. chrysogenum DL-8 (GenBank accession number: ON383969) displayed the top 2 OTA-producing capacities with their own growth characteristics. In conclusion, it is urgent to take effective measures to prevent and control the OTA contamination in Guizhou dried red chilies. • Ochratoxin A levels in Guizhou dried red chilis ranged from non-detective to 54.12 μg/kg. • The OTA pollution in chili seeds was more serious than that in chili peels. • Aspergillus niger DTZ-12 and Penicillium chrysogenum DL-8 were top 2 high-yield OTA producer in Guizhou dried red chilies.

Secondary metabolites from marine derived fungus Penicillium chrysogenum Y19-1 with proangiogenic and antithrombotic activities

Investigation of the ethyl acetate extract from the marine derived fungus Penicillium chrysogenum Y19-1 led to the isolation and identification of nine compounds, including ethyl formyltyrosinate (1), ergosterol peroxide (2), ergosterol (3), cerebroside A (4), conidiogenone C (5), dihydroresorcylide (6), 7-hydroxydihydroresorcylide (7), N-(2-hydroxypropanoyl)-2-aminobenzoic acid amide (8), and 4-methyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one (9). Their chemical structures were determined by NMR analysis, ESIMS experiment and comparison with the reported data in the literature. Among them, compound 1 was identified as a natural product for the first time. All compounds were evaluated for antithrombotic and proangiogenic activities. Compounds 1, 4 and 5 exhibited antithrombotic activities, while compounds 1, 2, 8 and 9 showed proangiogenic activities. Meanwhile, the chemotaxonomic significance of these isolated compounds was also discussed.

GENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME PATHOGENIC FUNGI ISOLATED FROM POULTRY AND THEIR SURROUNDINGS

Regarding high morbidity, mortality, and production losses, fungi infections have their importance among infectious illnesses and seem to be one of the main challenges facing poultry producers. This study aims to identify the genotypic characteristics of some fungi isolated from poultry. To reach this end, in El-Gharbia Governorate, Egypt, a total of 210 birds with a history of respiratory distress were randomly selected from a variety of private farms and hatcheries. The birds were sacrificed; tissue pieces were collected. In addition, a total of 87 samples of the poultry surroundings including 40 samples of poultry ration, 14 bedding materials, 4 air samples, and 29 water samples were collected. Using traditional fungal isolation, four fungal species were recovered, namely, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Cladosporium perangustum, and Penicillium chrysogenum. PCR was performed by fungus-specific universal primer pairs (ITS1 and ITS4) to identify and describe the genotype of isolated fungi. All examined isolates' ITS1-5.8SrDNA regions could be amplified. A purified PCR product was sequenced according to the Emerald Amp GT PCR master mix. This was initially performed to establish sequence identity to GenBank accession numbers. The rRNA gene for 5.8 sRNA divides the two ITS sections, which are situated between the 18S and 28S rRNA genes. ITS-1 gene sequence of the isolated Cladosporium perangustum (GeneBank accession number was OM 407392). The Sequence of the ITS-1 of isolated Penicillium chrysogenum (GeneBank accession numbers for studied nucleotide sequences were OM407401; OM407402; OM403685, and OM403686). For the examined nucleotide sequences, the GeneBank accession number for the ITS-1 internal transcribed spacer region of single Aspergillus niger was OM407391. GeneBank accession numbers for the isolated Aspergillus flavus ITS-1 sequence examined nucleotide sequences were OM403676, OM403677, and OM403678. In conclusion, genotypic characterization confirmed the phenotypic traditional fungal identification in the present study. Aspergillus species are the major fungi associated with birds in Egypt farms. The predominantly identified species were Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium chrysogenum.

