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A novel acidic exochitinase gene (Ptchi18a) from the thermophilic fungus Paecilomyces thermophila J18 was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris. The highest chitinase activity of 75.9 U/mL was obtained by high cell density fermentation, which represents the highest yield for fungal chitinases to date. The recombinant enzyme (Ptchi18a) exhibited maximal activity at pH 5.5 and 60 ℃, respectively. It hydrolyzed colloidal chitin to yield mainly N -acetyl chitobiose (93.6%, w/w), exhibiting a typical exo-type action manner. Ptchi18a efficiently degraded the cell walls of Ganoderma lucidum spores accompany with cellulose for the extraction of bioactive components. The extraction ratios of bioactive polysaccharides, lipids and triterpenoids reached to 3.18%, 16.37% and 1.89% (w/w), respectively, which were 27, 9 and 4 times higher than that without enzymatic pretreatment. The unique properties may make Ptchi18a a good candidate for the bioconversion of chitin materials as well as the bio-extraction of bioactive components from chitin-rich plants or microorganisms. [Display omitted] • A novel acidic exochitinase gene (Ptchi45) was expressed in Pichia pastoris. • The highest chitinase activity of 75.9 U/mL was obtained in a 5–L fermentor. • Ptchi45 was purified to homogeneity and biochemically characterized. • Ptchi45 is suitable for the production of high purity N -acetyl chitobiose. • Ptchi45 can be used to extract the bioactive components from G. lucidum spores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filamentous fungi have potential as an alternative protein source for use in aquafeeds due to their high protein content and bioactive components. Paecilomyces variotii (PEKILO® mycoprotein) is a β-glucan- and nucleotide-rich filamentous fungi with a crude protein (CP) content of 60–70%. A 9-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of P. variotii in diets for Atlantic salmon (initial average body weight of 24 g fish−1) reared in freshwater. Four experimental diets were formulated. Diet 1 was a control diet based on fish meal, soy protein concentrate, and wheat gluten meal. Diets 2, 3, and 4 were formulated so that P. variotii replaced 5, 10, and 20% of the CP content of the diets, respectively. Results showed that dietary inclusion of P. variotii was associated with changes in physical pellet quality, including significant linear (p < 0.0001) and/or quadratic (p < 0.01) decreases in pellet length, width, expansion, and durability. Conversely, significant linear (p < 0.0001) and quadratic (p < 0.025) increases in water activity, bulk density, and water stability index were associated with increasing replacement of the CP content of the diets with P. variotii. There were no significant differences in weight gain, growth rate or feed intake among fish fed the experimental diets (p > 0.05), but a significant linear improvement (p < 0.025) in feed conversion ratio (FCR) with increasing dietary inclusion of P. variotii was observed. The apparent digestibility coefficients for CP and gross energy of the experimental diets decreased linearly (p < 0.01) with increasing dietary levels of P. variotii. Similar results were observed for the essential and non-essential amino acids. Despite reduced digestibility, linear increases in nitrogen (p < 0.01), energy (p < 0.025), and mineral (p < 0.001) retention efficiencies were associated with increasing dietary levels of P. variotii. In the distal intestine, dietary inclusion of P. variotii resulted in significant (p < 0.05) upregulation of several cytokines (ifng , il10 , and tgfb), effector molecules (inos , arg 1 , sod), and transcription factors (irf4), suggesting both activation and control of the inflammatory response in this key mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. Overall, replacement of 20% of the CP content of the diet with P. variotii reduced digestibility of the experimental diets, but did not affect growth performance and improved FCR and nutrient utilization efficiency of salmon. Thus, P. variotii is a promising ingredient with potential for use in salmonid aquafeeds to improve fish performance and health. • P. variotii can replace 20% of the crude protein content in diets for Atlantic salmon. • Dietary inclusion of P. variotii significantly improved feed conversion ratio. • P. variotii was associated with increases in nutrient utilization efficiency. • P. variotti was associated with improved gut health. • P. variotii exhibited immuno-modulatory capacity in the distal intestine of salmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paecilomyces hepiali is a precious health-care edible medicinal fungus with rich polysaccharides and exhibits various biological activities. Polysaccharides from P. hepiali fermentation broth (PHP) exhibits good immunomodulatory activity; however, the mechanism underlying PHP-mediated regulation of immunity and gut microbiota remains unclear. To reveal the mechanisms, PHP of different doses were used to intervene cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressive model mice. The results revealed that PHP facilitated the secretion of serum cytokines, increased the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, it improved the physical barrier function of the intestine by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins. PHP increased the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, including, Actinobacteriota, Alistipes , Candidatus_Saccharimonas and unclassified_Clostridia_vadinBB60_group , and reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria, Deferribacterota, Mucispirillum and Escherichia_Shigella , promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids, which were positively associated with immune traits. Thus, as an immune enhancer, PHP has the potential to regulate the intestinal immune response in immunosuppressed mice through modulating gut microbiota. [Display omitted] • Paecilomyces hepialid polysaccharides (PHP) showed immunomodulatory effects. • PHP improved the barrier function by upregulating tight junction expression. • PHP regulated gut microbiota and promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids. • TLR4/NF-κB pathway plays important roles in the immunomodulatory effects of PHP. • PHP has the potential to be developed as a novel functional ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the supramolecular structure features and immunomodulatory effects of two exopolysaccharide fractions (EPS1 and EPS2) from Paecilomyces cicada TJJ1213 in vitro. AFM images revealed that EPS1 and EPS2 displayed different morphological features at different concentrations. Congo red and XRD assay further proved that EPS1 and EPS2 mainly exhibited amorphous structure with random coil conformation in solution. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory effect of EPSs was investigated on RAW264.7 cells. Results showed that EPS1 and EPS2 could enhance the phagocytic activity and induce the NO production and could also significantly up-regulate the mRNA expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ and IL-4. Western blot assay analysis demonstrated that EPSs increased protein expression of TLR4 and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p50/p65. Additionally, the phosphorylation levels of MAPKs proteins (p38, ERK and JNK) were also remarkably increased. Thus, EPSs could active TLR4-NF-κB/MAPKs signaling pathways to exert the immunomodulatory effect on macrophages. [Display omitted] • Two fractions (EPS1 and EPS2) were isolated from Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213. • EPS1 and EPS2 mainly exhibited amorphous structure with random coil conformation. • Present study for the first time demonstrated the potential immunomodulatory effect of EPS1 and EPS2 in vitro. • The immunomodulatory effect of EPS was through NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolic process of polysaccharides in gastrointestinal digestions and the effects of the resulting carbohydrates on the composition of gut microbes are important to explore their prebiotic properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the simulated digestion and fecal fermentation in vitro of three fractions (PHEPSs-1, PHEPSs-2 and PHEPSs-3) purified from the crude exopolysaccharides of Paecilomyces hepiali HN1 (PHEPSs) and to explore the potential prebiotic mechanisms. The three purified fractions were characterized by HPLC, UV, FT-IR, SEM and AFM, and they were all of galactoglucomannan family with molecular weight of 178, 232 and 119 kDa, respectively. They could resist the simulated gastrointestinal digestions, but they were metabolized in fecal fermentation in vitro. Furthermore, the mannose in PHEPSs showed a higher utilization rate than that of glucose or galactose. The proliferation effects of PHEPSs on Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were weaker significantly than those of fructooligosaccharides before 12 h of fecal fermentation, but stronger after 24 h of fecal fermentation. Meanwhile, higher levels of short-chain fatty acids were found in PHEPSs groups when the fecal fermentation extended to 36 h. Therefore, PHEPSs are expected to have a potent gut healthy activity and can be explored as functional food ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the in vitro simulated digestion and fecal fermentation behaviors of two purified exopolysaccharide fractions (EPS1 and EPS2) from Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213 and its effects on human gut microbiota composition. Results showed that EPS1 and EPS2 could not be digested by saliva-gastrointestinal. After fecal fermentation, however, the molecular weight of EPS1 and EPS2 significantly decreased, and the molar ratios of the monosaccharide composition remarkably changed, indicating that EPS1 and EPS2 could be degraded and consumed by human gut microbiota. Notably, EPS1 and EPS2 could significantly modulate the composition, via increasing the relative abundances of Bacteroides and Phascolarctobacterium and decreasing the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia-Shigella, Klebsiella and Fusobacterium. In addition, EPS1 and EPS2 also could promote the production of short-chain fatty acids during fermentation for 24 h. These results suggested that EPS from Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213 can be used as a functional food to improve health and prevent diseases by promoting gut health. [Display omitted] • EPS1 and EPS2 from P. cicadae TJJ1213 was mainly composed of mannose and galactose. • EPS1 and EPS2 were not digested in stimulated saliva, gastric and intestinal conditions. • EPS1 and EPS2 were degraded and utilized by intestinal microbiota. • EPS fermentation promoted the production of short chain fatty acids. • EPS fermentation enhanced the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hard apple cider is considered to be a low-risk product for food spoilage and mycotoxin contamination due to its alcoholic nature and associated food sanitation measures. However, the thermotolerant mycotoxin-producing fungus Paecilomyces niveus may pose a significant threat to hard cider producers. P. niveus