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Thrombosis is a dangerous condition that can result in major damage. Fibrinolytic enzymes are significant therapeutic agents for thrombosis. This study focused on MsFE, a fibrinolytic protease from M. subtilissimus UCP1262, exploring its physicochemical traits and the impact of gamma radiation on its activity. Investigations included: fibrinogenolytic activity, effects of solvents and ions, gamma rays, enzyme shelf life, FTIR, CD, clotted times determination, and enzymatic kinetics. Notably, the major results obtained show the protease retained 90 % activity in organic solvents, FTIR indicated carbonyl functional groups and Circular dichroism spectroscopic studies indicated that the secondary structure (β-sheet) of enzyme remains mostly unaffected over pH 2.0–9.0, whereas considerable changes were observed in the tertiary structure. Kinetic analysis revealed altered parameters post-irradiation. Gamma radiation initially enhanced enzyme activity (10 kGy) but progressively decreased beyond 20 kGy. Metallic ions, especially magnesium, augmented irradiated enzyme activity. This study highlights gamma radiation's potential as a modulator for enhanced fibrinolytic activity, suggesting future biomedical applications. [Display omitted] • Mucor subtilissimus proves its significance as a producer of fibrinolytic proteases. • The protease degrades the α, β and γ chains of fibrinogen. • The 10 kGy radiation increased the activity of the enzyme by approximately 10 %. • Fe2+, Cu2+ and Mg2+ were able to increase the activity of the irradiated enzyme. • Produced enzymes can be a highly productive fibrinolytic for medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucor circinelloides lipase Lip10 is a dual-functional enzyme with lipolytic activity and phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) activity in aqueous phase. However, the catalytic properties of Lip10 and its structural characteristics remain unknown. The present study systematically investigated its PDAT activity and lipolytic activity using six phospholipid substrates, 18:0 triacylglycerol and 16:0 1,2-diacylglycerol, predict the 3D structure of Lip10 using AlphaFold2, and evaluated residues' flexibility through molecular dynamics analysis. Lip10 exhibited a preference for phosphorylethanolamine (PE) with a long-chain fatty acyl group and showed the lipolytic activity to 18:0 triacylglycerol and 16:0 1.2-diacylglycerol. 20 mM Mg2+ and Fe2+ can significantly increase the PDAT activity of Lip10 by 50–80%. Molecular docking analysis suggest that the lower binding energy for 18:0 PE with Lip10 contributes to the higher structural stability of the complex of 18:0 PE and Lip10. Mutations of Phe565Asp and Glu318Met increase PDAT activity of Lip10 by 3.6-fold and 2.7-fold, while the TAG content produced by mutants Lip10Phe103Pro, Lip10Ile487Lys and Lip10Phe570Asp decrease by 33%− 43%. The present study demonstrated structural properties of the dual-functional lipase Lip10 and provide a theoretical basis to study its roles in the lipid metabolism of M. circinelloides in the future. [Display omitted] • Lip10 is a dual-functional enzyme with lipolytic activity and PDAT activity in aqueous phase. • Lip10 exhibited stronger PDAT activity when 18:0 PE was used as the substrate. • Lip10 showed the lipolytic activity to 18:0 triacylglycerol and 16:0 1.2-diacylglycerol. • Mutations of Phe565Asp and Glu318Met increase PDAT activity of Lip10 by 3.6-fold and 2.7-fold. • TAG produced by mutants Lip10Phe103Pro, Lip10Ile487Lys and Lip10Phe570Asp decrease by 33%− 43%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minor ginsenosides, known for their superior biological activities in comparison to major ginsenosides, are relatively scarce in nature. Therefore, this study explored the utility of Mucor abundans enzyme in transformating major ginsenosides obtained from the root and flower of Panax notoginseng into minor ginsenosides. Comprehensive analysis and verification of the conversion products (minor ginsenosides) were conducted employing an array of techniques, including TLC, HPLC, and MS. Additionally, the study proposed conversion pathways for the major ginsenosides by dynamically monitoring the changes of substrates and products during the conversion process. The study found that the M. abundans enzyme can successfully converted ginsenosides Rb 1 , Rb 2 , Rb 3 , Rc, Re, Rg 1 , and notoginsenoside R 1 from P. notoginseng into 22 minor ginsenosides via processes such as deglycosylation, epimerization and dehydration, with conversion rates varying from 37.0% to 98.9%. The enzyme, purified and presenting a molecular weight of approximately 69 kDa, primarily catalyzed the hydrolysis of glycoside bonds at positions C-3 and C-20 of PPD-type ginsenosides, and C-20 position of PPT-type ginsenosides, thus facilitating the conversion of major to minor ginsenosides. This exploration potentates the enhanced functionality and proportionately increased economic value of P. notoginseng. [Display omitted] • A Mucor abundant strain was screened, which had remarkable saponin conversion ability. • This enzyme converts the saponins in panax notoginseng into 22 minor ginsenosides. • The transformation pathways of major saponins were speculated and verified. • Control different time, temperature and pH can obtain targeted ginsenosides. • Laying a solid foundation for the large-scale production of minor ginsenosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this research is to identify, screen and optimize physio-chemical characteristics for the production of extracellular chitinase from a marine bacterial isolate RS7. The bacterium isolated from Pamban Island, Rameshwaram was characterized as Gram-positive, pleomorphic and was identified as Cellulosimicrobium cellulans RS7 based on 16S rRNA profiling. The growth profile analysis showed maximum chitinase activity at 48 h of inoculum age. The optimization of physio-chemical parameters was performed using OFAT and statistical approach via RSM which resulted in 3.23-fold increase in chitinase activity from 20.89 to 67.6 U/ml. This study investigates the anti-fungal activity of chitinase against pathogenic fungus Mucor sp. where 80 μl (5 U) of enzyme resulted in a 22 mm zone of inhibition. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were done to understand the active properties of chitinase against fungal pathogens. The Molecular Operating Environment module was utilized and the docking poses were visually examined for interaction. The results indicated that chitinase exhibited high affinity towards selected ligand/protein (N-acetylglucosamine, β-1, 3 glucanase and β-1, 3 glucan) which participate in synthesis of fungal cell wall. The docking scores and root mean square deviation values for the selected target molecules were determined and specific interactions and residues were identified. [Display omitted] • Chitinase produced from a marine isolate Cellulosimicrobium cellulans RS7. • Highest yield of enzyme (3.23 folds) obtained after process optimization. • Chitinase found to inhibit Mucor sp. growth (22 mm zone). • High affinity of chitinase to N-acetylglucosamine (NAG), Beta-1,3 glucanase. • Docking shows chitinase inactivates fungal cell wall synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dry ageing is a historically relevant method of meat preservation, now used as a way to produce the dry-aged beef (DAB) known for its pronounced flavour. Partially responsible for the taste of the DAB may be various microorganisms that grow on the surface of the meat. Historically, the fungal species colonising the DAB were described as members of the genera Thamnidium and Mucor. In this study we used both culture based approach as well as ITS2 rDNA metabarcoding analysis to investigate the fungal community of the DAB, with special emphasis on the mucoralean taxa. Isolated fungi were members of 6 different species from the family Mucoraceae , belonging to the genera Mucor and Helicostylum. Metabarcoding data provided supplementary information regarding the presence of other fungi including those from the Thamnidium genus. In both approaches used in this study isolates closely related to the Mucor flavus strain CBS 992.68 dominated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species of medically important fungi are prolific in the formation of asexual spores. Spores undergo a process of active swelling and cell wall remodelling before a germ tube is formed and filamentous growth ensues. Highly elongated germ tubes are known to be difficult to phagocytose and pose particular challenges for immune phagocytes. However, the significance of the earliest stages of spore germination during immune cell interactions has not been investigated and yet this is likely to be important for