PREVALENCE OF MULTIDRUG RESISTANT SHIGA TOXIN PRODUCING E. coli IN THE MILK OF CATTLE, BUFFALOES, AND CAMEL

Regarding high morbidity, mortality, and production losses, fungi infections have their importance among infectious illnesses and seem to be one of the main challenges facing poultry producers. This study aims to identify the genotypic characteristics of some fungi isolated from poultry. To reach this end, in El-Gharbia Governorate, Egypt, a total of 210 birds with a history of respiratory distress were randomly selected from a variety of private farms and hatcheries. The birds were sacrificed; tissue pieces were collected. In addition, a total of 87 samples of the poultry surroundings including 40 samples of poultry ration, 14 bedding materials, 4 air samples, and 29 water samples were collected. Using traditional fungal isolation, four fungal species were recovered, namely, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Cladosporium perangustum, and Penicillium chrysogenum. PCR was performed by fungus-specific universal primer pairs (ITS1 and ITS4) to identify and describe the genotype of isolated fungi. All examined isolates' ITS1-5.8SrDNA regions could be amplified. A purified PCR product was sequenced according to the Emerald Amp GT PCR master mix. This was initially performed to establish sequence identity to GenBank accession numbers. The rRNA gene for 5.8 sRNA divides the two ITS sections, which are situated between the 18S and 28S rRNA genes. ITS-1 gene sequence of the isolated Cladosporium perangustum (GeneBank accession number was OM 407392). The Sequence of the ITS-1 of isolated Penicillium chrysogenum (GeneBank accession numbers for studied nucleotide sequences were OM407401; OM407402; OM403685, and OM403686). For the examined nucleotide sequences, the GeneBank accession number for the ITS-1 internal transcribed spacer region of single Aspergillus niger was OM407391. GeneBank accession numbers for the isolated Aspergillus flavus ITS-1 sequence examined nucleotide sequences were OM403676, OM403677, and OM403678. In conclusion, genotypic characterization confirmed the phenotypic traditional fungal identification in the present study. Aspergillus species are the major fungi associated with birds in Egypt farms. The predominantly identified species were Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium chrysogenum. Key words: phenotypic; genotypic; molecular; fungi; poultry

PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME PATHOGENIC FUNGI ISOLATED FROM POULTRY AND THEIR SURROUNDINGS IN EL–GHARBIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

Poultry production is affected by several fungal diseases. Such fungal infection occurs in poultry farms via using a moldy litter, or ingestion of contaminated drinking water or moldy ration. In this study, a total of 210 birds with a history of respiratory distress of different breeds were collected randomly from sporadic different private farms and hatcheries in El–Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. The birds were sacrificed, then a total of 1050 tissue specimens from lung, air sacs, liver, crop and trachea were collected. In addition, 40 samples of poultry ration, 14 bedding materials, 4 air samples and 29 water samples were also collected. The collected samples were cultured on Sabouraud’s agar plates. Macromorphological and micromorphological fungal examinations were performed for phenotypic characterization. Histopathological examinations were also performed using with hematoxylin and eosin stains. Antifungal sensitivity testing was screened using Mueller’s Hinton Agar for studying the susceptibility of the recovered fungal isolates to the most commonly used antifungal drugs in Egypt, namely amphotericin B, clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and nystatin. The obtained results demonstrated that mold isolation was the highest in the collected samples from birds at 36.84%, followed by drinking water (31.57%). The highest incidence of mold isolation was recorded at the lungs of broilers and baladi birds followed by the air sacs. While in saso birds, the highest incidence was at the air sac. Collectively, 97 mold strains were identified from the lung, 74 from the air sacs, 30 from the liver, 61 from the trachea, and 44 from the crop. In addition, 19 mold isolates were recovered from the bird surroundings. Aspergillus niger as well as Penicillium chrysogenum were recovered and showed resistance to ketoconazole, while Cladosporium perangustum was resistant to fluconazole. All of the isolated molds were sensitive to itraconazole and nystatin except A. flavus that was resistant to nystatin. All Aspergillus spp. were resistant to fluconazole except A. niger. In conclusion, Aspergillus spp. was the most associated mold with poultry species and their surroundings in Egypt farms. Itraconazole and nystatin could be applied as proper antifungal drugs the control of for Aspergillus infection in birds.

