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Madariaga D, Arro D, Irarrázaval C, Soto A, Guerra F, Romero A, Ovalle F, Fedrigolli E, DesRosiers T, Serbe-Kamp É, Marzullo T. A library of electrophysiological responses in plants - a model of transversal education and open science. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2024; 19:2310977. [PMID: 38493508 PMCID: PMC10950275 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2310977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Electrophysiology in plants is understudied, and, moreover, an ideal model for student inclusion at all levels of education. Here, we report on an investigation in open science, whereby scientists worked with high school students, faculty, and undergraduates from Chile, Germany, Serbia, South Korea, and the USA. The students recorded the electrophysiological signals of >15 plant species in response to a flame or tactile stimulus applied to the leaves. We observed that approximately 60% of the plants studied showed an electrophysiological response, with a delay of ~ 3-6 s after stimulus presentation. In preliminary conduction velocity experiments, we verified that observed signals are indeed biological in origin, with information transmission speeds of ~ 2-9 mm/s. Such easily replicable experiments can serve to include more investigators and students in contributing to our understanding of plant electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae Madariaga
- Colegio (High School) Alberto Blest Gana, San Ramón, Santiago, Chile
| | - Derek Arro
- Colegio (High School) Alberto Blest Gana, San Ramón, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Alejandro Soto
- Colegio (High School) Alberto Blest Gana, San Ramón, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Guerra
- Colegio (High School) Alberto Blest Gana, San Ramón, Santiago, Chile
| | - Angélica Romero
- Colegio (High School) Alberto Blest Gana, San Ramón, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabián Ovalle
- Colegio (High School) Alberto Blest Gana, San Ramón, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elsa Fedrigolli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Thomas DesRosiers
- College of Literature, Science, and Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Étienne Serbe-Kamp
- Hirnkastl, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Research and Development, Backyard Brains, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Timothy Marzullo
- Research and Development, Backyard Brains, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Research and Development, Backyard Brains, Seoul, South Korea
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2
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Wang H, Tao J, Wu Z, Weiland K, Wang Z, Masania K, Wang B. Fabrication of Living Entangled Network Composites Enabled by Mycelium. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309370. [PMID: 38477443 PMCID: PMC11200020 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Organic polymer-based composite materials with favorable mechanical performance and functionalities are keystones to various modern industries; however, the environmental pollution stemming from their processing poses a great challenge. In this study, by finding an autonomous phase separating ability of fungal mycelium, a new material fabrication approach is introduced that leverages such biological metabolism-driven, mycelial growth-induced phase separation to bypass high-energy cost and labor-intensive synthetic methods. The resulting self-regenerative composites, featuring an entangled network structure of mycelium and assembled organic polymers, exhibit remarkable self-healing properties, being capable of reversing complete separation and restoring ≈90% of the original strength. These composites further show exceptional mechanical strength, with a high specific strength of 8.15 MPa g.cm-3, and low water absorption properties (≈33% after 15 days of immersion). This approach spearheads the development of state-of-the-art living composites, which directly utilize bioactive materials to "self-grow" into materials endowed with exceptional mechanical and functional properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCity University of Hong KongKowloonHong Kong
- Shaping Matter LabFaculty of Aerospace EngineeringDelft University of TechnologyDelft2629 HSNetherlands
| | - Jie Tao
- School of Materials Science and TechnologyNanjing University of Aeronautics and AstronauticsNanjingJiangsu211106China
| | - Zhangyu Wu
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing211189China
| | - Kathrin Weiland
- Shaping Matter LabFaculty of Aerospace EngineeringDelft University of TechnologyDelft2629 HSNetherlands
| | - Zuankai Wang
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Kunal Masania
- Shaping Matter LabFaculty of Aerospace EngineeringDelft University of TechnologyDelft2629 HSNetherlands
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringCity University of Hong KongKowloonHong Kong
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3
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Gandia A, Adamatzky A. Fungal skin for robots. Biosystems 2024; 235:105106. [PMID: 38128872 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.105106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in mycelium technology, stemming from fungal electronics and the development of living mycelium composites and skins, have opened new avenues in the fusion of biological and artificial systems. This paper explores an experimental endeavour that successfully incorporates living, self-regenerating, and reactive Ganoderma sessile mycelium into a model cyborg figure, creating a bio-cybernetic entity. The mycelium, cultivated using established techniques, was homogeneously grown on the cyborg model's surface, demonstrating robust reactivity to various stimuli such as light exposure and touch. This innovative merger points towards the future of sustainable biomaterials and the potential integration of these materials into new and existing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Gandia
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology, CSIC-UPV, Valencia, Spain
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4
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Mougkogiannis P, Adamatzky A. Proteinoid Microspheres as Protoneural Networks. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:35417-35426. [PMID: 37780014 PMCID: PMC10536103 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Proteinoids, also known as thermal proteins, possess a fascinating ability to generate microspheres that exhibit electrical spikes resembling the action potentials of neurons. These spiking microspheres, referred to as protoneurons, hold the potential to assemble into proto-nanobrains. In our study, we investigate the feasibility of utilizing a promising electrochemical technique called differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) to interface with proteinoid nanobrains. We evaluate DPV's suitability by examining critical parameters such as selectivity, sensitivity, and linearity of the electrochemical responses. The research systematically explores the influence of various operational factors, including pulse width, pulse amplitude, scan rate, and scan time. Encouragingly, our findings indicate that DPV exhibits significant potential as an efficient electrochemical interface for proteinoid nanobrains. This technology opens up new avenues for developing artificial neural networks with broad applications across diverse fields of research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Adamatzky
- Unconventional Computing
Laboratory, UWE, Bristol BS16 1QY, U.K.
