Soft Rot Fungi Research Articles

Multi-scale structural deterioration analysis of archaeological wood from the Shahe Ancient Bridge site in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

ABSTRACT Due to the unstable variations in moisture content, the wood piles near the ground surface at Shahe Ancient Bridge site have undergone more severe degradation. In this study, two representative wood piles from the site were selected as samples to analyze their deterioration from a multi-scale perspective. The findings suggested that the primary microorganisms of the wood piles contained not only white rot and brown rot fungi commonly found in dry archaeological wood, but also soft rot fungi and erosive bacteria commonly found in waterlogged archaeological wood. The hemicellulose and non-crystalline cellulose were almost completely degraded, and even the cellulose in the crystalline zone underwent some degradation. The microfibrils were fragmented and disoriented. The β-O-4 and β-β bonds in lignin were partially broken, resulting in a decrease in the molecular weight of the lignin. Compared to G-type lignin, S-type lignin demonstrated a higher susceptibility to degradation, potentially explaining why Phoebe sp. wood underwent more extensive degradation than Abies sp. wood. Archaeological wood was not rich in mesopores compared to the reference wood. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the deterioration state of the Shahe Ancient Bridge site and provide a fundamental understanding for its subsequent protection.

Investigating the lignocellulolytic gut microbiome of huhu grubs (Prionoplus reticularis) using defined diets and dietary switch

The huhu beetle (Prionoplus reticularis) is the largest endemic beetle found throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, and is characterised by feeding on wood during its larval stage. It has been hypothesised that its gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in the degradation of wood. To explore this idea we examined the fungal and bacterial community composition of huhu grubs’ frass, using amplicon sequencing. Grubs were reared on an exclusive diet of either a predominantly cellulose source (cotton) or lignocellulose source (pine) for 4 months; subsequently a diet switch was performed and the grubs were grown for another 4 months. The fungal community of cellulose-reared huhu grubs was abundant in potential cellulose degraders, contrasting with the community of lignocellulose-reared grubs, which showed abundant potential soft rot fungi, yeasts, and hemicellulose and cellulose degraders. Cellulose-reared grubs showed a less diverse fungal community, however, diet switch from cellulose to lignocellulose resulted in a change in community composition that showed grubs were still capable of utilising this substrate. Conversely, diet seemed to have a limited influence on huhu grub gut bacterial communities.

Preservation, diagenetic transformation and paleoecological significance of fungal saccharides from lignites and fossil wood

Fungi are a common component of terrestrial ecosystems, although their preservation as molecular fossils is relatively rare. Saccharides, such as arabitol, mannitol and trehalose, are important in biochemical processes, and are the dominant compounds in fungi, lichens and yeasts. Here we present gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of fungal saccharides in brown coal extracts and compare their distribution to extant white, brown, and soft-rot fungi. Distribution differs depending on the type of decay in modern and fossil wood-decomposing fungi. An arabitol/(arabitol + trehalose) ratio higher than 0.6 for extant and fossil fungi is diagnostic for soft and brown rot, while values below 0.4 are characteristic of white rot fungi. Values between 0.4 and 0.6 suggest a mixed origin of fungal saccharides. The observed differences may shed light on the type of fungal activity, in particular relatated to climatic conditions of the Cenozoic.We conclude that saccharides can be good indicators, sensitive to climate change, of wood degradation by fungi in thermally immature organic matter. As a case study, early Cenozoic lignites were formed on low latitudes in the tropics during or near the Paleocene/Eocene thermal maximum, as extant soft rot fungi can withstand extremes of temperature and humidity. The presence of these fungi is confirmed by the dominance of arabitol over trehalose in most of the Lower Cenozoic lignites and arabitol/(arabitol + trehalose) ratio values higher than 0.6. In contrast, Miocene detritic coals, which were formed in temperate to subtropical climates, contain saccharides derived from a mixture of different fungi with white rot predominance.