defence against sporogenous fungal pathogens. We show here that macrophages restrict the early phases of the spore germination process of Aspergillus fumigatus and Mucor circinelloides including the initial phase of spore swelling, spore germination and early polarised growth. Macrophages are therefore adept at retarding germination as well as subsequent vegetative growth which is likely to be critical for immune surveillance and protection against sporulating fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary inhibitory targets of phenyllactic acid (PLA, including D-PLA and L-PLA) on Mucor were investigated using Mucor racemosus LD3.0026 isolated from naturally spoiled cherry, as an indicator fungi. The results demonstrated that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PLA against Mucor was 12.5 mmol·L−1. Results showed that the growing cells at the tip of the Mucor were not visibly deformed, and there was no damage to the cell wall following PLA treatment; however, PLA damaged the cell membrane and internal structure. The results of isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) indicated that the Mucor mitochondrial respiratory chain may be the target of PLA, potentially inhibiting the energy supply of Mucor. These results indicate that the antifungal mechanism of PLA against mold is independent of its molecular configuration. The growth of Mucor is suppressed by PLA, which destroys the organelle structure in the mycelium and inhibits energy metabolism. [Display omitted] • PLA could damage the cell membrane and internal structure of Mucor. • The bactericidal mechanism of PLA was independent of its molecular configuration. • Mitochondrial respiratory chain might be the antibacterial target of PLA on Mucor. • Proteomic analysis indicated that PLA could inhibit energy metabolism of Mucor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study aimed to assess the clinical features, associated risk factors and mortality rate in a group of Iraqi patients with Rhino-cerebral mucormycosis (RCM). The medical records of sixteen consecutive cases of RCM were reviewed retrospectively. Biopsies from the patients were referred to the Oral Pathology Laboratory at the College of Dentistry/University of Baghdad for histopathologic examination to confirm the diagnosis during the period from 2010 to 2019. The patients age ranged from 20 to 80 years with an average of 54.38 years. Fourteen (87.5 %) of the patients were males and 15 (93.75 %) were uncontrolled diabetics. The diagnosis was made by clinical and radiographic examination and confirmed by histopathological evaluation. All patients presented with an exposed intraoral necrotic bone and oro-nasal and antral fistulae. Follow up information was available for a minimum of six months, during which; two patients (12.5 %) were deceased within the review period. Base on this cohort of subjects, RCM is more common among males. Diabetes mellitus constitutes a significant risk factor for this infection. The presences of necrotizing maxillary lesion with fistula tract in RCM could be the reason for lower mortality rate in comparison to other mucormycosis variants. This difference in outcome could be explained by the early presentation, histopathological diagnosis and treatment of the cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mold sensitization and exposure are associated with asthma severity, but the specific species that contribute to difficult-to-control (DTC) asthma are unknown. We sought to determine the association between overall and specific mold levels in the homes of urban children and DTC asthma. The Asthma Phenotypes in the Inner-City study recruited participants, aged 6 to 17 years, from 8 US cities and classified each participant as having either DTC asthma or easy-to-control (ETC) asthma on the basis of treatment step level. Dust samples had been collected in each participant's home (n = 485), and any dust remaining (n = 265 samples), after other analyses, was frozen at −20oC. The dust samples (n = 265) were analyzed using quantitative PCR to determine the concentrations of the 36 molds in the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index. Logistic regression was performed to discriminate specific mold content of dust from homes of children with DTC versus ETC asthma. Frozen-dust samples were available from 54% of homes of children with DTC (139 of 253) and ETC asthma (126 of 232). Only the average concentration of the mold Mucor was significantly (P <.001) greater in homes of children with DTC asthma. In homes with window air-conditioning units, the Mucor concentration contributed about a 22% increase (1.6 odds ratio; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2) in the ability to discriminate between cases of DTC and ETC asthma. Mucor levels in the homes of urban youth were a predictor of DTC asthma, and these higher Mucor levels were more likely in homes with a window air-conditioner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fed-batch fermentation achieved the highest lipid and biomass reported in Mucor. • The biochemical profile of fed-batch fermentation obtained products was examined. • The expression levels of key genes involved in lipid synthesis had up-regulated. • Numerous abiotic factors thrived during the optimization of fed-batch cultivation. This study aimed to improve the lipid and biomass yields of Mucor circinelloides WJ11 by implementing four different fed-batch fermentation strategies, varied in time and glucose concentration (S1-S4). The S1 fermentation strategy yielded the highest biomass, lipid, and fatty acid content (22 ± 0.7 g/L, 53 ± 1.2 %, and 28 ± 1.6 %) after 120 and 144 h, respectively. The γ-linolenic acid titer of 0.75 ± 0.0 g/L was greatest in S3 after 48 h. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the transcription of key genes involved in lipid accumulation. The glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and ATP-citrate lyase genes showed increased expression levels. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the biochemical profile during fermentation strategies. Optimal abiotic factors for production efficiency included pH 6.5, 25–26 °C, 15 % (v/v) inoculum, 500 rpm, 20 %-30 % dissolved oxygen, and 120 h fermentation. Glucose co-feeding offers valuable insights to develop effective fermentation strategies for lipid production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the oleaginous fungus Mucor circinelloides , lipid accumulation is regulated by nitrogen metabolism, which is regulated by the areA gene, a member of the GATA zinc finger transporter family and a major regulator for nitrogen metabolism. However, the role of areA in lipid accumulation in this fungus has not been reported. In order to explore the regulatory effect of areA gene on nitrogen metabolism and lipid accumulation in M. circinelloides , we constructed areA gene knockout and overexpression strains. Then, the recombinant strains were cultured and their biochemical indexes were measured. Simultaneously, transcriptomic studies on the recombinant strains were conducted to infer the regulatory mechanism of areA. The results showed that the areA knockout strain accumulated more lipid, which is 42 % higher than the control. While the areA overexpressing strain obtained the higher biomass accumulation (23 g/L) and used up the nitrogen source in the medium earlier than the control strain and knockout strain. Transcriptome data analysis showed that nr and nit-6 genes related to nitrogen metabolism were up-regulated. And the expression levels of key genes acc and aclY were higher in the areA knockout strain than others, which was positively correlated with the increased lipid accumulation. In addition, in knockout strains, protein catabolism tended to provide substrates for the lipid production, and the expression levels of the related genes were also higher than others. These results indicated that the areA gene not only controls the transcription level of genes related to nitrogen metabolism but also affects lipid accumulation. • The role of areA in lipid accumulation in this fungus has not been reported. • AreA gene can control the transcription level of nitrogen metabolism related genes. • The genetic modification of areA altered the capacity of lipid biosynthesis and affect protein synthesis, and degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid biosynthesis is a significant metabolic response to nitrogen starvation in oleaginous fungi. The oleaginous fungus Mucor circinelloides copes with nitrogen stress by degrading AMP through AMP deaminase (AMPD). However, the mechanism of AMPD in regulating lipogenesis remains largely unclear. To elucidate the mechanism of AMPD in lipid synthesis in this M. circinelloides , we identified two genes (ampd1 and