Heavy Metal Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using Biomaterials and/or Functional Composites: Recent Advances and the Way Forward in Wastewater Treatment Using Digitalization

Due to its low cost, over the past decades, biosorption technology has been extensively carried out to treat heavy metal-laden wastewater using biosorbents. Recent studies on heavy metal biosorption mechanisms and the simulation of mathematical modeling on the biosorption process have enhanced scientific understanding about the binding between target metal cations and the functional group on different surfaces of biomasses as a biosorbent. However, so far, none have provided an overview of mechanistic studies on heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions using inexpensive biosorbents. To close this knowledge gap, this article discusses the applicability of the surface complexation (SC) model for biosorption of a target pollutant. Insightful ideas and directions of future research in wastewater treatment using digital technologies are also presented. It was conclusive from a literature survey of 115 articles (1987–2023) that Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Rhizopus nigricans represent biomaterials that have substantial adsorption capacities, up to 200 mg of Au(I)/g, 142 mg of Th/g, and 166 mg of Pb(II)/g, respectively. The metal-binding mechanisms involved include ion exchange, surface complexation, and micro-precipitation. Ion exchange is the only mechanisms that play key roles in sequestering heavy metal using fungal cells with chitin and chitosan. X-ray energy dispersion (XED) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were used to evaluate biosorption mechanisms of the inorganic pollutants using physico-chemical characterization on the cell surfaces of the biomass. As metal removal by the biosorbent is affected by its surface properties, surface complexation also occurs. The affinity of the surface complexation depends on the type of functional groups such as phosphate, carboxyl, and amine.

Screening early markers of mildew upon cigar tobacco leaves by gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) and partial least squares–discriminant analysis (PLS–DA)

This study isolated two dominant molds (Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus sydowii) from cigar tobacco leaves. Gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC–IMS) was used for rapid qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of mold growing from 0 to 7 days on potato dextrose agar (PDA). GC–IMS fingerprint, galleryplot, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and partial least squares – discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to assess different periods of cigar tobacco mildew. ANOVA and PLS-DA were compared to identify possible mildew markers in PDA. The potential mildew markers were verified using 0–7 days of artificial mildew samples. The results showed that 1-octene-3-alcohol, 1-pentanol, and pentanal were characteristic markers of early mildew in cigar tobacco. In conclusion, GC–IMS and chemometrics enables early warning of cigar tobacco mold, which is of great significance for storage and quality control.

Biotechnological Fungal Platforms for the Production of Biosynthetic Cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids are bioactive meroterpenoids comprising prenylated polyketide molecules that can modulate a wide range of physiological processes. Cannabinoids have been shown to possess various medical/therapeutic effects, such as anti-convulsive, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, antinausea, and anti-microbial properties. The increasing interest in their beneficial effects and application as clinically useful drugs has promoted the development of heterologous biosynthetic platforms for the industrial production of these compounds. This approach can help circumvent the drawbacks associated with extraction from naturally occurring plants or chemical synthesis. In this review, we provide an overview of the fungal platforms developed by genetic engineering for the biosynthetic production of cannabinoids. Different yeast species, such as Komagataella phaffii (formerly P. pastoris) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, have been genetically modified to include the cannabinoid biosynthetic pathway and to improve metabolic fluxes in order to increase cannabinoid titers. In addition, we engineered the filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum for the first time as a host microorganism for the production of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid from intermediates (cannabigerolic acid and olivetolic acid), thereby showing the potential of filamentous fungi as alternative platforms for cannabinoid biosynthesis upon optimization.

Evaluation of selected aspects of the hygiene hypothesis and their effect on the incidence of allergy.