Diversity of fungi from marine inundated wood from the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract Marine fungi play an integral role in the decomposition of intertidal organic substrata but remain understudied in cold-water habitats including Atlantic Canada. Marine inundated wood from the intertidal zone was sampled from 30 sites along the Bay of Fundy coastline in Nova Scotia, Canada. Wood types studied included attached and loose intertidal wood, and driftwood. Emergent fungi were cultured and identified using ITS (internal transcribed spacers) rDNA barcoding. Two hundred and twenty cultures representing 86 fungi are reported. Sixty-one fungi were new records for the Bay of Fundy, 41 are first records from the marine environment, and 19 fungi are potentially new to science. Fungi identified included eight obligate marine fungi, with the remaining fungi being facultatively marine. Eight ascomycetes were soft rot fungi; this ecological strategy for decaying woody material in cold-water marine environments is discussed. Historical records and roles of wood type and site on fungal colonization are discussed.

Synergic effect of basalt/wood fiber reinforced polylactic acid hybrid biocomposites against fungal decay

In addition to the traditional fibre-reinforced composites, the investigation of novel composites with significant potential for engineering applications attracts increasing attention. In this study, the decay resistance of basalt and/or wood fibre-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites was evaluated with a soil block test by using white rot fungi, Trametes versicolor (Trv) and Irpex lacteus (Irl), and brown rot fungi, Poria placenta (Pop) and Gloeophyllum trabeum (Glt), and a soft rot fungus, Chaetomium globosum (Chg) after 8 weeks of water submersion. Water absorption rate during the water submission and weight losses after the decay test were determined. Furthermore, decay in biocomposites was characterized by SEM and ATR-FTIR. Results showed that the water absorption increased between 52.4–67.5% for wood fibre composites when compared to basalt fibre-reinforced biocomposites. PLA showed good decay resistance against all fungi attacks. However, as the ratio of basalt and wood fibre in the hybrid biocomposites increased, the fungi resistance decreased. The lowest weight loss, 4.9% was found in the biocomposites containing the highest percentage of basalt fibre. On the other hand, the highest weight loss, 54.2% was observed in the composites containing the highest percentage of wood fibre. The results clearly showed that the hybridization of basalt and wood fibres improves the decay resistance of the biocomposites compared to only wood fibre-reinforced composites. However, as the percentage of wood increased in the composites, the decay resistance decreased. SEM and FTIR analysis confirmed the degradation and revealed the degradation mechanism.

The relationship between tree species and wood colonising fungi and fungal interactions influences wood degradation

Deadwood is one of the main terrestrial carbon (C) pools and its decomposition is fundamental in biogeochemical cycles. As fungi are the main wood degraders, a study was carried out on deadwood-colonising fungal community changes as a function of host plants and wood degradation. Deadwood fungal communities were investigated in adjacent woody plantations of hybrid poplar, willow and black locust established in the early 2000 s and abandoned for fifteen years. Lying deadwood was estimated in the three plantations and wood decay (WD) visually assessed using a 3-class scale. Fungal colonization of wood samples was assessed using culture-based methods and identified with morphological and molecular features. Wood colonising fungal communities differed in composition both between host plants and WD classes (P < 0.001). Ligninolytic white rot fungal species (Basidiomycota) prevailed in black locust and poplar, where they co-colonised all three wood decay classes in association with soft rot fungal agents. In willow, Daldinia chilidiae, a ligninolytic ascomycete, co-colonised deadwood with fungal species associated with tree dieback (Botryosphaeriaceae); whilst soft rot fungi principally colonised the highest wood degradation class. Results showed high fungal preference towards tree species that was most evident in ligninolytic fungi. Moreover, different wood decay paths were deduced from fungal changes across the three wood degrading classes and the necromass distribution in those classes. The co-habitation of white rot and soft rot fungi in all the wood decay classes of poplar and black locust indicated a continuum decay process; whilst the prevalence of soft rot fungi in the almost decomposed class in willow, suggested sequential succession of primary and secondary phases in deadwood degradation. Wood degradation is influenced by plant species and the native fungal microbiome and is mediated by multiple biotic interactions and environmental factors, which supports the use of wood colonising fungi as indicators of forest ecosystem health.