ampd2) encoding AMPD and constructed an ampd double knockout mutant. The engineered M. circinelloides strain elevated cell growth and lipid accumulation, as well as the content of oleic acid (OA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). In addition to the expected increase in transcription levels of genes associated with lipid and TAG synthesis, we observed suppression of lipid degradation and reduced amino acid biosynthesis. This suggested that the deletion of AMPD genes induces the redirection of carbon towards lipid synthesis pathways. Moreover, the pathways related to nitrogen metabolism, including nitrogen assimilation and purine metabolism (especially energy level), were also affected in order to maintain homeostasis. Further analysis discovered that the transcription factors (TFs) related to lipid accumulation were also regulated. This study provides new insights into lipid biosynthesis in M. circinelloides , indicating that the trigger for lipid accumulation is not entirely AMPD-dependent and suggest that there may be additional mechanisms involved in the initiation of lipogenesis. [Display omitted] • Deletion of ampd genes increases lipogenesis in Mucor circinelloides. • AMPD plays an essential role in the regulation of lipid and nitrogen metabolism. • Deletion of ampd genes regulates energy metabolism to maintain homeostasis. • TFs involved in lipogenesis are regulated after knockout of ampd genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia miltiorrhiza is one of the most commonly used medicinal materials in China. In recent years, the quality of S. miltiorrhiza has attracted much attention. Biotic and abiotic elicitors are widely used in cultivation to improve the quality of medicinal plants. We isolated an endophytic fungus, Mucor fragilis, from S. miltiorrhiza. We compared the effects of endophytic fungal elicitors with those of yeast extract together with silver ion, widely used together as effective elicitors, on S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. Seventeen primary metabolites (amino acids and fatty acids) and five secondary metabolites (diterpenoids and phenolic acids) were analyzed after elicitor treatment. The mycelium extract promoted the accumulation of salvianolic acid B, rosmarinic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. Additionally, qPCR revealed that elicitors affect the accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites by regulating the expression of key genes (SmAACT , SmGGPPS , and SmPAL). This is the first detection of both the primary and secondary metabolites of S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots, and the results of this work should help guide the quality control of S. miltiorrhiza. In addition, the findings confirm that Mucor fragilis functions as an effective endophytic fungal elicitor with excellent application prospect for cultivation of medicinal plants. • 5 primary metabolites, 17 secondary metabolites, and 3 key genes were simultaneously detected in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. • A novel endophytic fungal elicitor derived from S. miltiorrhiza was isolated and prepared. • The fungal elicitor exhibited a similar effect with YE + Ag+ when up-regulating C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1 contents. • The effects of elicitors on primary and secondary metabolite accumulations in S. miltiorrhiza were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitin nanofibers (ChNFs) were extracted from Mucor indicus by a purification method followed by a mechanical treatment, cultivated under obtained optimum culture medium conditions to improve fungal chitin production rate. A semi synthetic media containing 50 g/l glucose was used for cultivation of the fungus in shake flasks. The cell wall analysis showed that N -acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) content, which is an indication of chitin content, was maximum in presence of 2.5 g/l H 3 PO 4 , 2.5 g/l of NaOH, 1 g/l of yeast extract, 1 mg/l of plant hormones, and 1 ml/l of trace metals. The chemical characterizations demonstrated that the isolated fibers had a degree of deacetylation lower than of 10%, and were phosphate free. The FTIR results revealed successful removal of different materials during the purification step. The FE-SEM of fibrillated chitin illustrated an average diameter of 28 nm. Finally, X-ray diffraction results showed that the crystallinity index of nanofibers was 82%. • The optimization of cultivation conditions for enhancement of the chitin production by M. indicus fungus. • The isolation of chitin fibers from cell wall of the filamentous fungus M. indicus through purification. • The characterization of Fungal chitin nanofibers were isolated by mechanical grinding of fungal chitin. • The chitin nanofibers had an average diameter of 28 nm and the crystallinity index of 82%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, inhibitory kinetics of Nuciferine and Methyl Ganoderate extrated from Lotus Leaves and Ganoderma lucidum on Mucor miehei Lipase were studied first. The molecular structure of Nuciferine and Methyl Ganoderate were determined. The inhibitory effects of two extracts on lipase were reversible, with the IC 50 values of 0.194 and 0.332 mg/mL, respectively. The inhibition kinetic analysis by Lineweaver-Burk plots showed that they were a mixed-type inhibitor of lipase, with inhibition constants K I of 0.16 and 0.29 mg/mL, and K IS of 0.36 and 0.49 mg/mL, respectively. Results of spectral analysis showed that the UV absorption and the molecule fluorescence spectrum of the lipase hydrolyzate were significantly decreased after the inhibitor was added. The molecular docking further suggested that the interaction site between the active substance and inhibitor was located in an α-helix and a β-sheet of the lipase, and the lipase active site was interfered by the inhibitor near the cap structure. In addition, the proliferation and differentiation of 3 T3-L1 preadipocytes were inhibited by two extracts. Total triglycerides and cholesterol were significantly reduced in the cells. The results confirmed that Nuciferine and Methyl Ganoderate can be used as potential obesity treatment drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucor circinelloides is an opportunistic dimorphic pathogen, with the dimorphic process controlled in parts by fermentative and oxidative metabolisms, which lead to yeast or mycelial growth, respectively. Dimorphic transition is important for pathogenesis since the mycelium represents the virulent morphology. We previously reported that the deletion of arl1 or arl2 stimulate anaerobic germination in M. circinelloides , suggesting an augmented fermentative metabolism. In the present study, we demonstrate that the heterokaryon Δ arl1 (+)(−) and homokaryon Δ arl2 strains contain low number of mitochondria, which possibly results in a dysfunctional oxidative metabolism, marked by a low oxygen consumption in glucose and poor growth in glycerol as the unique carbon source. This dysfunction is compensated for by an increase in the glycolysis and fermentation in aerobic conditions, demonstrating growth kinetics similar to that in the wild-type strain. Moreover, as a consequence a high fermentative activity, the Δ arl1 (+)(−) and Δ arl2 strains possibly increased the yeast cell growth during low oxygen concentrations in presence of glucose. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the control of members of Arf family on the mitochondrial population in a Mucor species. • Arl1 and Arl2 control the mitochondrial content in M. circinelloides. • Δ arl1 (+)/(−) and Δ arl2 decreased the mitochondrial cellular content. • Δ arl1 (+)/(−) and Δ arl2 increased the glycolysis and fermentative metabolism. • Δ arl1 (+)/(−) and Δ arl2 enhance the yeast growth under low oxygen level conditions. • Yeast growth of Δ arl1 (+)/(−) is more virulent compared to the WT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The transcription of about 5–10 % of the genes in Phycomyces blakesleeanus is regulated by light. Among the most up-regulated, we have identified four genes, crgA – D , with similarity to crgA of Mucor circinelloides , a gene encoding a repressor of light-inducible carotenogenesis. The four proteins have the same structure with two RING RING Finger domains and a LON domain, suggesting that they could act as ubiquitin ligases, as their M. circinelloides homolog. The expression of these genes is induced by light with different thresholds as in other Mucoromycotina fungi like Blakeslea trispora and M. circinelloides. Only the P. blakesleeanus crgD gene could restore the wild type phenotype in a M. circinelloides null crgA mutant suggesting that P. blakesleeanus crgD is the functional homolog of crgA in M. circinelloides. Despite their sequence similarity