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Xiao D, Driller M, Dielentheis‐Frenken M, Haala F, Kohl P, Stein K, Blank LM, Tiso T. Advances in Aureobasidium research: Paving the path to industrial utilization. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14535. [PMID: 39075758 PMCID: PMC11286673 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
We here explore the potential of the fungal genus Aureobasidium as a prototype for a microbial chassis for industrial biotechnology in the context of a developing circular bioeconomy. The study emphasizes the physiological advantages of Aureobasidium, including its polyextremotolerance, broad substrate spectrum, and diverse product range, making it a promising candidate for cost-effective and sustainable industrial processes. In the second part, recent advances in genetic tool development, as well as approaches for up-scaled fermentation, are described. This review adds to the growing body of scientific literature on this remarkable fungus and reveals its potential for future use in the biotechnological industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Difan Xiao
- iAMB – Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt – Aachen Biology and BiotechnologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Marielle Driller
- iAMB – Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt – Aachen Biology and BiotechnologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Marie Dielentheis‐Frenken
- iAMB – Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt – Aachen Biology and BiotechnologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Frederick Haala
- iAMB – Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt – Aachen Biology and BiotechnologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Philipp Kohl
- iAMB – Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt – Aachen Biology and BiotechnologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Karla Stein
- iAMB – Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt – Aachen Biology and BiotechnologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Lars M. Blank
- iAMB – Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt – Aachen Biology and BiotechnologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Till Tiso
- iAMB – Institute of Applied Microbiology, ABBt – Aachen Biology and BiotechnologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
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2
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Kumari D, Sachivkina N, Pasrija R. Investigation of the influence of pH and temperature on melanization and survival under oxidative stress in Cryptococcus neoformans. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:355. [PMID: 39017938 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-04080-7] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that produces melanin during infection, an important virulence factor in Cryptococcal infections that enhances the ability of the fungus to resist immune defense. This fungus can synthesize melanin from a variety of substrates, including L-DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine). Since melanin protects the fungus from various stress factors such as oxidative, nitrosative, extreme heat and cold stress; we investigated the effects of environmental conditions on melanin production and survival. In this study, we investigated the effects of different pH values (5.6, 7.0 and 8.5) and temperatures (30 °C and 37 °C) on melanization and cell survival using a microtiter plate-based melanin production assay and an oxidative stress assay, respectively. In addition, the efficacy of compounds known to inhibit laccase involved in melanin synthesis, i.e., tunicamycin, β-mercaptoethanol, dithiothreitol, sodium azide and caspofungin on melanization was evaluated and their sensitivity to temperature and pH changes was measured. The results showed that melanin content correlated with pH and temperature changes and that pH 8.5 and 30 °C, were best for melanin production. Besides that, melanin production protects the fungal cells from oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. Thus, changes in pH and temperature drastically alter melanin production in C. neoformans and it correlates with the fungal survival. Due to the limited antifungal repertoire and the development of resistance in cryptococcal infections, the investigation of environmental conditions in the regulation of melanization and survival of C. neoformans could be useful for future research and clinical phasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, India
| | - Nadezhda Sachivkina
- Department of Microbiology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, 117198, Russia
| | - Ritu Pasrija
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, India.