The Neolithic site "La Marmotta": DNA metabarcoding to identify the microbial deterioration of waterlogged archeological wood.

The evaluation of biological degradation of waterlogged archeological wood is crucial to choose the conservative and protective treatments to be applied to the wooden material. The waterlogged environmental conditions are characterized by oxygen scarcity, only allowing the growth of adapted microbes capable to degrade the organic wooden material, mainly erosion bacteria and soft-rot fungi. In this work, we characterized and evaluated the biodegradation state and the microbial communities of wooden fragments preserved in storage tanks. These were preserved by waterlogging within the Neolithic village "La Marmotta," currently found under the Bracciano Lake (Lazio, Italy). The waterlogged wood samples were first identified taxonomically with an optical microscope, also allowing an evaluation of their preservation state. The microbial community was then evaluated through the sequencing of Internal Transcribed Spacer sequences for fungi and 16S for bacteria with the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION platform. The identified microbial community appears to be consistent with the waterlogged samples, as many bacteria attributable to the erosion of wood and ligninolytic fungi have been sequenced. The reported results highlight the first use of targeted metabarcoding by ONT applied to study the biodeterioration of waterlogged archeological wood.

IN VITRO EFFICACY OF DISPARATE FUNGICIDES AGAINST Lasiodiplodia theobromae ROOT ROTS OF ORANGE-FLESHED SWEET-POTATO VARIETIES

Sweet-potato cultivation is limited globally by many storage rots caused mainly by fungi. The study aimed to test the effectiveness of several types of pesticides against &lt;em&gt;Lasioderma theobromae&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt;. Three trials were set up using a completely randomized design with three replications. The first experiment used four isolates of &lt;em&gt;Trichoderma harzianum&lt;/em&gt; (AIM16, NSBM, BGMZ4, and AIM3). The second trial was evaluating types of synthetic fungicides, i.e., mancozeb (50%, 100%), mancozeb+carbendazim (50%, 100%), and mancozeb+metalaxyl+Cu (50%, 100%). The third experiment testing botanical pesticides, namely leaf extracts of &lt;em&gt;Ixora, Guieria&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;Bauhinia&lt;/em&gt;, as well as &lt;em&gt;Eucalyptus&lt;/em&gt; resin and &lt;em&gt;Ricinus &lt;/em&gt;soap. The four isolates of &lt;em&gt;T. harzianum&lt;/em&gt; inhibited the mycelia growth of &lt;em&gt;L. theobromae&lt;/em&gt; by 8.0–100%, significantly different from the control, but there was no significant difference between the isolates. Solutions of mancozeb (100%) and mancozeb+carbendazim (50%, 100%) were more effective in suppressing the development of pathogenic mycelia compared to mancozeb+metalaxyl+Cu. Mancozeb treatment inhibited 8.0–100% of pathogen growth and was significantly different compared to other treatments. Plant extracts inhibited the growth of pathogens by 8.0–100%. &lt;em&gt;Ricinus&lt;/em&gt; soap (50%, 100%), &lt;em&gt;Eucalyptus&lt;/em&gt; (100%), and &lt;em&gt;Guieria&lt;/em&gt; (100%) consistently inhibited the growth of pathogenic mycelia by 70%. Plant extracts and mancozeb were effective in suppressing the growth of pathogenic mycelia. The study indicates that &lt;em&gt;T. harziaum&lt;/em&gt;, plant extracts, and mancozeb could be developed as a fungicide to control the soft rot fungus &lt;em&gt;L. theobromae&lt;/em&gt; of sweet potato tubers

Degradation of wood buried in soils exposed to artificially lowered groundwater levels in a laboratory setting