is known to infect apples (Malus x domestica), and previous research indicates that it can survive thermal processing and contaminate finished apple juice with the mycotoxin patulin. To determine if hard apple cider is susceptible to a similar spoilage phenomenon, cider apples were infected with P. niveus or one of three patulin-producing Penicillium species and the infected fruits underwent benchtop fermentation. Cider was made with lab inoculated Dabinett and Medaille d'Or apple cultivars, and patulin was quantified before and after fermentation. Results show that all four fungi can infect cider apples and produce patulin, some of which is lost during fermentation. Only P. niveus was able to actively grow throughout the fermentation process. To determine if apple cider can be treated to hinder P. niveus growth, selected industry-grade sanitation measures were tested, including chemical preservatives and pasteurization. High concentrations of preservatives inhibited P. niveus growth, but apple cider flash pasteurization was not found to significantly impact spore germination. This study confirms that hard apple cider is susceptible to fungal-mediated spoilage and patulin contamination. P. niveus is an important concern for hard apple cider producers due to its demonstrated thermotolerance, survival in fermentative environments, and resistance to sanitation measures. • Three Penicillium spp. and P. niveus were able to infect traditional cultivars. • P. niveus grew in finished fermented cider at 5.2 % ethanol. • High patulin levels in cider persisted even after fermentation. • P. niveus was able to grow in low concentrations of three preservatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The α-galactosidase gene (PtGal36A) from Paecilomyces thermophila was expressed in E. coli. • The recombinant enzyme (PtGal36A) was optimally active at pH 5.0 and 60 °C, respectively. • PtGal36A efficiently degraded raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) in soybean meal. • PtGal36A exhibited excellent stability in the presence of various proteases. • PtGal36A may be a good candidate for potential applications in food and feed industries. A novel glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 36 α-galactosidase gene (designated PtGal36A) from Paecilomyces thermophila was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The deduced sequence of the gene shared the highest identity of 87% with the characterized α-galactosidase from Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4. The recombinant enzyme (PtGal36A) was purified to homogeneity with a purification fold of 11.0 and a recovery yield of 55.2%. PtGal36A was most active at pH 5.0 and 60 °C and was stable within the pH range of 4.5-11.5 and up to 50 °C. PtGal36A displayed strict specific activity towards substrates with α-galactosyl linkages in the nonreducing ends, with the highest activity on stachyose (58.5 U/mg), followed by melibiose (39.2 U/mg) and raffinose (31.4 U/mg). The enzyme efficiently hydrolyzed raffinose family oligosaccharides in soybean meal by more than 95%. Moreover, PtGal36A showed excellent resistance (residual activities >90%) against α-chymotrypsin, proteinase K, subtilisin A, trypsin and papain. Therefore, PtGal36A should be a good candidate for the food and feed industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we demonstrate that chitosan is produced from Paecilomyces saturatus fungi using ternary monosaccharide carbon sources liquid cultivation via mixture design strategy. Sixteen experiments were carried out to obtain regression equations of fungal dry mycelial biomass (W), chitosan ratio (R), and deacetylation degree (DD) for plotting contour lines. Contour lines reveal that the maximum W, R, and DD can be simultaneously obtained in cultivated media containing 20% glucose, 60% fructose and 20% mannitol rather than pure monosaccharide cultivation. Three additional confirmation experiments based on the maximum FuCS deacetylation degree had been performed to confirm to be 92.3% via Fourier-transform infrared spectra. Accordingly, FuCS possessed much better anti-microbial activity on E. coli than commercial chitosan (CrCS). Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction results confirmed that FuCS possessed both α and γ crystalline peaks while CrCS possessed only α crystalline peak, being collaborated with thermogravimetric analysis results. The superior FuCS was obtained by using ternary monosaccharides system in fungal culture via mixture design for the first time. This study provides a new approach to produce chitosan from fungal cultivation by using the mixture design strategy. • Regression equations and contour plots were obtained via mixture design. • The optimal ternary monosaccharides medium reproducibility is confirmed with three repeating confirmation experiment. • Fungal chitosan possesses high deacetylation degree and superior antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this study we have explored the Paint deteriorating fungi from different geographical regions of India. • Deterioration of decorative coating by fungi. • Isolated fungi were identified on the basis of standard macro and micro morphological characteristics. • 42 fungi were identified and categorized to 8 different genera Aspergillus , Penicillium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Trititachium, Nigrospora, Nodulisporium and Paecilomyces. • Aspergillus was the dominant fungi in deteriorating the paint film. • It provides information on decorative paint deteriorating fungi, which will be useful to develop broad spectrum