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3
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Suthar M, Dufossé L, Singh SK. The Enigmatic World of Fungal Melanin: A Comprehensive Review. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:891. [PMID: 37754999 PMCID: PMC10532784 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic dyes are generally not safe for human health or the environment, leading to the continuous search and growing demand for natural pigments that are considered safer, biodegrade more easily, and are environmentally beneficial. Among micro-organisms, fungi represent an emerging source of pigments due to their many benefits; therefore, they are readily viable on an industrial scale. Among all the bioactive pigments produced by fungi, melanin is an enigmatic, multifunctional pigment that has been studied for more than 150 years. This dark pigment, which is produced via the oxidative polymerization of phenolic compounds, has been investigated for its potential to protect life from all kingdoms, including fungi, from biotic and abiotic stresses. Over time, the research on fungal melanin has attracted a significant amount of scientific interest due to melanin's distinct biological activities and multifarious functionality, which is well-documented in the literature and could possibly be utilized. This review surveys the literature and summarizes the current discourse, presenting an up-to-date account of the research performed on fungal melanin that encompasses its types, the factors influencing its bioactivity, the optimization of fermentation conditions to enhance its sustainable production, its biosynthetic pathways, and its extraction, as well as biochemical characterization techniques and the potential uses of melanin in a wide range of applications in various industries. A massive scope of work remains to circumvent the obstacles to obtaining melanin from fungi and exploring its future prospects in a diverse range of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malika Suthar
- National Fungal Culture Collection of India, Biodiversity and Palaeobiology Group, MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune 411004, India;
- Faculty of Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune 411007, India
| | - Laurent Dufossé
- Laboratoire de Chimie et Biotechnologie des Produits Naturels (ChemBioPro), ESIROI Agroalimentaire, Université de La Réunion, F-97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Sanjay K. Singh
- National Fungal Culture Collection of India, Biodiversity and Palaeobiology Group, MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune 411004, India;
- Faculty of Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune 411007, India
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Thitla T, Kumla J, Hongsanan S, Senwanna C, Khuna S, Lumyong S, Suwannarach N. Exploring diversity rock-inhabiting fungi from northern Thailand: a new genus and three new species belonged to the family Herpotrichiellaceae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1252482. [PMID: 37692164 PMCID: PMC10485699 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1252482] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the family Herpotrichiellaceae are distributed worldwide and can be found in various habitats including on insects, plants, rocks, and in the soil. They are also known to be opportunistic human pathogens. In this study, 12 strains of rock-inhabiting fungi that belong to Herpotrichiellaceae were isolated from rock samples collected from forests located in Lamphun and Sukhothai provinces of northern Thailand during the period from 2021 to 2022. On the basis of the morphological characteristics, growth temperature, and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of a combination of the internal transcribed spacer, the large subunit, and the small subunit of ribosomal RNA, beta tubulin and the translation elongation factor 1-a genes, the new genus, Petriomyces gen. nov., has been established to accommodate the single species, Pe. obovoidisporus sp. nov. In addition, three new species of Cladophialophora have also been introduced, namely, Cl. rupestricola, Cl. sribuabanensis, and Cl. thailandensis. Descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic trees indicating the placement of these new taxa are provided. Here, we provide updates and discussions on the phylogenetic placement of other fungal genera within Herpotrichiellaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanapol Thitla
- Master of Science Program in Applied Microbiology (International Program), Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jaturong Kumla
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sinang Hongsanan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chanokned Senwanna
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Surapong Khuna
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Saisamorn Lumyong
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nakarin Suwannarach