it is possible that the P. blakesleeanus Crg proteins do not participate in the regulation of beta-carotene biosynthesis since none of the carotene-overproducing mutants of P. blakesleeanus had mutations in any of the crg genes. Our results provide further support of the differences in the regulation of the biosynthesis of beta-carotene in these two Mucoromycotina fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Possible dual production of polyunsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids. • Solid-state fermentation is promising process for fungal metabolite production. • Mucor strains are useful producers of bioactive lipophilic compounds. • Enhancement of waste materials into value-added materials suitable for direct usage. Solid-state fermentation is a technique employing microorganisms grown on a solid substrate in the absence of free water. The substrates used in this process are mostly waste from the agro-industry (brans, spent malt grains, distiller grains, etc.) that improves not only the economy of the process but also has positive effect on waste management problems. Zygomycetous fungi are not only able to grow in such conditions but also enrich fermented materials with various types of bioactive compounds. Mucor sp. strains have been identified as producers of gamma-linolenic acid and beta-carotene in submerged fermentation. The aim of the present study was to identify the best microbial producer of gamma-linolenic acid and beta-carotene among four different Mucor strains and to study the requirements for the dual production of these metabolites. Mucor wosnessenskii was identified as the most suitable producer of both metabolites. After optimization of the fermentation conditions, the highest yields obtained were 10.7 g of gamma-linolenic acid/kg of fermented product and 261.5 mg of beta-carotene/kg of fermented product. This yield of beta-carotene is the highest among the results published so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucormycosis is a rare, fatal angioinvasive infection occurring in immunocompromised individuals. Gastrointestinal mucormycosis is rare variety with high mortality rate. We present a case of GI mucormycosis in a 2-year-old male child who presented with abdominal mass with no underlying risk factors. The aim of this case report is to emphasize on its etiopathogenesis and keeping mucormycosis high in the differential diagnosis in a child presenting with abdominal mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The number and morphology of sporangiospores changes obviously under U(VI) stress. • Sporangiospores show efficient bioaccumulation of U(VI) from wastewater. • The intracellular U(VI) of sporangiospores is reduced to U(IV). • The reduced U(IV) is associated with a light element oxyanion ligand. Abstract The bioaccumulation and transformation of U(VI) by sporangiospores of Mucor circinelloides under different environmental conditions (e.g., reaction time, pH, carbonate, sporangiospores concentration, and temperature) was investigated by batch, XPS and EXAFS techniques. The bioaccumulation kinetics and isotherms can be fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic mode and Langmuir model, respectively, due to the high correlation coefficient. The maximum bioaccumulation capacity of sporangiospores for U(VI) was 166.13 mg/g at pH 6.0, which was significantly higher than that of other mycelia or spores. The intracellular and extracellular morphology of sporangiospores were significantly changed after U(VI) bioaccumulation, and levels of intracellular H 2 O 2 , O 3 −, GPx and SOD compounds in sporangiospores increased significantly. XANES analysis confirmed that the intracellular U(VI) was reduced to U(IV) by sporangiospores, and U(IV) might be stably associated with oxygen-bearing functional groups by EXAFS analysis. These results show that the sporangiospores can be used a promising adsorbent for the bioaccumulation and transformation of U(VI) from aqueous solutions, which has important scientific significance for the immobilization of U(VI) in environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Sugarcane-bagasse hydrolysate was used as a platform for a fungal-based biorefinery. • Sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate was prepared by enzymatic route. • The oleaginous fungus Mucor circinelloides is able to convert glucose and xylose into SCO. • SCO can be used as supplier for energy and nutraceutical products. Abstract Single cell oil (SCO) was produced from enzymatically hydrolysed sugarcane bagasse by Mucor circinelloides. The fungus was cultured in the hydrolysate medium rich in glucose and xylose being able to assimilate both sugars simultaneously, attaining satisfactory values of lipid accumulation (25 wt%). The main concepts addressed herein were the utilization of these lipids for the production of (i) ethyl esters of fuel grade, and (ii) concentrate of polyunsaturated fatty acids for nutraceutical applications. It was noticed that the fungal lipids also contained carotenoids and that the fungal biomass presented lipolytic activity. The concept of integrating an M. circinelloides -based biorefinery into the sugarcane energy matrix may, thus, present a relevant alternative for the production of high value-added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Concurrent production of chitosan and lipids from Mucor circinelloides ZSKP. • Fungal lipid profile showed higher content of unsaturated fatty acids. • Enzymatic transesterification showed more glycerol as the by-product. • Higher cetane number of fungal lipid-derived biodiesel than sunflower oil. Abstract A newly-isolated oleaginous fungus Mucor circinelloides ZSKP concurrently yielded 21.4% lipids and 11.2% chitosan per gram of biomass. Parameters affecting the co-production were identified using Plackett-Burman design and were statistically optimized using Response Surface Methodology, which resulted in a 3-fold improvement in lipid production. The lipid profile showed a high content of unsaturated fatty acids including oleic (37%), linolenic (14%) and linoleic acids (19%), while palmitic acid was the major saturated fatty acid (21%). A comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of enzymatic (lipase) and chemical treatments for biodiesel production from fungal lipids and sunflower oil revealed enhanced production of biodiesel from fungal lipids. Synthesized biodiesel from M. circinelloides ZSKP satisfied standard specifications and had a higher cetane number (56), lower kinematic viscosity (4.6 mm2/s) and lower acid number (0.03) compared to sunflower oil. Results suggest Mucor circinelloides ZSKP is a promising candidate for implementation of the biorefinery concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Identification of the fungi that grew on the cadavers, and the results of comparing the characteristics of the fungi with the conditions at the scene. • The possibility of usefulness of investigating fungus isolated from corpus in forensic settings. • Forensic mycology is not yet widely practiced in forensic settings, but we added considerations about future prospects. In forensic case work, fungal growth is occasionally observed on decomposed cadavers, however, the isolation of these organisms is not always carried out routinely. The usefulness of investigating fungi isolated from corpses in forensic settings, has been reported, such as providing trace evidence, estimating the time since death, and ascertaining the time of deposition. A 32-year-old male missing for 4 months, was found in a car in a forest far from his home and had died from blood loss, having been stabbed with a kitchen knife in the left side of his chest. Whitish or white greenish colonies ranging 5 cm to 8 cm in size were observed over his whole body. Penicillium commune and Cladosporium cladosporioides were isolated from the colonies. A 49-year-old male missing for one month, and was found dead at 500 m elevation in the mountains. An autopsy was conducted, but the cause of death could not be determined. Dark greenish or whitish colonies were found on his face and neck, and Epicoccum nigrum, Mucor sp.. Cladosporium sp., and Pestalotiopsis sp. were isolated. Penicillium sp. and Cladosporium sp. are major indoor fungi, and Epicoccum sp. and Pestalotiopsis sp. are plant pathogens found in outdoor environments. There was no discrepancy between the police statement and findings of the corpse such as place discovered, types of isolated fungi, and estimated time since death. Identifying fungi on cadavers may aid in forensic casework, and further studies are needed to develop for the use of fungi as a forensic tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid accumulation is an important cellular process of oleaginous microorganisms. To dissect