The development of allergic conditions is largely dependent on the interactions between genetic (individual genetic predisposition) and environmental factors (exposure to risk factors). The aim of this study was an attempt to assess the influence of selected elements of the hygiene theory in the development of allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. The study group consisted of 5518 women and 3868 men. The method that was used was the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II and International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire validated and adapted to Central and Eastern European conditions. The project was conducted in 8 urban areas (Gdańsk, Wrocław, Poznań, Katowice, Kraków, Lublin, Białystok, Warsaw) and 1 rural area (Krasnystaw county). This study had 2 stages; the first stage involved grouping the 22 500 respondents based on their questionnaire responses with the use of a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA); the second stage involved 7000 subjects, who underwent additional assessments: skin prick tests (birch, grasses/cereals, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, molds [set I: Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria tenuis, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium moniliforme, Helminthosporium], molds [set II: Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucor mucedo, Penicillium notatum, Pullularia pullulans, Rhizopus nigricans, Serpula lacrymans], cat, dog, molds Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria tenuis) and spirometry tests. The age at which children attend the nursery school is critical to the development of allergic diseases; in allergic rhinitis, the risk of an IgE-dependent reaction is 2 times higher in the second than in the first year of life (p = 0.00147, p < 0.05), while in asthma, having a large number of siblings increases the risk of developing obstructive disease by almost 6 times (p = 0.00316, p < 0.05).The age at which children attend the nursery school is critical to the development of allergic diseases; in allergic rhinitis, the risk of an IgE-dependent reaction is 2 times higher in the second than in the first year of life (p = 0.00147, p < 0.05), while in asthma, having a large number of siblings increases the risk of developing obstructive disease by almost 6 times (p = 0.00316, p < 0.05). The hygiene theory is particularly applicable and can explain the relationship of selected habits in the development of allergic diseases. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(1):69-83.

Fungal Aeroallergen Sensitization Patterns among Airway-Allergic Patients in Zagazig, Egypt.

Airway allergies such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, as well as their comorbidities, are increasing worldwide, causing significant socioeconomic health burdens to societies. It is estimated that between 3% and 10% of the population is allergic to fungi. The type of fungal sensitization varies from one geographical region to another. The present study aimed to identify the common fungal aeroallergen sensitization patterns among airway-allergic patients residing in the Zagazig locality, Egypt, in order to obtain a better understanding of fungal allergy, in addition to improving the awareness and management strategies for those patients. The present cross-sectional study included 200 allergic rhinitis and asthma patients. Sensitization to fungal aeroallergens was evaluated by skin prick testing and in vitro measurement of total and specific immunoglobulin E. As determined by a skin prick test, 58% of the patients studied were allergic to mixed molds. Alternaria alternata was the predominant fungal aeroallergen among the studied patients (72.2%), which was followed by Aspergillus fumigatus (53.45%), Penicillium notatum (52.6%), Candida albicans (34.5%), and Aspergillus niger (25%). Mixed mold sensitization ranked fourth among the most frequent aeroallergens in airway-allergic patients, and Alternaria alternata was the most frequently encountered fungal aeroallergen in the Zagazig locality.

In-package cold plasma treatment for microbial inactivation in plastic-pouch packaged steamed rice cakes

In-package atmospheric cold plasma (ICP) treatment was investigated as a method to inactivate microorganisms in Korean steamed rice cakes (SRCs) packaged in plastic pouches. The effect against Escherichia coli O157:H7 increased with increasing ICP treatment power and time and using nylon-containing pouches. Moreover, E. coli O157:H7 growth was effectively inhibited at 4 and 25 °C when SRCs were in a pouch filled with an O2-CO2 (70 % and 30 %) gas. Under optimal treatment power (30 W), treatment time (4 min), and headspace-to-SRC volume ratio (7:1) conditions, ICP effectively inactivated E. coli O157:H7, Bacillus cereus spores, Penicillium chrysogenum, and indigenous aerobic bacteria, as well as yeast and molds in SRCs packaged with air in the nylon/low density polyethylene pouch by 2.2 ± 0.2 log CFU/g, 1.4 ± 0.2 log spores/g, 2.2 ± 0.3 log spores/g, 1.1 ± 0.2 log CFU/g, and 1.0 ± 0.1 log CFU/g, respectively. Furthermore, post-treatment storage was effective in preventing the growth of E. coli O157:H7 in SRCs at 4 °C and 25 °C when the pouch was filled with N2–CO2 (50 % and 50 %) or O2–CO2 (70 % and 30 %). Collectively, these findings indicate that ICP treatment effectively decontaminates SRCs and represents a potential non-thermal microbial decontamination technology for SRCs in pouch packaging.