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Michael HSR, Subiramanian SR, Thyagarajan D, Mohammed NB, Saravanakumar VK, Govindaraj M, Maheswari KM, Karthikeyan N, Ramesh Kumar C. Melanin biopolymers from microbial world with future perspectives-a review. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:306. [PMID: 37580645 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03642-5] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Melanin is an amorphous polymer made of heterogeneous functional groups synthesized by diverse organisms including fungi, bacteria, animals, and plants. It was widely acknowledged for its biological processes and its key role in the protection of organisms from environmental stress. Recently, melanin clutches attention in the field of nanobiotechnology, drug delivery, organic semiconductors and bioelectronics, environmental bioremediation, photoprotection, etc., Furthermore, melanin from natural sources like microbial community shows antimicrobial, fighting cancer, radical scavenging, cosmeceuticals, and many therapeutic areas as well. Though the multipotentiality nature of melanin has been put forth, real-world applications still flag fall behind, which might be anticipated to the inadequate and high price essence of natural melanin. However, current bioprocess technologies have paved for the large-scale or industrial production of microbial melanin, which could help in the replacement of synthetic melanin. Thus, this review emphasizes the various sources for melanin, i.e., types-based on its pathways and its chemical structures, functional efficiency, physical properties, and conventional and modern methods of both extraction and characterization. Moreover, an outlook on how it works in the field of medicine, bioremediation, and other related areas provides perspectives on the complete exploitation of melanin in practical applications of medicine and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shri Ranjani Subiramanian
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts & Science, Nava India, Coimbatore, India
| | - Divyavaahini Thyagarajan
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts & Science, Nava India, Coimbatore, India
| | - Nazneen Bobby Mohammed
- Department of Biotechnology, Vignan's Foundation for Science Technology and Research, Vadlamudi, Guntur Dist, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | | - Mageswari Govindaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts & Science, Nava India, Coimbatore, India
| | | | - Naresh Karthikeyan
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts & Science, Nava India, Coimbatore, India
| | - Charu Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts & Science, Nava India, Coimbatore, India
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Campanhol BS, Ribeiro BD, Casellato F, Medina KJD, Sponchiado SRP. Improvement of DOPA-Melanin Production by Aspergillus nidulans Using Eco-Friendly and Inexpensive Substrates. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:714. [PMID: 37504703 PMCID: PMC10381910 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal pigments, including melanin, are recognized as promising materials for biomedical, environmental, and technological applications. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that the DOPA-melanin produced by the MEL1 mutant of Aspergillus nidulans exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities without any cytotoxic or mutagenic effects, suggesting its potential use in pharmaceuticals. In order to increase the yield of this pigment and reduce the costs of its large-scale production, the present study aimed to evaluate agro-industrial by-products, sugarcane molasses, vinasse, and corn steep liquor as inexpensive substrates for fungal growth using experimental design methodology. According to the results obtained, the optimal composition of the culture medium was 0.81% (v/v) vinasse and 1.62% (w/v) glucose, which promoted a greater production of melanin (225.39 ± 4.52 mg g-1 of biomass), representing a 2.25-fold increase compared with the condition before optimization (100.32 mg.g-1 of biomass). Considering the amount of biomass obtained in the optimized condition, it was possible to obtain a total melanin production of 1 g L-1. Therefore, this formulation of a less complex and low-cost culture medium composition makes the large-scale process economically viable for future biotechnological applications of melanin produced by A. nidulans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Silva Campanhol
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-060, SP, Brazil; (B.S.C.); (B.D.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Beatriz Dias Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-060, SP, Brazil; (B.S.C.); (B.D.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Fernando Casellato
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-060, SP, Brazil; (B.S.C.); (B.D.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Kelly Johana Dussán Medina
- Department of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics, Institute of Chemistry, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-060, SP, Brazil;
- Bioenergy Research Institute (IPBEN), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-060, SP, Brazil
| | - Sandra Regina Pombeiro Sponchiado
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-060, SP, Brazil; (B.S.C.); (B.D.R.); (F.C.)
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7