metabolic behavior of oleaginous Zygomycetes, the lipid over-producing strain, Mucor circinelloides WJ11, was subjected for omics-scale analysis. The genome annotation was improved and used for construction of genome-scale metabolic network of WJ11 strain. Then, the quality of the metabolic network was enhanced by incorporating gene and protein expression data. In addition to the known oleaginous genes, our results showed a number of newly identified unique genes of WJ11 strain, which involved in central carbon metabolism, lipid, amino acid and nitrogen metabolisms. The systematic compilations indicated the additional metabolic routes with the involvement in supplying precursors (acetyl-CoA, NADPH and fatty acyl substrate) for fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis. Interestingly, amino acid metabolism played a substantial role in responsive mechanism of the fungal cells to nutrient imbalance circumstance through lipogenesis as the finding of reporter metabolites ( l -methionine, l -glutamate, l -aspartate, l -asparagine and l -glutamine) at lipid-accumulating stage. The cooperative function of certain lipid-degrading enzymes at the particular growth stage was elucidated by integrating the metabolic networks with gene expression data. The unique feature of carotenoid biosynthetic route in WJ11 strain was also identified by protein domain analysis. Taken together, there were cross-functional metabolisms in regulating lipid biosynthesis and retaining high level of cellular lipids in the representative of lipid over-producing strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to study the enzymatic production of biodiesel from lipids produced by Mucor circinelloides URM 4182 using Novozym 435 ® as catalyst under different conditions, in which microwave irradiations were used to perform both the lipids extraction and transesterification heating. Sequential or simultaneous approaches were also investigated. In direct transesterification, ethanol serves as a solvent for lipid extraction and a reactant for the reaction, simultaneously. Cell growth and the lipids accumulation were carried out in a bioreactor containing glucose and corn steep liquor as carbon and nutrients sources, respectively. Corn steep liquor (CSL) can be a good replacement for synthetic nutrients allowing higher volumetric biomass production (3.1 ± 0.01 gL −1 day −1 ). M. circinelloides oil revealed as main fatty acids: palmitic acid C16:0 (18.9%), oleic C18:1 (25.3%), linoleic C18:2 (19.3%) and linoleic acid C18:3 (18.3%). With regards to biodiesel synthesis, the two steps technology, which combined the lipids extraction from microbial biomass followed by enzymatic transesterification reaction both carried out under microwave irradiation, allowing for the attainment of 98.5% ethyl esters in 10 h, compared to 30 h under conventional heating. The simultaneous extraction and transesterification also shows promising results, although the ester content was slight lower (90.1%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucor circinelloides is one of the few oleaginous fungi that produce large amounts of γ-linolenic acid (GLA). However, there are few reports regarding the lipid accumulation characteristics and assimilation preferences of M. circinelloides grown on different oils. The present study investigated the characteristics of cell growth, lipid accumulation, and lipase activity of a low lipid-producing strain M. circinelloides CBS 277.49 and a high lipid-producing strain M. circinelloides WJ11. The highest biomass of 21.2 g/L was obtained for CBS 277.49 grown on soybean oil, while the highest lipid content of 65% was obtained when WJ11 was grown on soybean phospholipids. M. circinelloides preferred to assimilate exogenous palmitic, stearic, and α-linolenic acid to synthesize intracellular triacylglycerols. Soybean phospholipids and phytosterol esters stimulated the production of intracellular lipases in both strains more efficiently than soybean oils. The maximal lipase activity of 2200 U/g protein was observed for CBS 277.49 grown on phytosterol esters, while the maximal lipase activity of 2000 U/g protein was observed for WJ11 grown on soybean phospholipids. Although the transcriptional levels of the lipase genes were sharply upregulated when strains were grown on glucose-oil mixed media, the extracellular lipase activity in the medium was still low at 4–210 U/g protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Introduction of chitin and chitosan Mucor circinelloides as a main sorption biopolymers. • Evaluation of functional groups of involved in dye mycosorption. • Improving biomass functional group for dye adsorption. • Assessment of azo dye mycosorption mechanisms in fungi biomass. Abstract In this study, fungal isolates were purified from contaminated soil and dyestuff wastewater samples. Among 58 fungal isolates, Mucor circinelloides with 94% Congo red removal capacity at the concentration of 150 mg/L was selected as the superior isolate. Comparison of wet and dried wet biomass showed that dye adsorption of wet biomass was 39% more than that of dried wet biomass. The maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity was calculated 169.49 mg dye/g wet biomass of M. circinelloides. Pretreatment of biomass with sodium hydroxide enhanced dye removal for 19%. Acetone 50% and 0.1 M acetic acid had the highest and the less effect on desorption of dye molecules from fungal cells, respectively. Light and scanning microscopy imaging, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, pretreatment and zeta potential analysis indicated that dye removal was performed through biosorption process and hydroxyl and amine groups in the cell wall polymers have the main role in dye biosorption. M. circinelloides could produce crude chitin as 57% of its dry biomass. Chitin and chitosan in zygomyceta cell wall such as Mucor genus are probably main adsorption contributing surface polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current challenge in intensive aquaculture is to control the level of nutrient pollutants in the wastewater and provide sustainable sources of proteins for feed. A synthetic lichen type biofilm was developed to have the fungus Mucor indicus and the microalga Chlorella vulgaris grow together on a polymer matrix referred to as a “mycoalgae” biofilm. When the biofilm grows, it takes up phosphorus and nitrogen compounds and converts them to proteins and other cellular products. It cleans the water from nutrient pollutants as the algae are attached to the biofilm leaving purified water at the end of the process. Under 25 mg L −1 total ammonia-N (TAN) conditions, the biofilm reduced TAN to undetectable limits within 48 h with over 69% of the TAN reduction taking place by 24 h. The biofilm reduced levels of phosphate-P from 15 mg to undetectable limits within 24 h. Under the same conditions, 860 mg of dry mycoalgae biomass was generated at the end of the process on 16 cm 2 of mesh and 100 ml of culture media. This process allows for easy harvesting of the algae with no energy intensive process of separating the algae from the supernatant. The generated biofilm is composed of two organisms that have been shown to positively aid fish health when included as a feed supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antifungal effects of sage, rosemary, anise, quinoa and savory essential oils against mycelium growth of Aspergillus niger , Aspergillus oryza , Mucor pusillus and Fusarium oxysporum were determined in in vitro conditions. While the 10 μg/ml of savory essential oil showed inhibitory effect against tested fungi, anise oil was ineffective at the same concentration. The essential oils of savory and sage showed a great inhibitor effects against M. pusillus when compared with other essential oils. The 20 μg/ml level of savory oil had effective on Aspergillus niger , Aspergillus oryza , Mucor pusillus and Fusarium oxysporum . The essential oils of sage and rosemary were effective on A. oryza , A. niger and Fusarium oxysporum at ligh concentrations (10 and 20 μg/ml). The essential oil of quinoa showed an antifungal effect at both concentrations (10 and 20 μg/ml) on all tested fungi. All the tested essential oils showed inhibitory effect against all the selected fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okara (soybean residue) is an ideal erythritol feedstock due to its low price and high-nutrient content. Fungal-fermentations were carried out in okara using in-house enzyme pools generated by Mucor flavus or Trichoderma reesei to make okara more accessibility in the subsequent erythritol production using Yarrowia lipolytica . Mucor -fermented okara produced a high erythritol yield because of its special component and micromorphology. Five days is the optimal period for Mucor