This Month in Pediatric Urology.

You have accessJournal of UrologyThis Month in Pediatric Urology1 Apr 2023This Month in Pediatric Urology Julian Wan Julian WanJulian Wan More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003184AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail Naturally occurring substances being adapted to medicinal use is part of the lore of biomedical science. Penicillin was once just a term referring to secretion from the mold, Penicillium notatum. In 1928, Alexander Fleming fortuitously recognized the presence and importance of the bactericidal band around the mold that had contaminated a culture plate of Staphylococcus aureus.1 This finding along with the work being done on sulfonamides ushered in the antibiotic era. In a similar fashion, botulinum toxin found its way into therapeutic use. Botulism is an uncommon but potentially fatal condition resulting typically from the ingestion of botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.2 One of the characteristic symptoms is weakness of the eye muscles with drooping eyelids. Among infants, it creates so-called floppy baby syndrome and led to a recommendation of avoiding feeding honey to infants under age 1 year due to it acting as a reservoir of C botulinum spores. This early clinical presentation in eye muscles and muscle weakness led to interest in using the purified toxin (onabotulinumtoxin A) to treat strabismus.3 Success there led to applications elsewhere including the treatment of dysfunctional bladders and has led to calls for wider use in pediatric urology.4 Franco et al (page 774) in a multi-institutional study report on the long-term safety and tolerance of repeated cystoscopic intradetrusor injections of botulinum toxin in the treatment of children with neurogenic bladder overactivity.5 They found that the injections were well tolerated and there were few serious treatment-related adverse events; notably the development of urinary tract infection was similar to the rate seen prior to injection. These findings confirm what many pediatric urologists have already known when using botulinum toxin in this manner but may serve as an important step in adding it formally to the available treatment options. The data may help garner regulatory approval, thereby broadening acceptance with third-party payers, and allow wider access and use. REFERENCES 1. . New light on the history of penicillin. Med Hist. 1982; 26(1):1-24. Crossref, Medline, Google Scholar 2. . Clostridium botulinum and the clinical laboratorian: a detailed review of botulism, including biological warfare ramifications of botulinum toxin. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2004; 128(6):653-662. Crossref, Medline, Google Scholar 3. . Botulinum toxin injection into extraocular muscles as an alternative to strabismus surgery. Ophthalmology. 1980; 87(10):1044-1049. Crossref, Medline, Google Scholar 4. . It is time to liberalize the administration of botulinum toxin in the pediatric urology clinic!. J Urol. 2022; 208(3):534-535. Link, Google Scholar 5. . Long-term safety and tolerability of repeated treatments with onabotulinumtoxinA in children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity. J Urol. 2023; 209(4):774-784. Link, Google Scholar © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue 4April 2023Page: 655-655 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Julian Wan More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Molecular and Biological Investigation of Isolated Marine Fungal Metabolites as Anticancer Agents: A Multi-Target Approach.

Cancer is the leading cause of death globally, with an increasing number of cases being annually reported. Nature-derived metabolites have been widely studied for their potential programmed necrosis, cytotoxicity, and anti-proliferation leading to enrichment for the modern medicine, particularly within the last couple of decades. At a more rapid pace, the concept of multi-target agents has evolved from being an innovative approach into a regular drug development procedure for hampering the multi-fashioned pathophysiology and high-resistance nature of cancer cells. With the advent of the Red Sea Penicillium chrysogenum strain S003-isolated indole-based alkaloids, we thoroughly investigated the molecular aspects for three major metabolites: meleagrin (MEL), roquefortine C (ROC), and isoroquefortine C (ISO) against three cancer-associated biological targets Cdc-25A, PTP-1B, and c-Met kinase. The study presented, for the first time, the detailed molecular insights and near-physiological affinity for these marine indole alkaloids against the assign targets through molecular docking-coupled all-atom dynamic simulation analysis. Findings highlighted the superiority of MEL's binding affinity/stability being quite in concordance with the in vitro anticancer activity profile conducted via sulforhodamine B bioassay on different cancerous cell lines reaching down to low micromolar or even nanomolar potencies. The advent of lengthy structural topologies via the metabolites' extended tetracyclic cores and aromatic imidazole arm permitted multi-pocket accommodation addressing the selectivity concerns. Additionally, the presence decorating polar functionalities on the core hydrophobic tetracyclic ring contributed compound's pharmacodynamic preferentiality. Introducing ionizable functionality with more lipophilic characters was highlighted to improve binding affinities which was also in concordance with the conducted drug-likeness/pharmacokinetic profiling for obtaining a balanced pharmacokinetic/dynamic profile. Our study adds to the knowledge regarding drug development and optimization of marine-isolated indole-based alkaloids for future iterative synthesis and pre-clinical investigations as multi-target anticancer agents.