novel biocides. Decorative coating paint films are susceptible to the microbial attack. Microbes adhere to the surface of film and deteriorate the dry film that destructs the aesthetic and film properties of paint films. The present study divulges the paint deteriorating fungal diversity at different geographical regions of India. The swab samples were collected from fungal-ridden paint films at nine different geographical regions of India and 42 fungi were isolated through conventional approaches. Fungal isolates were identified basis standard macro morphological characteristics like colony texture, color, margin, elevation on Sabouraud dextrose agar plate and micro morphological characteristics like hyphal structure, spore and conidiophore arrangement. Total 42 fungal isolates were identified and categorized to 8 different genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Tritirachium, Nigrospora, Nodulisporium and Paecilomyces. It was observed that 52% of isolates belong to the genera Aspergillus , 14% belongs to genera Cladosporium and 14% belongs to genera Penicillium. Other isolates from genera Alternaria (7%) , Paecilomyces (4%), Tritirachium (3%) , Nigrosporium (3%) and Nodulisporium (3%) were the least ones on paint films across different regions of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic investigation on the secondary metabolites of Delphinium -associated fungus Paecilomyces marquandii afforded eight compounds, including six sorbicillinoid polyketides (1 – 6) and two ergosterol sterols (7 – 8). Among them, six compounds (1 – 5 , 8) were identified for the first time from the genus Paecilomyces , and seven compounds (1 – 5 , 7 – 8) have not previously been found in the fungus P. marquandii. The chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds was discussed. Some of the isolates (2 , 5 , and 6) showed limited distribution and could serve as chemotaxonomic markers to facilitate strain identification of P. marquandii. • Eight compounds were isolated from Paecilomyces marquandii. • Six compounds were identified for the first time from the genus Paecilomyces. • Seven compounds have not previously been found in P. marquandii. • Three isolates with limited distribution can serve as chemotaxonomic markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A slightly branched glucan was purified from cultured Paecilomyces cicadae. • Its backbone consisted of 1,4-linked α- d -Glc p and 1,4-linked 6- O -Me-α- d -Glc p residues. • The coin-like chain parameters of PCIPS3 were established. • It presented powerful scavenging effects on radicals and moderate immunomodulatory activity. The fine structure and chain conformation of a heteropolysaccharide (PCIPS3) from mycelium of Paecilomyces cicadae were investigated via the analysis of HPLC, IR, methylation, NMR spectroscopy and multiangle light scattering. It was determined to be a 2.23 × 104 g/mol heteropolysaccharide primarily composed of glucose, galactose and mannose in a molar ratio of 23.8:2.1:1.0. The PCIPS3 backbone consisted of 1,4-linked α- d -Glc p and 1,4-linked 6- O -Me-α- d -Glc p residues, which were occasionally interrupted by branched β-Gal f residues through 1,6-linkage. Moreover, the α (0.60) from Mark–Houwink–Sakurada (MHS) equation suggested that PCIPS3 adopted a flexible chain conformation in 0.1 mol/L NaNO 3 at 25 °C. The worm-like chains model parameters for PCIPS3 were estimated as following: M L = 437 nm−1, q = 0.46 nm and 0.79 nm, which were further evidenced by AFM. Furthermore, PCIPS3 showed excellent scavenging capacities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, ORAC radical and moderate immunomodulatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biomineralization of carbonate minerals, such as calcite, vaterite, aragonite, siderite, and dolomite, is an intensively studied phenomenon due to its practical application. This work aimed at studying carbonate-precipitating fungi isolated from a calthemite straw stalactite growing from a concrete ceiling of a building. The isolates were molecularly identified as the ascomycetes Paecilomyces inflatus and Plectosphaerella cucumerina. After 6 months of laboratory incubation, P. inflatus and P. cucumerina showed rates of CaCO 3 precipitation of 15.68 and 16.28 g L−1, respectively. A diffuse network of fungal hyphae, clothed with micrometric and well-formed crystals, was observed by SEM. XRD analysis of the precipitated crystals showed that vaterite and calcite crystals were associated with P. inflatus hyphae, whereas pure calcite crystals were observed in the presence of P. cucumerina. P. inflatus and P. cucumerina grew within pH ranges of 3–11 and 4 to 12, respectively. Furthermore, both microorganisms were able to precipitate pyromorphite and hydrocerussite when cultivated in broth amended with Pb2+. Such strains seem to represent particularly suitable candidates for concrete healing, bioremediation processes and soil and sand consolidation. To our best knowledge, this is the first time that P. inflatus and P. cucumerina are described as fungal species capable of biomineralizing carbonates. • The fungi P. cucumerina and P. inflatus were isolated from a calthemite. • The isolates were able to grow at highly alkaline pH and to precipitate Ca- and Pb-carbonates. • SEM analysis showed thick nets of hyphae surrounding carbonate crystals. • P. cucumerina was able to precipitate calcite, pyromorphite, and hydrocerussite. • P. inflatus was able to precipitate calcite, vaterite, pyromorphite, and hydrocerussite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co -4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB- co -4HB)]-degrading strain was isolated and identified as Paecilomyces sp. A novel P(3HB- co -4HB) depolymerase with a molecular weight of 55 kDa was purified by column chromatography from the culture supernatant of the strain. The purified depolymerase showed optimum activity at pH 6.0 and 30 °C, and it was stabilized at pH 4.0–7.0 and below 40 °C. The depolymerase degraded poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(hydroxybutyrate- co -hydroxyvalerate), and several short-chain-length esters other than P(3HB- co -4HB) but showed no remarkable activity on poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(L-lactic acid). The main enzymatic products comprised hydroxybutyrate monomers, including 3HB and 4HB. The enzymatic erosion rate on the films increased markedly with increasing fraction of 4HB units. Enzymatic hydrolysis processes of PHB and P(3HB- co -4HB) were systematically analyzed in three aspects: enzyme adsorption, single-polymer-chain dissociation, and chemical linkage breakdown. Results indicate that 4HB insertion caused no effect on the degradation of solid-phase PHB-derived material at the molecular chain level but affected enzyme adsorption and crystallinity of the materials. Hindering single-chain stripping by crystallinity dominantly affects the degradation behavior of the polymer. Highlights • A P(3HB- co -4HB)-degrading strain was isolated and its P(3HB- co -4HB)-degrading enzyme was purified and characterized. • Enzymatic hydrolysis processes of PHB and P(3HB- co -4HB)s were analyzed in three aspects. • 4HB insertion caused no effect at the molecular chain level but on enzyme adsorption and crystallinity of the materials. • Crystallinity hindering single-chain stripping dominantly affects the degradation behavior of the polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Different fungi, including the genera Aspergillus (Neosartorya), Paecilomyces (Byssochlamys) and Talaromyces , produce (asco)spores that survive pasteurization treatments and are regarded as the most stress-resistant eukaryotic cells. The sensitivity of the ascospores to treatments with industrial sanitizers containing chlorine dioxide and iodine (iodophors) has never been assessed before. Ascospores of 4 species of Eurotiales were tested and showed clear variations in sensitivity. The most resilient species, T. macrosporus and Pae. variotii (= B. spectabilis) survive 75, but not 200 ppm chlorine dioxide solution treatments. These species were able to survive 75 ppm iodine solution treatments, but relatively low amounts of ascospores (100–1000 spores) could be inactivated after 16 h of treatment. Inactivated spores did not show any sign of germination after 7 days following treatment on growth medium. As judged by microscopy, iodine inactivation resulted in visibly distorted ascospores. For the interpretation of results, the state of dormancy or activation of ascospores is highly important. Highlights • Ascospores of heat-resistant fungi are inactivated by acidified sodium chlorite, chlorine dioxide and iodine solutions. • There were differences among the heat-resistant mould species used in this study. • The status of dormancy of the ascospores is important for the interpretation of their inactivation by these sanitizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of non- Aspergillus mold pathogens has increased notoriously in the last decades with serious health consequences. The options of treatment for these microorganisms often resistant to a wide variety of antifungals is limited. Sertraline is an antidepressant with in vitro and in vivo antifungal properties which has been recently studied as an adjuvant in the treatment of invasive infections. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro interaction of sertraline with voriconazole and amphotericin B against Lomentospora prolificans , Scedosporium spp., Fusarium spp., Paecilomyces spp., Alternaria spp. and Curvularia spp. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration for sertraline were in the range of 8–32 μg/mL. Sertraline showed antifungal capacity against all fungi tested and synergism in combination with amphotericin B against some strains of Lomentospora prolificans , Scedosporium apiospermum and Alternaria alternata , antagonism with voriconazole against Purpureocillium lilacinum and indifference in both combinations for most of the other strains tested. These results suggest a potential role of sertraline as an adjuvant in the treatment of some of these serious mycoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paecilomyces catenlannulatus ( P. catenlannulatus ) as a genus of entomogenous fungus presented a variety of surface reactive groups by batch characterizations. The detoxification of U(VI) by P. catenlannulatus was investigated under different water chemistry (pH, incubation time, foreign anions and U(VI) concentration) by batch techniques. Approximately 75% of U(VI) was reduced to U(IV) (i.e., U (IV) O 2 (s)) by P. catenlannulatus at pH 5.5 and 7 days under glovebox conditions, therefore the formation of precipitates decreased the toxicity of U(VI) for P. catenlannulatus . In addition, phosphate facilitate the U(VI) reduction, whereas carbonate and sulfate inhibited the U(VI) reduction. The activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) level were stimulated exposure to 1-30 mg/L U(VI), indicating that CAT, SOD and GSH were antagonized for the oxidant stress derived from U(VI) at low concentrations. According to XPS and XANES analysis, the occurrence of U(IV) revealed the reduction of adsorbed