fermentation. Different fermentation modes were compared in terms of erythritol production and yield. The concentration of Mucor -fermented okara in erythritol fermentation medium was optimal at 30.0 g/L. Moreover, 40.0 g/L NaCl was added as the osmotic regulator. No extra ingredient was needed during this process. Results of 5-L fermentations showed that an erythritol titer of 14.7 g/L, with a yield of 0.49 g/g okara was obtained. These findings indicated that Mucor -fermented okara was an economically alternative feedstock for low-cost erythritol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan, a β-1,4-linked glucosamine polymer is formed by deacetylation of chitin. It has a wide range of applications from agriculture to human health care products. Chitosan is commercially produced from shellfish, shrimp waste, crab and lobster processing using strong alkalis at high temperatures for long time periods. The production of chitin and chitosan from fungal sources has gained increased attention in recent years due to potential advantages in terms of homogenous polymer length, high degree of deacetylation and solubility over the current marine source. Zygomycetous fungi such as Absidia coerulea, Benjaminiella poitrasii, Cunninghamella elegans, Gongrenella butleri, Mucor rouxii, Mucor racemosus and Rhizopus oryzae have been studied extensively. Isolation of chitosan are reported from few edible basidiomycetous fungi like Agaricus bisporus, Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus sajor-caju. Other organisms from mycotech industries explored for chitosan production are Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other wine yeasts. Number of aspects such as value addition to the existing applications of fungi, utilization of waste from agriculture sector, and issues and challenges for the production of fungal chitosan to compete with existing sources, metabolic engineering and novel applications have been discussed to adjudge the potential of fungal sources for commercial chitosan production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel production from Mucor circinelloides biomass was investigated by conventional method involving the lipid extraction using ethanol followed by transesterification (two-step process) in comparison with directly producing from the whole biomass without extraction (one-step process). Both processes used solid heteropolyacid catalyst (12-molybdophosphoric acid (H 3 PMo 12 O 40 ) support on alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) under conditions previously set up (200 °C for 4 h). Either one or two-step process was able to convert the microbial lipids into ethyl esters (FAEE) with high yields (97%), though the former simplifies the production process due to the elimination of an oil extraction step that incurs oil loss. Moreover, to minimize the energy used for dewatering, this method can be also used for transesterification of wet M. circinelloides biomass. Direct transesterification of wet biomass greatly simplifies the process of FAEE production by eliminating the drying and oil extraction steps, making this a renewable and environmental friendly process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotransformation of 8β-hydroxy-african-4(5)-en-3-one angelate by the fungus Mucor plumbeus afforded as main products 6α,8β-dihydroxy-african-4(5)-en-3-one 8β-angelate and 1α,8β-dihydroxy-african-4(5)-en-3-one 8β-angelate, which had been obtained, together with the substrate, from transformed root cultures of Bethencourtia hermosae . This fact shows that the enzyme system involved in these hydroxylations in both organisms, the fungus and the plant, acts with the same regio- and stereospecificity. In addition another twelve derivatives were isolated in the incubation of the substrate, which were identified as the (2′R,3′R )- and (2′S,3′S) -epoxy derivatives of the substrate and of the 6α- and 1α-hydroxy alcohols, the 8β- (2′R,3′R) - and 8β- (2′S,3′S) -epoxyangelate of 8β,15-dihydroxy-african-4(5)-en-3-one, the hydrolysis product of the substrate, and three isomers of 8β-hydroxy-african-4(5)-en-3-one 2ξ,3ξ-dihydroxy-2-methylbutanoate. The insect antifeedant effects of the pure compounds were tested against chewing and sucking insect species along with their selective cytotoxicity against insect (Sf9) and mammalian (CHO) cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the cheese industry context, Mucor species exhibit an ambivalent behavior as some species are essential “technological” organisms of some cheeses while others can be spoiling agents. Previously, we observed that cheese “technological” species exhibited higher optimal growth rates on cheese related matrices than on synthetic media. This growth pattern combined with morphological differences raise the question of their adaptation to cheese. In this study, using a comparative proteomic approach, we described the metabolic pathways of three Mucor strains considered as “technological” or “contaminant” in the cheese environment ( M. lanceolatus UBOCC-A-109153, M. racemosus UBOCC-A-109155, M. circinelloides CBS 277-49) as well as a non-cheese related strain ( M. endophyticus CBS 385-95). Overall, 15.8 to 19.0% of the proteomes showed a fold change ≥ 1.6 in Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) versus Cheese Agar (CA), a cheese mimicking-medium. The 289 differentially expressed proteins identified by LC MS-MS analysis were mostly assigned to energy and amino-acid metabolisms in PDA whereas a higher diversity of biological processes was observed for cheese related strains in CA. Surprisingly, the vast majority (72.9%) of the over-accumulated proteins were different according to the considered medium and strain. These results strongly suggest that the observed better adaptative response of “technological” strains to cheese environment is mediated by species-specific proteins. Biological significance The Mucor genus consists of a multitude of poorly known species. In the food context, few species are known for their positive role in the production of various food products, including cheese, while others are spoiling agents. The present study focused on the analysis of morphological and proteome differences of various Mucor spp. representative strains known as either positively (hereafter referred as “technological”) or negatively (hereafter referred as “contaminant”) associated with cheese or non-related to cheese (endophyte) on two different media, a synthetic medium and a cheese-mimicking medium. The main goal was to assess if adaptative traits of “technological” strains to the cheese environment could be identified. This work was based on observations we did in a recently published physiological study (Morin-Sardin et al., 2016). One of the important innovative aspects lies in the use for the first time of an extensive 2-DE approach to compare proteome variations for 4 strains on two different media. Results obtained offered an insight in the metabolic mechanisms associated with growth on a given medium and showed that adaptation to cheese environment is probably supported by species-specific proteins. The obtained data represent an essential step point for more targeted studies at the genomic and transcriptomic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apophysomyces is a rare fungal organism causing rhino-orbito-cerebral mycotic infections with high morbidity and mortality, typically in immunocompetent individuals. Several cases of Apophysomyces elegans orbital disease have been reported. Herein, we report a case of Apophysomyces variabilis infection involving the orbit, sinuses, and calvarium in an immunocompetent 74-year-old woman, with a review of the literature. Unlike prior cases of A. elegans classic rhino-orbito-cerebral infection, our case included diffuse calvarial lytic lesions and overlying soft tissue nodules, but without parenchymal intracranial involvement. There was radiographic and clinical evidence of infarction of the orbital contents and cavernous sinus thrombosis. Anastomoses between the superior orbital (ophthalmic) vein and diploic veins of the calvarium are believed to be primarily responsible for the unusual mode of spread on the extradural surface of the brain. Although the patient stabilized without definitive surgical intervention, her disease slowly and intermittently progressed for over a year after presentation, requiring multiple courses of antifungal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucor racemosus is the predominant fungal in the zhiqu stage of the fermentation of Yongchuan Douchi (Mucor -type), which plays an important role in the fermentation process of Yongchuan Douchi. However, there is a lack of information on the genetic analysis of M. racemosus. In this study, we isolated and identified M. racemosus C (accession no JAPEHQ000000000) from Yongchuan Douchi and analyzed the physiological indicators, then genomic information of the strain to perform a comprehensive analysis of its fermentation capacity and safety. M. racemosus C had neutral protease activity up to 68.051 U/mL at 30 °C and alkaline protease activity up to 57.367 U/mL at 25 °C. In addition, comparing the genomic data with the COGs database (NCBI), it was predicted that M. racemosus C undergoes extensive amino acid metabolism, making C suitable for the production of fermented foods (e.g. , Douchi, Syoyu, and sufu). Finally, we performed virulence genes and resistance genes analysis, hemolysis experiment, aflatoxins assay, antibiotic resistance assay to evaluate the safety of M. racemosus C, and the results showed that M. racemosus C was safe, non-toxin-producing and non-hemolytic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein kinase A (PKA) activity is involved in dimorphism of the basal fungal lineage Mucor . From the recently sequenced genome of Mucor circinelloides we could predict ten catalytic subunits of PKA. From sequence alignment and structural prediction we conclude that the catalytic core of the isoforms is conserved, and the difference between them resides in their amino termini. This high number of isoforms is maintained in the subdivision Mucoromycotina. Each paralogue, when compared to the ones form other fungi is more homologous to one of its orthologs than to its paralogs. All of these fungal isoforms cannot be included in the class I or II in which fungal protein kinases have been classified. mRNA levels for each isoform were measured during aerobic and anaerobic growth. The expression of each isoform is differential and associated to a particular growth stage. We reanalyzed the sequence of PKAC (GI 20218944), the only cloned sequence available until now for a catalytic subunit of M. circinelloides . PKAC cannot be classified as a PKA because of its difference in the conserved C-tail; it shares with PKB a conserved C2 domain in the N-terminus. No catalytic activity could be measured for this protein nor predicted bioinformatically. It can thus be classified as a pseudokinase. Its importance can not be underestimated since it is expressed at the mRNA level in different stages of growth, and its deletion is lethal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of microbial succession on the quality and flavor of sufu in the process of pure strain fermentation remains unclear. In this study, Mucor wutungkiao 40477 was used as a starter culture to investigate the changes of physicochemical properties and flavor compounds of Mucor wutungkiao -fermented sufu during fermentation and the correlation with microorganisms. The results revealed that the levels of amino acid nitrogen and total acid gradually increased, and the pH, hardness and elasticity of the sufu gradually decreased. 17 free amino acids were detected, and umami amino acid mainly contributed to taste of Mucor wutungkiao -fermented sufu. A total of 51 flavor compounds were identified, among which esters accounted for the highest proportion. Unclassifiled_f_Enterobacteriaceae , Lactococcus and Aspergillus presented as the primary microorganism during fermentation process. In addition, the correlation between microbial community and physicochemical properties and flavor was found. This study provided information for analysis of Mucor wutungkiao -fermented sufu at different fermentation periods in terms of the microbial diversity and physicochemical properties, which can be useful for producing sufu products through pure culture fermentation. • Umami amino acid mainly contributed to sufu taste. • Esters was dominant volatile compounds in sufu. • Unclassifiled_f_ Enterobacteriaceae, Lactococcus and Aspergillus were the main flora. • Microbial community affected the physicochemical properties and flavor components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

n -Octyl oleate was synthetized by enzymatic esterification reaction of oleic acid and n -octanol. Lipases from porcine pancreatic (PPL), Mucor javanicus (MJL), Candida sp. (CALA), Rhizomucor miehei (RML) and Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL) were immobilized via interfacial activation on poly-methacrylate particles (PMA) and tested as biocatalysts. Their catalytic properties were determined in the hydrolysis of olive oil emulsion. Among them, TLL–PMA was the biocatalyst that yielded the highest hydrolytic activity (217.8 ± 1.1 IU/g) and immobilized protein loading (37.5 ± 0.4 mg/g). This biocatalyst was also the most active in n -octyl oleate synthesis, thus selected for further studies. Maximum conversion percentage of 95.1 ± 1.3% was observed after 60 min of reaction at 45 °C, 10% m/v of TLL–PMA, and molar ratio oleic acid: n -octanol of 1:1.5 in a solvent-free system. The biocatalyst fully retained its original activity after twelve cycles of reaction of 60 min each. The product was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy analysis and their physico-chemical properties were determined according to ASTM standard methods. These results show that the immobilization of an alkalophilic and thermostable lipase (TLL) on PMA particles allowed the preparation of a highly active biocatalyst in hydrolysis and esterification reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing anthropogenic pollution of aquatic environments and fresh water scarcity worldwide have prompted the development of low-cost and effective water treatment alternatives. One example of a highly released anthropogenic xenobiotics is acetaminophen (APAP), which has been detected in surface waters at concentrations as high as 5 μg L −1 . To date, traditional water treatment plants were unable to remove all pharmaceutical xenobiotics and as in the case with APAP, the breakdown products are toxic. Phytoremediation has proved to remove xenobiotics efficiently producing no toxic breakdown products, however, they are often restrained in their application range. Therefore, it was necessary to find alternate remediation tools to extend and complement the application ranges of existing bioremediation techniques. With the success of mycoremediation as well as the adaptability of fungi, Mucor hiemalis was investigated in terms of its APAP uptake capabilities. The investigation included the examination of concentration- and time-dependent uptake studies to examine the effects of each of these parameters independently. Additionally, the extracellular peroxidase activity of M. hiemalis was measured with exposure to APAP to evaluate possible breakdown and the antioxidative stress enzymes, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, were assayed to investigate whether APAP caused oxidative stress. The results showed that M. hiemalis was able to internalize between 1 and 2 μg APAP per g dried fungal biomass when exposed to 5, 10, 50 and 100 ng mL −1 APAP for 24–48 h, but not beyond this time frame. Further, exposure to APAP did not result in elevated extracellular peroxidase activity or oxidative stress. The findings led to the conclusion that M. hiemalis could be integrated in bioremediation systems, for short-term degradation at low concentrations of APAP with effective management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ene-reductases are flavoproteins able to catalyse the reduction of carbon-carbon double bonds with many potential applications in biocatalysis. The fungus Mucor circinelloides MUT44 has high ene-reductase activity when grown in the presence of substrates carrying different electron-withdrawing groups. Genome sequencing revealed the presence of ten putative genes coding for ene-reductases that can be potentially exploited for biocatalytic purposes. To this end, the availability of a method able to predict which isoform binds and turns over a specific substrate would help to choose the best catalyst for the desired bioconversion. Here, homology models of the ten putative enzymes are first generated, validated and show that the proteins share the typical TIM barrel fold with a conserved β-hairpin cap on one side of the barrel and a non-conserved subdomain capping the other side, where the FMN cofactor is accommodated. The active site of the ten enzymes is different in terms of both volume and charge distribution whereas the residues responsible for substrate recognition and catalysis are generally conserved. Docking of cyclohexenone into the active site of the ten enzymes shows a binding almost superimposable to that found in pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase in complex with this substrate (PDB ID 1GVQ ) in isoforms 1, 2, 6 and 10. The data demonstrate that in silico predictions can be used for new putative fungal ene-reductases to predict the best substrate-enzyme matching for the selection of the most suitable catalyst for the desired biotransformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rape straw and Miscanthus giganteus was pretreated chemically with oxalic acid or sodium hydroxide. The pretreated substrates were hydrolyzed with enzymatic preparations of cellulase, xylanase and cellobiase. The highest concentration of reducing sugars was achieved after hydrolysis of M. giganteus pretreated with NaOH (51.53 g dm −3 ). In turn, the highest yield of enzymatic hydrolysis determined based on polysaccharides content in the pretreated substrates was obtained in the experiments with M. giganteus and oxalic acid (99.3%). Rape straw and M. giganteus hydrolysates were fermented using yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae 7, NRRL 978 or filamentous fungus Mucor rouxii ( Mucor indicus ) DSM 1191. The highest ethanol concentration was determined after fermentation of M. giganteus hydrolysate pretreated with NaOH using S. cerevisiae (1.92% v/v). Considering cellulose content in the pretreated solid, the highest degree of its conversion to ethanol (86.2%) was achieved after fermentation of the hydrolysate of acid-treated M. giganteus using S. cerevisiae . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer confidence in the food industry is severely affected by large-scale spoilage incidents. However, relatively little research exists on spoilage potential of members of the fungal subphylum Mucormycotina (e.g. Mucor ), which includes dimorphic spoilage organisms that can switch between a yeast-like and hyphal phase depending on environmental conditions. The presence of Mucor circinelloides in yogurt may not cause spoilage, but growth and subsequent changes in quality (e.g. container bloating) can cause spoilage if not controlled. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects on M. circinelloides of pasteurization regimen, natamycin concentrations, and storage temperature in yogurt production, as measured by fungal proliferation and carbon dioxide production. A strain of M. circinelloides isolated from commercially spoiled yogurt showed greater yogurt-spoilage potential than clinical isolates and other industrial strains. D -values and z -values were determined for the spoilage isolate in milk as an evaluation of the fungus' ability to survive pasteurization. Natamycin was added to yogurt at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppm (μg/ml) to determine its ability to inhibit M. circinelloides over the course of month-long challenge studies at 4 °C, 15 °C, and 25 °C. Survivors were recovered on acidified PDA and carbon dioxide levels were recorded. The D -values at 54 °C, 56 °C, and 58 °C for hyphae/sporangiospores were (in min) 38.31 ± 0.02, 10.17 ± 0.28, and 1.94 ± 0.53, respectively, which yielded a z -value of 3.09 °C. The D -values at 51 °C, 53 °C, and 55 °C for yeast-like cells were (in min) 14.25 ± 0.12, 6.87 ± 1.19, and 2.44 ± 0.35, respectively, which yielded a z -value of 0.34 °C. These results indicated that M. circinelloides would not survive fluid milk pasteurization if contamination occurred prior to thermal treatment. CO 2 production was only observed when M. circinelloides was incubated under low-oxygen conditions, and occurred only at temperatures above 4 °C. Addition of 10 ppm and greater of natamycin inhibited the growth and CO 2 production of M. circinelloides under moderate temperature abuse when compared to the untreated control. These data suggest that yogurt spoilage (container bloating) caused by anaerobic growth of M. circinelloides is due to post-pasteurization contamination. Temperature abuse facilitated spoilage as CO 2 production was observed in yogurt incubated at 15 °C and 25 °C, but not at 4 °C. The addition of at least 10 ppm of natamycin prevented M. circinelloides growth in both hyphal and yeast-like phases, as well as CO 2 production in temperatures of up to 15 °C for 30 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fibrinolytic protease from M. subtilissimus UCP 1262 was recovered and partially purified by polyethylene glycol (PEG)/sodium sulfate aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS). The simultaneous influence of PEG molar mass, PEG concentration and sulfate concentration on the enzyme recovery was first investigated using a 2 3 full factorial design, and the Response Surface Methodology used to identify the optimum conditions for enzyme extraction by ATPS. Once the best PEG molar mass for the process had been selected (6000 g/mol), a two-factor central composite rotary design was applied to better evaluate the effects of the other two independent variables. The fibrinolytic enzyme was shown to preferentially partition to the bottom phase with a partition coefficient ( K ) ranging from 0.2 to 0.7. The best results in terms of enzyme purification were obtained with the system formed by 30.0% (w/w) PEG 6000 g/mol and 13.2% (w/w) sodium sulfate, which ensured a purification factor of 10.0, K of 0.2 and activity yield of 102.0%. SDS–PAGE and fibrin zymography showed that the purified protease has a molecular mass of 97 kDa and an apparent isoelectric point of 5.4. When submitted to assays with different substrates and inhibitors, it showed selectivity for succinyl- l -ala-ala-pro- l -phenylalanine- p -nitroanilide and was almost completely inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, behaving as a chymotrypsin-like protease. At the optimum temperature of 37° C, the enzyme residual activity was 94 and 68% of the initial one after 120 and 150 min of incubation, respectively. This study demonstrated that M. subtilissimus protease has potent fibrinolytic activity compared with similar enzymes produced by solid-state fermentation, therefore it may be used as an agent for the prevention and therapy of thrombosis. Furthermore, it appears to have the advantages of low cost production and simple purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This paper describes our experience in the management of acute and chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFRS) in adults. Methods Medical files of all patients aged >18 years treated in our institutions for IFRS from 2002 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Results A total of 18 cases (10 acute and 8 chronic) were recorded. In acute form, haematological malignancies represented the principal comorbidity (100%), while in chronic form this was diabetes mellitus (87.5%). All patients received systemic antifungal agents. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in 16/18 patients (88.9%). Among patients with an acute IFRS, 4/10 died of fungal infection (40%), on the other side 2/8 patients with chronic IFRS died of the evolution of the mycosis (25%). Conclusions Acute and chronic IFRS are different entities: in acute form, prognosis is poor, so therapy should be promptly performed, although host immune status and evolution of the haematological disease are key factors for the outcome. In chronic form, a wide surgical excision of the disease is recommended in order to obtain a complete removal of fungal infection. In both forms, early clinical findings are non-specific and ambiguous, so diagnosis depends on a high index of suspicion, taking into account predisposing factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive fungal infections are most commonly seen in immunocompromised patients and usually affect the respiratory system. Gastrointestinal system involvement of mucormycosis and invasive aspergillosis is rarely reported in childhood. Here we describe a 5 year old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who developed invasive fungal infection particularly affecting the lower gastrointestinal system to emphasise the difficulties in diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical and microbial modifications are not common with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This paper presents a novel green hybrid technique for the PVC degradation using biodegradation followed by chemical modification, using glycerol and urea (C-PVC). Mucor rouxii specie is found to be susceptible towards C-PVC bio-degradation. Chemical change in PVC was monitored by observing change in the C C, C H and C Cl bond environment using IR spectroscopy followed by dechlorination study. Role of ZnO in chemical modification was observed by elemental analysis. Thermogravimetric with IR study justified microbial participation in the degradation and found that M . rouxii modified C-PVC (M-PVC) considerably reduces degradation time and temperature. Degradation temperature for C-PVC and M-PVC was noted as 550 °C and 450 °C, as compared with PVC 600 °C. Degradation pattern was also investigated by surface morphological using AFM analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]