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5
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Muñoz-Rodríguez D, Bourqqia-Ramzi M, García-Esteban MT, Murciano-Cespedosa A, Vian A, Lombardo-Hernández J, García-Pérez P, Conejero F, Mateos González Á, Geuna S, Herrera-Rincon C. Bioelectrical State of Bacteria Is Linked to Growth Dynamics and Response to Neurotransmitters: Perspectives for the Investigation of the Microbiota-Brain Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13394. [PMID: 37686197 PMCID: PMC10488255 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inter-cellular communication is mediated by a sum of biochemical, biophysical, and bioelectrical signals. This might occur not only between cells belonging to the same tissue and/or animal species but also between cells that are, from an evolutionary point of view, far away. The possibility that bioelectrical communication takes place between bacteria and nerve cells has opened exciting perspectives in the study of the gut microbiota-brain axis. The aim of this paper is (i) to establish a reliable method for the assessment of the bioelectrical state of two bacterial strains: Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri); (ii) to monitor the bacterial bioelectrical profile throughout its growth dynamics; and (iii) to evaluate the effects of two neurotransmitters (glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid-GABA) on the bioelectrical signature of bacteria. Our results show that membrane potential (Vmem) and the proliferative capacity of the population are functionally linked in B. subtilis in each phase of the cell cycle. Remarkably, we demonstrate that bacteria respond to neural signals by changing Vmem properties. Finally, we show that Vmem changes in response to neural stimuli are present also in a microbiota-related strain L. reuteri. Our proof-of-principle data reveal a new methodological approach for the better understanding of the relation between bacteria and the brain, with a special focus on gut microbiota. Likewise, this approach will open exciting perspectives in the study of the inter-cellular mechanisms which regulate the bi-directional communication between bacteria and neurons and, ultimately, for designing gut microbiota-brain axis-targeted treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Muñoz-Rodríguez
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Marwane Bourqqia-Ramzi
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa García-Esteban
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain (A.V.)
| | - Antonio Murciano-Cespedosa
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Neuro-Computing and Neuro-Robotics Research Group, Neural Plasticity Research Group Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Vian
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain (A.V.)
| | - Juan Lombardo-Hernández
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Pablo García-Pérez
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Conejero
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Mateos González
- NYU-ECNU Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Shanghai New York University, Shanghai 200122, China;
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Celia Herrera-Rincon
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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6
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Adamatzky A, Schunselaar E, Wösten HAB, Ayres P. Multiscalar electrical spiking in Schizophyllum commune. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12808. [PMID: 37550360 PMCID: PMC10406843 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing colonies of the split-gill fungus Schizophyllum commune show action potential-like spikes of extracellular electrical potential. We analysed several days of electrical activity recording of the fungus and discovered three families of oscillatory patterns. Very slow activity at a scale of hours, slow activity at a scale of 10 min and very fast activity at scale of half-minute. We simulated the spiking behaviour using FitzHugh-Nagume model, uncovered mechanisms of spike shaping. We speculated that spikes of electrical potential might be associated with transportation of nutrients and metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ella Schunselaar
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Han A B Wösten
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Phil Ayres
- The Centre for Information Technology and Architecture, Royal Danish Academy, Copenhagen, Denmark
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7
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Hunter P. The fungal grid: Fungal communication via electrical signals has inspired the hypothesis of a Wood Wide Web of plants and fungi: Fungal communication via electrical signals has inspired the hypothesis of a Wood Wide Web of plants and fungi. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e57255. [PMID: 37017146 PMCID: PMC10157304 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202357255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The observation that soil-dwelling fungi seem to exchange information via electrical impulses has raised new interest about their interactions with plants and their ecological significance.