U(VI) to U(IV) by P. catenlannulatus . The results of EXAFS analysis indicated that the fitting of U-O and U-U shell for U-loaded P. catenlannulatus was similar to that of U (IV) O 2 (s)). The formation of U-bearing precipitates decreased the toxicity of U(VI) for P. catenlannulatus . These findings indicated that P. catenlannulatus is capable to detoxify U(VI) by extracellar/intracellar defense systems. Therefore, P. catenlannulatus can be utilized as a promising bioadsorbents for remediation of uranium-contaminated wastewater in environmental cleanup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel 10-membered macrolactone, hypoxylide ( 1 ), was isolated from the endophytic fungus Annulohypoxylon sp. that was obtained from the Mangrove plant Rhizophora racemosa . The structure and absolute configuration of 1 were unambiguously elucidated by comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR, as well as by HRESIMS and ECD spectroscopic analyses. Hypoxylide ( 1 ) features an unprecedented polyketide skeleton comprised of a trihydroxynaphthalene-dione moiety fused to a decalactone ring. A plausible biosynthetic pathway of this novel metabolite is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of engineering materials is critical to the improvement of adsorption performance. In this study, the new adsorbent of magnetic iron oxide/biochar (MIO/B) composites was synthesized by one-pot pyrolysis of FeCl 2 -preloaded Paecilomyces catenlannulatus under N 2 conditions. The as-prepared composites were characterized by TEM, XPS, XRD and FT-IR techniques. The characteristic results showed that MIO/B composites presented a variety of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing functional groups. The effect of water chemistry on U(VI) adsorption towards MIO/B composites was investigated by batch techniques. The batch adsorption showed that U(VI) adsorption on MIO/B composites was independent of ionic strength at pH from 2.0 to 11.0, approximate 90% of U(VI) was removed by MIO/B composites at reaction time of 12 h. The maximum adsorption capacity of U(VI) on MIO/B composites calculated from Langmuir mode at pH 4.0 and 293 K was 74.63 mg/g. These findings are crucial for the practical application of biochar-based composites for the high effective enrichment of radionuclides from aqueous solutions in environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viriditoxin is a fungal secondary metabolite of the fungus Paecilomyces variotii derived from the inner tissues of the giant jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai. Viriditoxin exhibits antibacterial activity against Streptococcus iniae and Streptococcus parauberis , which are major pathogens of aqua cultured fish. Viriditoxin induced abnormal cell morphologies in the fish pathogens S. iniae and S. parauberis, presumably by inhibiting FtsZ polymerization as was previously observed in Escherichia coli . Synthetic analogues of viriditoxin, designed based on docking simulation results to FtsZ of Staphylococcus aureus , were prepared and compared with viriditoxin for antibacterial activity. Reconstitution of free hydroxyl or carboxyl groups of the methoxyl or methyl ester groups of viriditoxin led to significant reduction of antibacterial activity, implying that the natural molecule is optimized for antibacterial activity to deter bacteria potentially harmful to Paecilomyces . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study, the capability of Paecilomyces lilacinus XLA (CCTCC: M2012135) to reduce Cr 6+ and its main antagonistic mechanisms to Cr 6+ were experimentally evaluated. Activated growing fungus XLA efficiently reduced over 90% Cr 6+ in the media with Cr 6+ concentration below 100 mg L −1 at pH 6 after 14 days. After 1-day exposure to 100 mg L −1 Cr 6+ , nearly 50% of Cr 6+ was reduced. Moreover, SO 4 2− stimulated Cr 6+ reduction, whereas other interferential ions inhibited Cr 6+ reduction. The interaction mechanisms between XLA and Cr 6+ mainly involve biotransformation, biosorption, and bioaccumulation, as detected by electron microscopy and chemical methods. The lower concentrations of Cr 6+ (5 and 50 mg L −1 ) stimulated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) level in XLA, respectively, but the higher concentration of Cr 6+ (150 mg L −1 ) decreased the enzymatic activities and GSH concentration. The results implied that SOD, CAT and GSH were defensive guards to the oxidant stress produced by Cr 6+ . All these extracellular/intracellular defense systems endowed XLA with the ability to resist and detoxify Cr 6+ by transforming its valent species. The fungus XLA could efficiently reduce Cr 6+ under different environmental conditions (pH, interferential ions, and concentration). Moreover, XLA could endure the high concentration of Cr 6+ probably due to its high biotransformation capability of Cr 6+ and intracellular antioxidant systems for the detoxification of ROS generated by external Cr 6+ . All these results suggested that the fungus XLA can be applied to remediation of Cr 6+ -contaminated environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of P. lilacinus or A. niger to plants with M. javanica / P. carotovorum pv. carotovorum or X. campestris pv. carotae caused a significant increase in plant dry weight. Use of P. lilacinus and A. niger together to plants with single pathogen resulted in a greater increase in plant dry weight than the use of any of them. Similarly, application of P. lilacinus to plants with two or more pathogens in combinations caused 15.4–32.1% increase in plant dry weight while use of A. niger resulted