Service life of wooden foundation piles could be at risk during modern urban construction work, as local groundwater conditions might change and cause increased degradation of nearby buried wood material. Maintaining a high groundwater level has been linked to good preservation conditions, but detailed studies on the effect of lowering the water level have not yet been performed. In this unique designed laboratory study, we explore how reduced water levels affect degradation rates of wood rods embedded in clay soil. In clay columns, effects of reduced water levels (30 cm, 60 cm) and fluctuating water levels (0–60 cm) were investigated at three levels (−5 cm, −30 cm, −55 cm). Two controls were included, one with no water reduction and one with sand soil. Redox potential was measured regularly at the three levels, and soil moisture was measured at start and end of experiment (12 months). Results showed that lowering water levels generally increased wood degradation. Decay took place almost exclusively by soft rot fungi and was highest at −5 cm below soil surface. At −55 cm depth and −400 mV redox potential, scarcely any decay was observed. Desiccation was highest in sand and in clay with −60 cm water reduction, and any decay process here had stopped. Surprisingly, fluctuating water level generated equally low decay rates as a high stable water level. Covered soil surfaces yielded less degradation and the effect was even comparable to that of a maintained high groundwater level. Protecting soils against desiccation could thus keep wood degradation at a minimum at open-air excavations. More experiments are needed to determine long-term effects and threshold values for decay in relation to redox potential.

Wood-decay type and fungal guild dominance across a North American log transplant experiment

We incubated 196 large-diameter aspen ( Populus tremuloides ), birch ( Betula papyrifera ), and pine ( Pinus taeda ) logs on the FACE Wood Decomposition Experiment encompassing eight climatically-distinct forest sites in the United States. We sampled dead wood from these large-diameter logs after 2 to 6 y of decomposition and determined wood rot type as a continuous variable using the lignin loss/density loss ratio (L/D) and assessed wood-rotting fungal guilds using high-throughput amplicon sequencing (HTAS) of the ITS-2 marker. We found L/D values in line with a white rot dominance in all three tree species, with pine having lower L/D values than aspen and birch. Based on HTAS data, white rot fungi were the most abundant and diverse wood-rotting fungal guild, and soft rot fungi were more abundant and diverse than brown rot fungi in logs with low L/D values. For aspen and birch logs, decay type was related to the wood density at sampling. For the pine logs, decay type was associated with the balance between white and brown/soft rot fungi abundance and OTU richness. Our results demonstrate that decay type is governed by biotic and abiotic factors, which vary by tree species. • Wood-decay types and wood-rotting fungal guilds were measured in large-diameter decayed logs. • White-rot processes dominated among a wide-range of temperate forest sites. • Decay type was related to the wood decomposition rate for aspen and birch dead wood. • Decay type was associated with wood-rotting fungal guild balance in pine dead wood.

Acoustic tomography outputs in comparison to the properties of degraded wood in beech trees

The interpretation of the outputs of acoustic tomography is often altered by different physical and mechanical parameters. Detailed information on the relationships between static mechanical properties and dynamic parameters of intact and degraded green wood can improve the results of this device-supported method used for tree stability assessment. This research presents a graphic and statistic comparison of acoustic tomography outputs with the laboratory assessed material parameters. The analysis was based on the relationship between the dynamic and static mechanical parameters of four cross-sections from two living tree stems. The occurrence of seven white and soft rot fungi was taken into consideration. The influence of density (uprho) on stress-wave propagation (v) was proved. A strong correlation between the dynamic moduli of elasticity ({E}_{dyn}) and compressive strength (upsigma) is reported. A higher heterogeneity of wood degradation among the cross-section can lead to an underestimation of the defect during AT assessment. The dynamic modulus of elasticity {E}_{dyn} was less influenced than v by the heterogeneity of degraded wood. Therefore, {E}_{dyn} can be used to form a better interpretation of acoustic tomography assessment of standing beech trees. Due to the complexity of the topic, further investigation of previously mentioned relationships is still needed.