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8
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Silic MR, Zhang G. Bioelectricity in Developmental Patterning and Size Control: Evidence and Genetically Encoded Tools in the Zebrafish Model. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081148. [PMID: 37190057 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental patterning is essential for regulating cellular events such as axial patterning, segmentation, tissue formation, and organ size determination during embryogenesis. Understanding the patterning mechanisms remains a central challenge and fundamental interest in developmental biology. Ion-channel-regulated bioelectric signals have emerged as a player of the patterning mechanism, which may interact with morphogens. Evidence from multiple model organisms reveals the roles of bioelectricity in embryonic development, regeneration, and cancers. The Zebrafish model is the second most used vertebrate model, next to the mouse model. The zebrafish model has great potential for elucidating the functions of bioelectricity due to many advantages such as external development, transparent early embryogenesis, and tractable genetics. Here, we review genetic evidence from zebrafish mutants with fin-size and pigment changes related to ion channels and bioelectricity. In addition, we review the cell membrane voltage reporting and chemogenetic tools that have already been used or have great potential to be implemented in zebrafish models. Finally, new perspectives and opportunities for bioelectricity research with zebrafish are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Silic
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - GuangJun Zhang
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases (PI4D), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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9
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Itani A, Masuo S, Yamamoto R, Serizawa T, Fukasawa Y, Takaya N, Toyota M, Betsuyaku S, Takeshita N. Local calcium signal transmission in mycelial network exhibits decentralized stress responses. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad012. [PMID: 36896124 PMCID: PMC9991499 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Many fungi live as mycelia, which are networks of hyphae. Mycelial networks are suited for the widespread distribution of nutrients and water. The logistical capabilities are critical for the extension of fungal survival areas, nutrient cycling in ecosystems, mycorrhizal symbioses, and virulence. In addition, signal transduction in mycelial networks is predicted to be vital for mycelial function and robustness. A lot of cell biological studies have elucidated protein and membrane trafficking and signal transduction in fungal hyphae; however, there are no reports visualizing signal transduction in mycelia. This paper, by using the fluorescent Ca2+ biosensor, visualized for the first time how calcium signaling is conducted inside the mycelial network in response to localized stimuli in the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans. The wavy propagation of the calcium signal inside the mycelium or the signal blinking in the hyphae varies depending on the type of stress and proximity to the stress. The signals, however, only extended around 1,500 μm, suggesting that the mycelium has a localized response. The mycelium showed growth delay only in the stressed areas. Local stress caused arrest and resumption of mycelial growth through reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and membrane trafficking. To elucidate the downstream of calcium signaling, calmodulin, and calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, the principal intracellular Ca2+ receptors were immunoprecipitated and their downstream targets were identified by mass spectrometry analyses. Our data provide evidence that the mycelial network, which lacks a brain or nervous system, exhibits decentralized response through locally activated calcium signaling in response to local stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Itani
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability (MiCS), Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Masuo
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability (MiCS), Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Riho Yamamoto
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability (MiCS), Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Tomoko Serizawa
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability (MiCS), Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Yu Fukasawa
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko, Osaki, Miyagi, 989-6711, Japan
| | - Naoki Takaya
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability (MiCS), Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Toyota
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura-ku, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan.,Suntory Rising Stars Encouragement Program in Life Sciences (SunRiSE), Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Shigeyuki Betsuyaku
- Department of Plant Life Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ryukoku University, 1-5 Yokotani, Seta Oe-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2194Japan
| | - Norio Takeshita
- Microbiology Research Center for Sustainability (MiCS), Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
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10
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Thomas MA, Cooper RL. Building bridges: mycelium-mediated plant-plant electrophysiological communication. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2022; 17:2129291. [PMID: 36384396 PMCID: PMC9673936 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2022.2129291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Whether through root secretions or by emitting volatile organic compounds, plant communication has been well-documented. While electrical activity has been documented in plants and mycorrhizal bodies on the individual and ramet, electrical propagation as a means of communication between plants has been hypothesized but understudied. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that plants can communicate with one another electrically via conductively isolated mycelial pathways. We created a bio-electric circuit linking two plants using a mycelial network grown from a blend of mycorrhizal fungi which was directly inoculated onto potato dextrose agar, or onto the host plants placed on the agar. The mycelium that grew was forced to cross, or "bridge," an air gap between the two islands of agar - thus forming the isolated conductive pathway between plants. Using this plant-fungal biocircuit we assessed electrical propagation between Pisum sativum and Cucumis sativus. We found that electrical signals were reliably conducted across the mycelial bridges from one plant to another upon the induction of a wound response. Our findings provide evidence that mechanical input can be communicated between plant species and opens the door to testing how this information can affect plant and fungal physiology.