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Silva NMD, Reis GF, Costa FDF, Grisolia ME, Geraldo MR, Lustosa BPR, Lima BJFDS, Weiss VA, de Souza EM, Li R, Song Y, Nascimento MMF, Robl D, Gomes RR, de Hoog GS, Vicente VA. Genome sequencing of Cladophialophora exuberans, a novel candidate for bioremediation of hydrocarbon and heavy metal polluted habitats. Fungal Biol 2023; 127:1032-1042. [PMID: 37142362 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Cladophialophora exuberans is a filamentous fungus related to black yeasts in the order Chaetothyriales. These melanized fungi are known for their 'dual ecology', often occurring in toxic environments and also being frequently involved in human infection. Particularly Cladophialophora exuberans, C. immunda, C. psammophila, and Exophiala mesophila have been described with a pronounced ability to degrade aromatic compounds and xenobiotic volatiles, such as benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, and xylene, and are candidates for bioremediation applications. The objective of the present study is the sequencing, assembly, and description of the whole genome of C. exuberans focusing on genes and pathways related to carbon and toxin management, assessing the tolerance and bioremediation of lead and copper, and verifying the presence of genes for metal homeostasis. Genomic evaluations were carried out through a comparison with sibling species including clinical and environmental strains. Tolerance of metals was evaluated via a microdilution method establishing minimum inhibitory (MIC) and fungicidal concentrations (MFC), and agar diffusion assays. Heavy metal bioremediation was evaluated via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). The final assembly of C. exuberans comprised 661 contigs, with genome size of 38.10 Mb, coverage of 89.9X and a GC content of 50.8%. In addition, inhibition of growth was shown at concentrations of 1250 ppm for copper and at 625 ppm for lead, using the MIC method. In the agar tests, the strain grew at 2500 ppm of copper and lead. In GFAAS tests, uptake capacities were observed of 89.2% and 95.7% for copper and lead, respectively, after 21 experimental days. This study enabled the annotation of genes involved in heavy metal homeostasis and also contributed to a better understanding of the mechanisms used in tolerance of and adaptation to extreme conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickolas Menezes da Silva
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Guilherme Fonseca Reis
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Flávia de Fátima Costa
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Grisolia
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marlon Roger Geraldo
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Bruno Paulo Rodrigues Lustosa
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Bruna Jacomel Favoreto de Souza Lima
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Almir Weiss
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Emanuel Maltempi de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ruoyu Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yinggai Song
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China; Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | | | - Diogo Robl
- Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Renata Rodrigues Gomes
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - G Sybren de Hoog
- Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Vania Aparecida Vicente
- Engineering Bioprocess and Biotechnology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil; Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
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8
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Aranda C, Méndez I, Barra PJ, Hernández-Montiel L, Fallard A, Tortella G, Briones E, Durán P. Melanin Induction Restores the Pathogenicity of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici in Wheat Plants. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9030350. [PMID: 36983518 PMCID: PMC10058861 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most challenging aspects of long-term research based on microorganisms is the maintenance of isolates under ex situ conditions, particularly the conservation of phytopathological characteristics. Our research group has worked for more than 10 years with Gaumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt), the main biotic factor affecting wheat. In this sense we preserved the microorganisms in oil overlaid. However, several strains preserved for a long time lost their pathogenicity. These strains show white and non-infective mycelia. In this sense, we hypothesized that this is attributable to low melanin content. Melanin is a natural pigment mainly involved in UV protection, desiccation, salinity, oxidation, and fungal pathogenicity. Therefore, understanding the melanin role on Ggt pathogenicity is fundamental to developing melanin activation strategies under laboratory studies. In this study, we induce melanin activation by UV-A light chamber, 320 to 400 nm (T1) and temperature changes of 30 °C, 15 °C, and 20 °C (T2). Fungal pathogenicity was evaluated by determination of blackening roots and Ggt was quantified by real-time PCR in inoculated wheat plants. Results revealed that Ggt grown under UV-A (T1) conditions showed around 40% higher melanin level with a concomitant effect on root infection (98% of blackened roots) and 4-fold more Ggt genome copy number compared with the control (non-infective mycelia) being T1, a more inductor factor compared with T2. These findings would support the role of melanin in pathogenicity in darkly pigmented fungi such as Ggt and could serve as a basis for activating pathogenicity under laboratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Aranda