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF EXTRACTED CHITOSAN-BASED SILVER NANOPARTICLES

In recent years, nanoparticles of noble metals such as silver have gained enormous attraction owing to their distinct physical, chemical, and biological properties. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from silver nitrate (AgNO3) using extracted chitosan as the reducing agent. The chitosan was extracted from the exoskeleton of the marine crab Portunus pelagicus. Three different sample solutions were prepared using 0.02mM AgNO3 in 0.5% (w/v) chitosan, 0.04 mM AgNO3 in 0.5% (w/v) chitosan, 0.06 mM AgNO3 in 0.5% (w/v) chitosan. Preliminary characterization of the formed silver nanoparticles was made based on the measurements of ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characteristic absorbance peak corresponding to silver nanoparticles was observed at 400nm. The average size of chitosan-based silver nanoparticles was in the range of 160-530nm. The synthesized nanoparticles were further tested for their antimicrobial activity. The synthesized chitosan-based silver nanoparticles exhibited effective antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli as well as Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium chrysogenum. Among the different concentrations of silver nitrate solutions, a maximum zone of inhibition against all the microbial cultures was observed with chitosan-based silver nanoparticles produced using 0.06mM silver nitrate solution. The synthesized nanoparticles were further incorporated in Cotton Gauze to evaluate its antibacterial activity. It showed higher bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa followed by Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli and thus proved to have the potential to be used as wound dressing material.

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation of Homodrimane Sesquiterpenoids with a Benzimidazole Unit.

Herein we report a feasible study concerning the synthesis and the in vitro antimicrobial activity of some new homodrimane sesquiterpenoids with a benzimidazole unit. Based on some homodrimane carboxylic acids, on their acyl chlorides and intermediate monoamides, a series of seven N-homodrimenoyl-2-amino-1,3-benzimidazoles and 2-homodrimenyl-1,3-benzimidazoles was synthesized. The syntheses involved the decarboxylative cyclization and condensation of the said acids or acyl chlorides with o-phenylendiamine and 2-aminobenzimidazole, as well as the p-TsOH-mediated cyclodehydration of the said monoacylamides. The structures of the synthesized compounds have been fully confirmed, including by the X-ray diffraction. Their biological activities were evaluated on five species of fungi (Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. frequentans, and Alternaria alternata) and two strains of bacteria (Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Compounds 7 and 20 showed higher antifungal (MIC = 0.064 and 0.05 μg/mL) and antibacterial (MIC = 0.05 and 0.032 μg/mL) activities compared to those of the standards: caspofungin (MIC = 0.32 μg/mL) and kanamycin (MIC = 2.0 μg/mL), and compounds 4, 10, 14, and 19 had moderate activities.

Biodegradation of hydrocarbons by Purpureocillium lilacinum and Penicillium chrysogenum from heavy oil sludge and their potential for bioremediation of contaminated soils