Cell-free production of the bifunctional glycoside hydrolase GH78 from Xylaria polymorpha

The ability to catalyze diverse reactions with relevance for chemical and pharmaceutical research and industry has led to an increasing interest in fungal enzymes. There is still an enormous potential considering the sheer amount of new enzymes from the huge diversity of fungi. Most of these fungal enzymes have not been characterized yet due to the lack of high throughput synthesis and analysis methods. This bottleneck could be overcome by means of cell-free protein synthesis. In this study, cell-free protein synthesis based on eukaryotic cell lysates was utilized to produce a functional glycoside hydrolase (GH78) from the soft-rot fungus Xylaria polymorpha (Ascomycota). The enzyme was successfully synthesized under different reaction conditions. We characterized its enzymatic activities and immobilized the protein via FLAG-Tag interaction. Alteration of several conditions including reaction temperature, template design and lysate supplementation had an influence on the activity of cell-free synthesized GH78. Consequently this led to a production of purified GH78 with a specific activity of 15.4 U mg− 1. The results of this study may be foundational for future high throughput fungal enzyme screenings, including substrate spectra analysis and mutant screenings.

Genome analysis and CAZy repertoire of a novel fungus Aspergillus sydowii C6d with lignocellulolytic ability isolated from camel rumen

BackgroundCamels are known for their survival under harsh and nutrient-deficient climates. Camel rumen ecosystem presents a unique opportunity to study the ruminal microbes helping the camel in this task. The genus Aspergillus is the extensively studied filamentous fungus due to its ability to secret industrially important enzymes. The present study was aimed to isolate and characterize microbes with lignocellulolytic capacity from camel rumen. ResultsThe fungal isolate Aspergillus sydowii C6d, isolated from camel rumen, was sequenced and analysed for its CAZyme content responsible for lignocellulose degradation. The C6d isolate was evaluated for its capacity to produce cellulase, pectinase, xylanase, and amylase with their respective assays and further evaluated for their optimum pH. The genome sequencing and assembly resulted in 32.27 Mb of genome size with a GC % of 50.59. The CAZyme analysis revealed that the C6d produced 543 polysaccharide-degrading CAZymes amongst which, 148 CAZymes were potentially involved in lignocellulose degradation. The genomic comparison of the C6d with 30 commonly used lignocellulolytic fungi (white rot, brown rot, and soft rot fungus) showed the enrichment of cellulolytic and pectinolytic CAZymes in C6d genome as compared to others. The saccharification of lignocellulosic substrate wheat straw resulted in the release of 50.85% of reducing sugars. ConclusionsThe study provides important insights into the CAZymes responsible for lignocellulolytic ability in the novel fungus Aspergillus sydowii C6d isolated from camel rumen and presents a valuable source of CAZymes to be further evaluated for potential biotechnological applications.How to cite: Tulsani NJ, Jakhesara SJ, Hinsu AT, et al. Genome analysis and CAZy repertoire of a novel fungus Aspergillus sydowii C6d with lignocellulolytic ability isolated from camel rumen. Electron J Biotechnol 2022;59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2022.06.004.

Degradation of beech wood by Kretzschmaria deusta: its heterogeneity and influence on dynamic and static bending properties

Abstract Strength loss caused by fungal degradation is an important factor to be considered during tree-stability assessment. Detailed information on the relationship between static mechanical properties in relation to the heterogeneity of density and dynamic mechanical parameters of wood degraded by the soft-rot fungus Kretzschmaria deusta can improve the understanding of its decay process and the interpretation of results obtained from stress-wave-based non-destructive methods used for tree-stability assessment. This research presents density profiles of artificially inoculated samples with K. deusta and static mechanical properties of green beech wood in relation to physical parameters (density, moisture content, vibroacoustic parameters). A statistically relevant difference (p &lt; 0.01) in the variability of density distribution between degraded and intact samples was proved. Relevant correlations were proved among modulus of rupture ( M O R $MOR$ ), mass loss and variability longitudinal density distribution. A strong linear relationship between M O R $MOR$ and static modulus of elasticity ( M O E $MOE$ ) of degraded and intact specimens was presented. A strong relationship was also proved between M O R $MOR$ and dynamic parameters (dynamic modulus of elasticity ( M O E D $MOED$ ) and stress-wave velocity in longitudinal direction ( c l ${c}_{l}$ )). M O E D $MOED$ showed a stronger correlation to M O R $MOR$ than c l ${c}_{l}$ proving the importance of density in assessing strength loss through non-destructive methods.