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Biocontrol Research Laboratory, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Isabel Méndez
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Biocontrol Research Laboratory, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Patricio Javier Barra
- Biocontrol Research Laboratory, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Luis Hernández-Montiel
- Nanotechnology and Microbial Biocontrol Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Av. Politécnico Nacional 195, Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz 23090, Mexico
| | - Ana Fallard
- Biocontrol Research Laboratory, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Tortella
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Evelyn Briones
- Biocontrol Research Laboratory, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Paola Durán
- Biocontrol Research Laboratory, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Departamento de Producción Agropecuaria, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Correspondence:
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9
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A Melanin-Deficient Isolate of Venturia inaequalis Reveals Various Roles of Melanin in Pathogen Life Cycle and Fitness. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:jof9010035. [PMID: 36675856 PMCID: PMC9867426 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010035] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Venturia inaequalis is the ascomycetous pathogen causing apple scabs and forms dark-pigmented spores and partially melanised infection structures. Although melanin is considered to be essential for the infection of host tissue, a spontaneously occurring melanin-deficient mutant was isolated from an abaxial side of an apple leaf and can be cultivated in vitro as well as in vivo. The morphology and development of the melanin-deficient-isolate SW01 on leaves of susceptible apple plants were compared to that of the corresponding wild-type isolate HS1. White conidia of SW01 were often wrinkled when dry and significantly increased their volume in suspension. Germination and formation of germtubes and appressoria were not impaired; however, the lack of melanisation of the appressorial ring structure at the interface with the plant cuticle significantly reduced the infection success of SW01. The colonisation of leaf tissue by non-melanised subcuticular hyphae was not affected until the initiation of conidiogenesis. Non-melanised conidiophores penetrated the plant cuticle from inside less successfully than the wild type, and the release of white conidia from less solid conidiophores above the cuticle was less frequent. Melanin in the outer cell wall of V. inaequalis was not required for the survival of conidia under ambient temperature or at -20 °C storage conditions, however, promoted the tolerance of the pathogen to copper and synthetic fungicides affecting the stability and function of the fungal cell wall, plasma membrane, respiration (QoIs) and enzyme secretion, but had no effect on the sensitivity to sulphur and SDHIs. The roles of melanin in different steps of the V. inaequalis life cycle and the epidemiology of apple scabs are discussed.
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Mycosynthesis of Metal-Containing Nanoparticles-Fungal Metal Resistance and Mechanisms of Synthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214084. [PMID: 36430561 PMCID: PMC9696665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214084] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 21st century, nanomaterials play an increasingly important role in our lives with applications in many sectors, including agriculture, biomedicine, and biosensors. Over the last two decades, extensive research has been conducted to find ways to synthesise nanoparticles (NPs) via mediation with fungi or fungal extracts. Mycosynthesis can potentially be an energy-efficient, highly adjustable, environmentally benign alternative to conventional physico-chemical procedures. This review investigates the role of metal toxicity in fungi on cell growth and biochemical levels, and how their strategies of resistance, i.e., metal chelation, biomineral formation, biosorption, bioaccumulation, compartmentalisation, and efflux of metals from cells, contribute to the synthesis of metal-containing NPs used in different applications, e.g., biomedical, antimicrobial, catalytic, biosensing, and precision agriculture. The role of different synthesis conditions, including that of fungal biomolecules serving as nucleation centres or templates for NP synthesis, reducing agents, or capping agents in the synthesis process, is also discussed. The authors believe that future studies need to focus on the mechanism of NP synthesis, as well as on the influence of such conditions as pH, temperature, biomass, the concentration of the precursors, and volume of the fungal extracts on the efficiency of the mycosynthesis of NPs.