Heavy oil sludge as a highly hazardous solid waste poses potential pollution risks to the ecological environment. Microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons is an emerging strategy for controlling the environmental pollution by oil sludge. Two hydrocarbon-degrading fungi, designated HF and HQ, were isolated from heavy oil sludge collected at Tahe Oilfield, Xinjiang, Northwest China. Based on morphological analysis and gene sequencing, HF and HQ were identified as Purpureocillium lilacinum and Penicillium chrysogenum, respectively. When supplemented with a small amount of additional carbon (soluble starch) and nitrogen (yeast extract) sources, HF and HQ were able to biodegrade hydrocarbons in oil sludge. Following fungal treatment (30 days), the relative abundances of various hydrocarbon components changed in distinct patterns based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The mean degradation rate of HF for cycloalkanes, n-alkanes, aromatics, and iso-alkanes was 100.0%, 21.2%, 15.1%, and 14.5%, respectively. HQ showed contrasting effects on hydrocarbon composition, as indicated by the decrease of n-alkanes (1.3%) and the increase of cycloalkanes, aromatics, and iso-alkanes (82.6%, 10.2%, and 11.9%, respectively). Approximately 15.3% and 7.6% of total petroleum hydrocarbons in modified oil sludge were removed by HF and HQ, respectively. The results provide empirical evidence for application of P. lilacinum HF and P. chrysogenum HQ as candidate hydrocarbon degraders in bioremediation of oil sludge-contaminated soils.

Comparative analysis of Penicillium genomes reveals the absence of a specific genetic basis for biocontrol in Penicillium rubens strain 212.

Penicillium rubens strain 212 (PO212) is a filamentous fungus belonging to the division Ascomycete. PO212 acts as an effective biocontrol agent against several pathogens in a variety of horticultural crops including Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici, causing vascular wilt disease in tomato plants. We assembled draft genomes of two P. rubens strains, the biocontrol agent PO212 and the soil isolate S27, which lacks biocontrol activity. We also performed comparative analyses of the genomic sequence of PO212 with that of the other P. rubens and P. chrysogenum strains. This is the first Penicillium strain with biocontrol activity whose genome has been sequenced and compared. PO212 genome size is 2,982 Mb, which is currently organized into 65 scaffolds and a total of 10,164 predicted Open Reading Frames (ORFs). Sequencing confirmed that PO212 belongs to P. rubens clade. The comparative analysis of the PO212 genome with the genomes of other P. rubens and Penicillium chrysogenum strains available in databases showed strong conservation among genomes, but a correlation was not found between these genomic data and the biocontrol phenotype displayed by PO212. Finally, the comparative analysis between PO212 and S27 genomes showed high sequence conservation and a low number of variations mainly located in ORF regions. These differences found in coding regions between PO212 and S27 genomes can explain neither the biocontrol activity of PO212 nor the absence of such activity in S27, opening a possible avenue toward transcriptomic and epigenetic studies that may shed light on this mechanism for fighting plant diseases caused by fungal pathogens. The genome sequences described in this study provide a useful novel resource for future research into the biology, ecology, and evolution of biological control agents.

Myogenesis and Analysis of Antimicrobial Potential of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Pathogenic Bacteria.

The widespread and indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics leads to microbial resistance, which causes major problems in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, advances in nanotechnology have opened up new domains for the synthesis and use of nanoparticles against multidrug-resistant pathogens. The traditional approaches for nanoparticle synthesis are not only expensive, laborious, and hazardous but also have various limitations. Therefore, new biological approaches are being designed to synthesize economical and environmentally friendly nanoparticles with enhanced antimicrobial activity. The current study focuses on the isolation, identification, and screening of metallotolerant fungal strains for the production of silver nanoparticles, using antimicrobial activity analysis and the characterization of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles by X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In total, 11 fungal isolates were isolated and screened for the synthesis of AgNPs, while the Penicillium notatum (K1) strain was found to be the most potent, demonstrating biosynthetic ability. The biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles showed excellent antibacterial activity against the bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC10536), Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC9144), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC10145), Enterococcus faecalis, and Listeria innocua (ATCC13932). Furthermore, three major diffraction peaks in the XRD characterization, located at the 2θ values of 28.4, 34.8, 38.2, 44, 64, and 77°, confirmed the presence of AgNPs, while elemental composition analysis via EDX and spherical surface topology with a scanning electron microscope indicated that its pure crystalline nature was entirely composed of silver. Thus, the current study indicates the enhanced antibacterial capability of mycologically synthesized AgNPs, which could be used to counter multidrug-resistant pathogens.