Bioactive Propolis-Silane System as Antifungal Agent in Lignocellulosic-Polymer Composites

Polymer composites with renewable lignocellulosic fillers, despite their many advantages, are susceptible to biodegradation, which is a major limitation in terms of external applications. The work uses an innovative hybrid propolis-silane modifier in order to simultaneously increase the resistance to fungal attack, as well as to ensure good interfacial adhesion of the filler–polymer matrix. Polypropylene composites with 30% pine wood content were obtained by extrusion and pressing. The samples were exposed to the fungi: white-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor, brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana, and soft-rot fungus Chaetomium globosum for 8 weeks. Additionally, biological tests of samples that had been previously exposed to UV radiation were carried out, which allowed the determination of the influence of both factors on the surface destruction of composite materials. The X-ray diffraction, attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and mycological studies showed a significant effect of the modification of the lignocellulose filler with propolis on increasing the resistance to fungi. Such composites were characterized by no changes in the supermolecular structure and slight changes in the intensity of the bands characteristic of polysaccharides and lignin. In the case of systems containing pine wood that had not been modified with propolis, significant changes in the crystalline structure of polymer composites were noted, indicating the progress of decay processes. Moreover, the modification of the propolis-silane hybrid system wood resulted in the inhibition of photo- and biodegradation of WPC materials, as evidenced only by a slight deterioration in selected strength parameters. The applied innovative modifying system can therefore act as both an effective and ecological UV stabilizer, as well as an antifungal agent.

The potential of white and soft-rot fungi for biodegradation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs): characterization and enzyme analysis

ABSTRACT Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have significant environmental concerns for soil, water and ecosystems. Since their harmful effects on human health, including respiratory disease, they are considered dangerous substances. Thus, it is required to discover a constructive solution to decrease of MWCNT toxicity. Due to their high degradability, white rot and soft rot fungi have been used in the biodegradation of various pollutants. In this study, we evaluated the ability of native Iranian white and soft rot fungi to degrade MWCNTs mainly by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS) and surface charge measurement. In this regard, growth kinetics, CO2 and protein production, size, surface charge and pH change were measured. Continuous Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging were carried out to detect the process of degradation. The results showed that the morphology, arrangement, size and diameter of MWCNTs were modified due to fungal degradation. The cytotoxicity of treated MWCNTs was determined by the MTT test. The results indicated that native Iranian white and soft rot fungi have a significant ability for degradation of MWCNTs. Furthermore, it could be concluded that fungal treatment could reduce the toxicity of MWCNTs and the best result was achieved in 500 ppm MWCNTs for Trichoderma sp. The activities of oxidative enzymes such as laccase, manganese peroxidase (MnP) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) were measured to determine the mechanism of degradation. Enzyme assays have suggested that these oxidising enzymes especially laccase might play a key role in the degradation of MWCNTs in white rot and soft rot fungi. The overall results confirmed the reproductive ability of Trichoderma sp. WF29 as a soft rot and two white rot fungi Irpex lacteus WF36 and Trametes versicolor to degrade MWCNT.

Properties of Mexican bloodwood (Haematoxylum campechianum L.). Part 2: moisture performance and biological durability

Abstract Haematoxylum campechianum is most prevalently used as dyewood; its use for furniture, flooring, or fencing is only of regional importance, which might be due to lacking data about its technological properties. Therefore, small specimens were cut from H. campechianum stems from plantations in the lowlands of the Usumacinta delta in Mexico. The latter were subjected to laboratory decay and moisture studies. Water vapour sorption, liquid water uptake, and swelling of H. campechianum appeared much lower in comparison with most European grown wood species and similar to tropical hardwoods such as Tectona grandis. After removal of water-soluble ingredients, water vapour sorption of H. campechianum specimens further decreased, which assigned such ingredients a somewhat hydrophilic character. Mean mass losses (ML) due to decay by white, brown, and soft rot fungi in laboratory tests were &lt;5%. On the basis of a dose-response model, wetting ability factors and ML values from decay tests predicted an outdoor performance similar to T. grandis and Intsia bijuga. Based on this preliminary property profile, H. campechianum can be recommended for both outdoor (e.g. fencing, outdoor decking, railing) and indoor applications (e.g. flooring, manufacturing of furniture, wall and ceiling panels, decoration artwork).