in 9.6–19.9% increase. Increases in plant dry weight in these plants were 30.5–46.2% when both P. lilacinus and A. niger were applied together. Chlorophyll contents of pathogens inoculated plants were also increased by the application of P. lilacinus or A. niger or with both. Use of P. lilacinus caused a high reduction in galling and nematode multiplication than A. niger . Maximum reduction in galling and nematode multiplication was observed when P. lilacinus was used with A. niger. Inoculation of P. lilacinus/A. niger with P. carotovorum pv. carotovorum or X. campestris pv. carotae reduce soft rot and leaf blight indices to 2 while combined use of biocontrol agents reduce indices to 1. Disease indices were reduced 1- 3 when both biocontrol agents were used together to plants inoculated with two or more pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazilian biodiversity is among the biggest ones in the world, providing one of the major sources for bioprospection of new bioactive molecules. This study reports the isolation of new fungal strains from Brazilian biomes, aiming the biotechnological production of antimicrobial compounds against important microorganisms in the field of foodborne diseases, and difficult healing infections. First, 169 filamentous fungi were isolated from soil samples of Savannah and Atlantic Rainforest biomes in São Paulo State. The isolates were investigated about their inhibitory effect on the growth of five microorganisms ( Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus , Escherichia coli , Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica and Candida albicans ), by microdillution assay. Around 93.5% of the isolates showed antimicrobial activity. Among them, 13% presented high activity and were evaluated about their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Results revealed extracts with low MIC (0.31 mg mL −1 ) and with bactericidal and bacteriolytic activity. These fungi were identified as Trichoderma spp, Fusarium spp., Acremonium spp., Penicillium spp., and Paecilomyces spp. The Brazilian biomes presented themselves as interesting bioprospection spots of new sources of antimicrobial compounds, and this is the first report of antimicrobial potential of fungi from entire Atlantic rainforest or from this geographical area of Brazilian Savannah. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbohydrates are complex macromolecules in biological metabolism. Enzymatic synthesis of carbohydrates is recognized as a powerful tool to overcome the problems associated with large scale synthesis of carbohydrates. Novel enzymes with significant transglycosylation ability are still in great demand in glycobiology studies. Here we report a novel glycoside hydrolase family 16 "elongating" β-transglycosylase from Paecilomyces thermophila (PtBgt16A), which efficiently catalyzes the synthesis of higher polymeric oligosaccharides using β-1,3/1,4-oligosaccharides as donor/acceptor substrates. Further structural information reveals that PtBgt16A has a binding pocket around the -1 subsite. The catalytic mechanism of PtBgt16A is partly similar to an exo-glycoside hydrolase, which cleaves the substrate from the non-reducing end one by one. However, PtBgt16A releases the reducing end product and uses the remainder glucosyl as a transglycosylation donor. This catalytic mechanism has similarity with the catalytic mode of amylosucrase, which catalyzes the transglycosylation products gradually extend by one glucose unit. PtBgt16A thus has the potential tobeatoolenzymefortheenzymaticsynthesisofnewβ-oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

[Display omitted] • Exopolysaccharide (EPS) showed immunomodulatory effect on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced mice. • EPS could alleviate CTX induced-intestinal injury in mice. • EPS could modulate gut microbiota and enhance production of short chain fatty acids. • EPS regulated gut microbiota and metabolism and increased the abundance of probiotics. The exopolysaccharide (EPS) form Paecilomyces cicadae TJJ1213 possessed immunomodulatory activity in vitro , but whether it could regulate the immune system and intestinal microbiota in vivo remained unknown. In this study, the cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressive mouse model was established to explore the immunomodulatory activity of EPS. Results showed that EPS could increase the immune organ indices, promote the secretion of serum immunoglobulins and up-regulate the expression of cytokines. Additionally, EPS could repair CTX-induced intestinal injury by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins and promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids. Moreover, EPS could remarkably enhance immunity through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Furthermore, EPS regulated intestinal microbiota by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Muribaculaceae , Lachnospiraceae NK4A136, Bacteroides , Odoribacter) and reducing the level of harmful bacteria (Alistipes , Helicobacter). In conclusion, our study suggested that EPS had the abilities to enhance immunity, restore intestinal mucosal injury and modulate intestinal microbiota, and may serve as a potential prebiotic to maintain health in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paecilomyces cicadae are rich in resources and have promising research value and applications. A neutral branched heteropolysaccharide Pc0-1 has been extracted from it in our laboratory previously, the structural features and in vitro activity were also characterized. On this basis, the present