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Smith DFQ, Mudrak NJ, Zamith-Miranda D, Honorato L, Nimrichter L, Chrissian C, Smith B, Gerfen G, Stark RE, Nosanchuk JD, Casadevall A. Melanization of Candida auris Is Associated with Alteration of Extracellular pH. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1068. [PMID: 36294632 PMCID: PMC9604884 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a recently emerged global fungal pathogen, which causes life-threatening infections, often in healthcare settings. C. auris infections are worrisome because the fungus is often resistant to multiple antifungal drug classes. Furthermore, C. auris forms durable and difficult to remove biofilms. Due to the relatively recent, resilient, and resistant nature of C. auris, we investigated whether it produces the common fungal virulence factor melanin. Melanin is a black-brown pigment typically produced following enzymatic oxidation of aromatic precursors, which promotes fungal virulence through oxidative stress resistance, mammalian immune response evasion, and antifungal peptide and pharmaceutical inactivation. We found that certain strains of C. auris oxidized L-DOPA and catecholamines into melanin. Melanization occurred extracellularly in a process mediated by alkalinization of the extracellular environment, resulting in granule-like structures that adhere to the fungus' external surface. C. auris had relatively high cell surface hydrophobicity, but there was no correlation between hydrophobicity and melanization. Melanin protected the fungus from oxidative damage, but we did not observe a protective role during infection of macrophages or Galleria mellonella larvae. In summary, C. auris alkalinizes the extracellular medium, which promotes the non-enzymatic oxidation of L-DOPA to melanin that attaches to its surface, thus illustrating a novel mechanism for fungal melanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F. Q. Smith
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nathan J. Mudrak
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Krieger School of Arts & Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Daniel Zamith-Miranda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Leandro Honorato
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Laboratório de Glicobiologia de Eucariotos, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Christine Chrissian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York and CUNY Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Barbara Smith
- Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences Microscope Facility, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Gary Gerfen
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ruth E. Stark
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York and CUNY Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies, The City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Pukalski J, Latowski D. Secrets of Flavonoid Synthesis in Mushroom Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193052. [PMID: 36231014 PMCID: PMC9562910 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids are chemical compounds that occur widely across the plant kingdom. They are considered valuable food additives with pro-health properties, and their sources have also been identified in other kingdoms. Especially interesting is the ability of edible mushrooms to synthesize flavonoids. Mushrooms are usually defined as a group of fungal species capable of producing macroscopic fruiting bodies, and there are many articles considering the content of flavonoids in this group of fungi. Whereas the synthesis of flavonoids was revealed in mycelial cells, the ability of mushroom fruiting bodies to produce flavonoids does not seem to be clearly resolved. This article, as an overview of the latest key scientific findings on flavonoids in mushrooms, outlines and organizes the current state of knowledge on the ability of mushroom fruiting bodies to synthesize this important group of compounds for vital processes. Putting the puzzle of the current state of knowledge on flavonoid biosynthesis in mushroom cells together, we propose a universal scheme of studies to unambiguously decide whether the fruiting bodies of individual mushrooms are capable of synthesizing flavonoids.
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Elsayis A, Hassan SWM, Ghanem KM, Khairy H. Suggested Sustainable Medical and Environmental Uses of Melanin Pigment From Halotolerant Black Yeast Hortaea werneckii AS1. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:871394. [PMID: 35495654 PMCID: PMC9048979 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.871394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The marine ecosystem is a complex niche with unique environmental circumstances. Microbial communities from the sea are one of the main origins of compounds with tremendous capabilities. Marine yeasts have the ability to produce secondary metabolites that are architecturally distinct from those found in terrestrial species. Melanin pigment synthesized by marine halotolerant black yeast Hortaea werneckii AS1 isolated from Mediterranean salt lakes in Alexandria, Egypt was found to exert a radical scavenging effect on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with an IC50 of 61.38 μg/ml. Furthermore, it showed no cytotoxicity toward human skin fibroblast cell line (HSF) with an IC50 value above 0.1 mg/ml. The antimicrobial capability of the pigment was revealed against the tested number of bacterial and fungal strains with the highest inhibition zone of 25 mm against Aeromonas sp. and a growth inhibition percentage up to 63.6% against Aspergillus niger. From an environmental impact point of view, the pigment disclosed a heavy metal removal efficiency of 85.7, 84.8, and 81.5% for Pb2+, Cd2+, and Ni2+, respectively, at 100 mg/L metal concentration. The previously mentioned results suggested melanin from H. werneckii AS1 as a promising biocompatible candidate in various medical, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Elsayis