ITRAQ-BASED Proteomic Analysis of the Mechanism of Fructose on Improving Fengycin Biosynthesis in Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens

Fengycin, as a lipopeptide produced by Bacillus subtilis, displays potent activity against filamentous fungi, including Aspergillus flavus and Soft-rot fungus, which exhibits a wide range of potential applications in food industries, agriculture, and medicine. To better clarify the regulatory mechanism of fructose on fengycin biosynthesis, the iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis was utilized to investigate the differentially expressed proteins of B. amyloliquefaciens fmb-60 cultivated in ML (without fructose) and MLF (with fructose) medium. The results indicated that a total of 811 proteins, including 248 proteins with differential expression levels (162 which were upregulated (fold > 2) and 86, which were downregulated (fold < 0.5) were detected, and most of the proteins are associated with cellular metabolism, biosynthesis, and biological regulation process. Moreover, the target genes’ relative expression was conducted using quantitative real-time PCR to validate the proteomic analysis results. Based on the results of proteome analysis, the supposed pathways of fructose enhancing fengycin biosynthesis in B. amyloliquefaciens fmb-60 can be summarized as improvement of the metabolic process, including cellular amino acid and amide, fatty acid biosynthesis, peptide and protein, nucleotide and nucleobase-containing compound, drug/toxin, cofactor, and vitamin; reinforcement of peptide/protein translation, modification, biological process, and response to a stimulus. In conclusion, this study represents a comprehensive and systematic investigation of the fructose mechanism on improving fengycin biosynthesis in B. amyloliquefaciens, which will provide a road map to facilitate the potential application of fengycin or its homolog in defending against filamentous fungi.

Potensi Daun Pacar Air (Impatiens balsamina L.) dalam Menghambat Pertumbuhan Jamur Rhizopus oryzae L.

Pacar air (Impatiens balsamina L.) plant belongs to the Balsaminaceae family and is used as an indigenous medicine in Asia for fingernail inflammation, fractures, and rheumatism treatments. Moreover, the antipruritic, antianaphylactic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antitumor activities of some compounds, especially phenolics and quinones from this plant have been studied extensively. Therefore, this study aims to determine the antifungal activity of Pacar air leaves (Impatiens balsamina L.) methanol extract against Rhizopus oryzae L. and the IC50 value. The results showed that an increase in the concentrations of I. balsamina L. leaves methanol extract significantly raised the fungal growth. Furthermore, the extract inhibition against R. oryzae L. at various concentrations of 0.5; 0.7; 0.9; 1.1; and 1.3% w/v were 10, 21.9, 58.06, 68.06, and 79.72%, respectively, while the IC50 value was 0.896%. Hence, the presence of naphthoquinones and other secondary metabolites are responsible for its antifungal activity. Based on these results, the antifungal potential of I. balsamina L. leaves against soft-rot fungi is useful in the future.

Conservation of Waterlogged Wood—Past, Present and Future Perspectives

This paper reviews the degradation, preservation and conservation of waterlogged archaeological wood. Degradation due to bacteria in anoxic and soft-rot fungi and bacteria in oxic waterlogged conditions is discussed with consideration of the effect on the chemical composition of wood, as well as the deposition of sulphur and iron within the structure. The effects on physical properties are also considered. The paper then discusses the role of consolidants in preserving waterlogged archaeological wood after it is excavated as well as issues to be considered when reburial is used as a means of preservation. The use of alum and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as consolidants is presented along with various case studies with particular emphasis on marine artefacts. The properties of consolidated wood are examined, especially with respect to the degradation of the wood post-conservation. Different consolidants are reviewed along with their use and properties. The merits and risks of reburial and in situ preservation are considered as an alternative to conservation.