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11
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Abstract
Psilocybin fungi, aka “magic” mushrooms, are well known for inducing colorful and visionary states of mind. Such psychoactive properties and the ease of cultivating their basidiocarps within low-tech setups make psilocybin fungi promising pharmacological tools for mental health applications. Understanding of the intrinsic electrical patterns occurring during the mycelial growth can be utilized for better monitoring the physiological states and needs of these species. In this study we aimed to shed light on this matter by characterizing the extra-cellular electrical potential of two popular species of psilocybin fungi: Psilocybe tampanensis and P. cubensis. As in previous experiments with other common edible mushrooms, the undisturbed fungi have shown to generate electric potential spikes and trains of spiking activity. This short analysis provides a proof of intrinsic electrical communication in psilocybin fungi, and further establishes these fungi as a valuable tool for studying fungal electro-physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Gandia
- Institute for Plant Molecular and Cell Biology, Valencia, ES, Spain
| | - Andrew Adamatzky
- Unconventional Computing Laboratory, UWE, Bristol, UK,CONTACT Andrew Adamatzky Unconventional Computing Laboratory, UWE, Bristol, UK
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12
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Przyczyna D, Szacilowski K, Chiolerio A, Adamatzky A. Electrical frequency discrimination by fungi Pleurotus ostreatus. Biosystems 2022; 222:104797. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2022.104797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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13
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Molecular Collective Response and Dynamical Symmetry Properties in Biopotentials of Superior Plants: Experimental Observations and Quantum Field Theory Modeling. Symmetry (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sym14091792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trees employ impulses of electrical activity to coordinate actions of their bodies and long-distance communication. There are indications that the vascular system might act as a network of pathways for traveling electrical impulses. A question arises about the correlation and interplay between the molecular (microscopic) level and the macroscopic observable behavior of the system (the electrical impulses), for individual trees and as a component of the larger living ecosystem, the forest. Results from the “Cyberforest Experiment” in the Paneveggio forest (Valle di Fiemme, Trento, Italy) are presented. It is shown that: (i) biopotential features of xylem biomolecular activity can be correlated with the solar (and lunar) cycle, (ii) tree stubs show an electrical molecular activity that is correlated with that of neighboring trees, (iii) statistical features of spike-like peaks and entropy can be correlated with corresponding thermal entropy, and (iv) basic symmetries of the quantum field theory dynamics are responsible for the entanglement phenomenon in the molecular interactions resulting in the molecular collective behavior of the forest. Findings suggest implementing technology that goes in the direction of understanding the language of trees, eventually of fungi, which have created a universal living network perhaps using a common language.
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14
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Richter F, Bindschedler S, Calonne-Salmon M, Declerck S, Junier P, Stanley CE. Fungi-on-a-Chip: microfluidic platforms for single-cell studies on fungi. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2022; 46:6674677. [PMID: 36001464 PMCID: PMC9779915 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuac039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review highlights new advances in the emerging field of 'Fungi-on-a-Chip' microfluidics for single-cell studies on fungi and discusses several future frontiers, where we envisage microfluidic technology development to be instrumental in aiding our understanding of fungal biology. Fungi, with their enormous diversity, bear essential roles both in nature and our everyday lives. They inhabit a range of ecosystems, such as soil, where they are involved in organic matter degradation and bioremediation processes. More recently, fungi have been recognized as key components of the microbiome in other eukaryotes, such as humans, where they play a fundamental role not only in human pathogenesis, but also likely as commensals. In the food sector, fungi are used either directly or as fermenting agents and are often key players in the biotechnological industry, where they are responsible for the production of both bulk chemicals and antibiotics. Although the macroscopic fruiting bodies are immediately recognizable by most observers, the structure, function, and interactions of fungi with other microbes at the microscopic scale still remain largely hidden. Herein, we shed light on new advances in the emerging field of Fungi-on-a-Chip microfluidic technologies for single-cell studies on fungi. We discuss the development and application of microfluidic tools in the fields of medicine and biotechnology, as well as in-depth biological studies having significance for ecology and general natural processes. Finally, a future perspective is provided, highlighting new frontiers in which microfluidic technology can benefit this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Richter
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Saskia Bindschedler
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Maryline Calonne-Salmon
- Laboratory of Mycology, Université catholique de Louvain, Place Croix du Sud 2, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Stéphane Declerck
- Laboratory of Mycology, Université catholique de Louvain, Place Croix du Sud 2, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Pilar Junier
- Laboratory of Microbiology, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Claire E Stanley
- Corresponding author: Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom. E-mail:
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