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sahar W M Hassan
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled M Ghanem
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba Khairy
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Elsayis A, Hassan SWM, Ghanem KM, Khairy H. Optimization of melanin pigment production from the halotolerant black yeast Hortaea werneckii AS1 isolated from solar salter in Alexandria. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:92. [PMID: 35395716 PMCID: PMC8991569 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02505-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Melanins are one of the magnificent natural pigments synthesized by a wide range of microorganisms including different species of fungi and bacteria. Marine black yeasts appear to be potential prospects for the synthesis of natural melanin pigment. As a result, the goal of this research was to isolate a marine black yeast melanin-producing strain and improve the culturing conditions in order to maximize the yield of such a valuable pigment. Results Among five locally isolated black yeast strains, the only one that demonstrated a potent remarkable melanin pigment production was identified using ITS rDNA as Hortaea werneckii AS1. The extracted pigment’s physiochemical characterization and analytical investigation with Ultraviolet-Visible (UV) spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) confirmed its nature as a melanin pigment. The data obtained from the polynomial model’s maximum point suggested that CaCl2, 1.125 g/L; trace element, 0.25 ml/L; and a culture volume 225 mL/500 mL at their optimal values were the critical three elements impacting melanin production. In comparison with the baseline settings, the response surface methodology (RSM) optimization approach resulted in a 2.0 - fold improvement in melanin output. Conclusions A maximum melanin yield of 0.938 g/L proved the halotolerant H. werneckii AS1 potentiality as a source for natural melanin pigment synthesis ‘when compared to some relevant black yeast strains’ and hence, facilitating its incorporation in a variety of pharmaceutical and environmental applications. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-022-02505-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Elsayis
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sahar W M Hassan
- National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled M Ghanem
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba Khairy
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Melanin Pathway Determination in Sclerotium cepivorum Berk Using Spectrophotometric Assays, Inhibition Compound, and Protein Validation. MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/microbiolres13020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sclerotium cepivorum Berk is the etiological agent of white rot disease that affects plants of the genus Allium. This fungus produces resistance structures called sclerotia that are formed by a rolled mycelium with a thick layer of melanin and it can remain dormant for many years in the soil. Current interest in S. cepivorum has arisen from economic losses in Allium crops in the agricultural sector. Melanin is a component that protects the sclerotia from adverse environmental conditions In many organisms, it plays an important role in the infectious process; in S. cepivorum, the pathway by which this component is synthetized is not fully described. By using infrared spectrophotometric assays applied direct to the sclerotia and a melanin extract followed by an NMR analysis and a tricyclazole melanin inhibition experiment, it allowed us to determine the dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin pathway by which S. cepivorum performs its melanin synthesis. Moreover, we focused on studying scytalone dehydratase (SDH) as a key enzyme of the DHN-melanin synthesis. We obtained the recombinant SDH enzyme and tested its activity by a zymogram assay. Thereby, the S. cepivorum melanogenic route was established as a DHN pathway.
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Coleine C, Selbmann L, Singh BK, Delgado-Baquerizo M. The poly-extreme tolerant black yeasts are prevalent under high ultraviolet light and climatic seasonality across soils of global biomes. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:1988-1999. [PMID: 35324062 PMCID: PMC9311647 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Black yeasts are among the most stress‐tolerant organisms of the planet, thriving under all types of terrestrial habitats and extreme environments. Yet, their global patterns and ecology remain far less studied, limiting our capacity to identify the main environmental drivers of these important organisms across biomes. To fill this knowledge gap, we analysed topsoils from 235 terrestrial ecosystems across and within globally distributed climate groups (i.e. dry, temperate and continental). We found that soils are important repositories of black yeasts, and that ultraviolet light, fine soil texture, and precipitation seasonality are the most consistent environmental factors associated with their diversity across biomes. Finally, we identified Exophiala and Cladophialophora as the most dominant black yeasts genera in soils across the globe. These findings provide novel evidence of global distribution of black yeasts and their key environmental predictors, giving new insights for speculating the evolution and spreading of these extreme‐tolerant organisms throughout both natural and human associated extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Coleine
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Laura Selbmann
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy.,Italian Antarctic National Museum (MNA), Mycological Section, Genoa, Italy
| | - Brajesh K Singh
- Global Centre for Land-Based Innovation, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.,Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo
- Laboratorio de Biodiversidad y Funcionamiento Ecosistémico. Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS), CSIC, Sevilla, Spain.,Unidad Asociada CSIC-UPO (BioFun). Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, 41013, Spain
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Melanin production by Pseudomonas sp. and in silico comparative analysis of tyrosinase gene sequences. BIOTECHNOLOGIA 2021; 102:411-424. [PMID: 36605604 PMCID: PMC9642935 DOI: 10.5114/bta.2021.111106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Melanin finds enormous applications in different industries for its unique photoprotective and anti-oxidant properties. Due to its emerging demand, scientific researchers are putting efforts to unravel more microorganisms with a potential of producing melanin on large scale. Hence, the present study was aimed at the isolation of extracellular melanin producing microorganisms from lime quarries of Karnataka, India. Besides this, the tyrosinase gene governing melanin synthesis in different organisms were compared in silico to understand its evolutionary aspects. Material and methods Melanin producing microorganisms were screened on tyrosine gelatin beef extract agar medium. Potential isolate was explored for submerged production of melanin in broth containing L-tyrosine. Melanin was characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, thin layer and high performance liquid chromatographic techniques. Antibacterial activity of melanin was performed by agar well assay. Comparative tyrosinase gene sequence analysis was performed by using Geneious 2021.1 trial version software. Results Pseudomonas otitidis DDB2 was found to be potential for melanin production. No antibacterial activity was exerted by the melanin against tested pathogens. The in silico studies showed that the common central domain of tyrosinase protein sequence of selected Pseudomonas sps. exhibited 100% identity with the common central domain of Homo sapiens tyrosinase (NP_000363.1). Conclusions Our study shows the production of melanin in good quantities by the isolate Pseudomonas otitidis DDB2 which can be explored for scale-up process. Since the melanin formed is of eumelanin type and the tyrosinase gene sequence of several Pseudomonas sp. showed relatedness to humans, this molecule may be further developed for sunscreen formulations.
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Vandelook S, Elsacker E, Van Wylick A, De Laet L, Peeters E. Current state and future prospects of pure mycelium materials. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2021; 8:20. [PMID: 34930476 PMCID: PMC8691024 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-021-00128-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of the ongoing transition from a linear to a circular economy, ecologically friendly renewable solutions are put in place. Filamentous fungi can be grown on various organic feedstocks and functionalized into a range of diverse material types which are biobased and thus more sustainable in terms of their production, use and recycling. Pure mycelium materials, consisting only of mycelial biomass, can adopt versatile properties and appear promising as a substitute for current petrochemically produced polymeric materials or, in the case of myco-leather, as a substitute for animal-based leather. In recent years, a handful of private companies have been innovating to bring products based on pure mycelium materials to the market while scientific interest in these promising biomaterials is now starting to gain momentum. In this primer, we introduce pure mycelium materials, frame different production methods, review existing and potential future applications, thereby offering a vision on future advances for this emerging fungi-based technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Vandelook
- Research Group of Microbiology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elise Elsacker
- Research Group of Microbiology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Research Group of Architectural Engineering, Department of Architectural Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Devonshire Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Aurélie Van Wylick
- Research Group of Microbiology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
- Research Group of Architectural Engineering, Department of Architectural Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lars De Laet
- Research Group of Architectural Engineering, Department of Architectural Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eveline Peeters
- Research Group of Microbiology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
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Raman Characterization of Fungal DHN and DOPA Melanin Biosynthesis Pathways. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100841. [PMID: 34682262 PMCID: PMC8540899 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal melanins represent a resource for important breakthroughs in industry and medicine, but the characterization of their composition, synthesis, and structure is not well understood. Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the elucidation of molecular composition and structure. In this work, we characterize the Raman spectra of wild-type Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans and their melanin biosynthetic mutants and provide a rough “map” of the DHN (A. fumigatus) and DOPA (C. neoformans) melanin biosynthetic pathways. We compare this map to the Raman spectral data of Aspergillus nidulans wild-type and melanin biosynthetic mutants obtained from a previous study. We find that the fully polymerized A. nidulans melanin cannot be classified according to the DOPA pathway; nor can it be solely classified according to the DHN pathway, consistent with mutational analysis and chemical inhibition studies. Our approach points the way forward for an increased understanding of, and methodology for, investigating fungal melanins.
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