research intended to investigate the potential mechanism by which Pc0-1 ameliorated cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppression in mice. The results demonstrated that Pc0-1 could alleviate the atrophy of immune organs and restore the tissue structure of the ileum. Pc0-1 could also alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory response through reducing the level of lipid peroxidation in serum and maintaining the balance of Th1 and Th2. Meanwhile, Pc0-1 was also able to activate the Nrf2- Keap1 signaling pathway and stabilize Nrf2 by decreasing Keap1 activity, thus promoting the role of NQO1 in maintaining redox stability and HO-1 in preventing inflammation. Furthermore, gut microbial sequencing indicated that Pc0-1 prevented the differential expansion of flora, increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae _NK4A136_group , decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria Desulfovibrio and Alistipes , and promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). All these results demonstrated that Pc0-1 could regulate Cy-induced immunosuppression and improve the structure of intestinal flora, providing some theoretical basis for the in-depth development and application of Pc0-1 as an immunomodulator. [Display omitted] • The effect of Pc0-1 on improving immunosuppression was evaluated. • Pc0-1 enhanced immune activity by regulating the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway. • Pc0-1 can modulate the gut microbial composition in immunosuppressed mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, five fungal strains viz., Aspergillus terreus AML02, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus 4099 , Beauveria bassiana 4580, Aspergillus terreus PD-17, Aspergillus fumigatus PD-18, were screened for simultaneous multimetal removal. Highest metal tolerance index for each individual metal viz., Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn (500 mg/L) was recorded for A. fumigatus for the metals (Cd, 0.72; Cu, 0.72; Pb, 1.02; Zn, 0.94) followed by B. bassiana for the metals (Cd, 0.56; Cu, 0.14; Ni, 0.29; Zn, 0.85). Next, the strains were exposed to multiple metal mixture (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) of various concentrations (6, 12, 18, 30 mg/L). Compared to other strains, B. bassiana and A. fumigatus had higher cube root growth (k) constants indicating their better adaptability to multi metal stress. After 72 h, multimetal accumulation potential of B. bassiana (26.94 ± 0.07 mg/L) and A. fumigatus (27.59 ± 0.09 mg/L) were higher than the other strains at initial multimetal concentration of 30 mg/L. However, considering the post treatment concentrations of individual metals in multimetal mixture (at all the tested concentrations), A. fumigatus demonstrated exceptional performance and could bring down the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn below the threshold level for irrigation prescribed by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two microbial isolates from oil polluted Red Sea water in Egypt, designated as RS-Y1 and RS-F3, were found capable of degrading Belayim mix (BX) crude oil. Strains RS-Y1 and RS-F3 were assigned to the genera Lipomyces tetrasporus and Paecilomyces variotii based on their morphological and physiological characteristics. Both isolates were compared for the biodegradation of crude petroleum-oil hydrocarbons in basal salt medium supplemented with 5% ( w / v ) of BX-crude oil. Gas chromatography profile showed that the biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) inoculated with L. tetrasporus (68.3%) and P. variotii (58.15%) along with their consortium (66%) significantly reduced TPHs levels as compared to the control after 30 days. L. tetrasporus (44.5%) was more effective than P. variotii strain (32.89%) in reducing the unresolved complex mixtures (UCM) content from the medium. Both isolates exhibited a strong growth over a wide range of salinity (5–45 g/L NaCl). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entomogenous fungus Paecilomyces gunnii was cultured in Chinese oolong tea medium and changes in the chemical composition of this fermented oolong tea are here explored. The alkaloids of this fermented oolong tea were isolated and purified using column chromatography over RP-18, Sephadex LH-20 and silica gel. Their structures were identified using NMR data and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography indicated that the caffeine in oolong tea was biotransformed to theophylline and 1,7-dimethylxanthine. It was concluded that Paecilomyces gunnii had the ability to perform N -demethylation to degrade caffeine to theophylline and 1,7-dimethylxanthines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Paecilomyces cateniannulatus ( P. cateniannulatus ) on Th(IV) adsorption by sepiolite were investigated by batch techniques. The batch adsorption showed that the adsorption of Th(IV) on sepiolite and sepiolite + P. catenlannulatus significantly increased with increasing of pH from 3.0 to 6.0, then remained the high-level adsorption. P. cateniannulatus significantly facilitated the adsorption of Th(IV) on sepiolite at pH 2.0–5.0, whereas inhibited adsorption was observed at pH > 6.0. The adsorption of Th(IV) on sepiolite + P. catenlannulatus was independent of ionic strength at pH from 3.0 to 9.0. The adsorption kinetics of Th(IV) on sepiolite and sepiolite + P. catenlannulatus can be satisfactorily simulated by pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacities of sepiolite and sepiolite + P. catenlannulatus for Th(IV) calculated Langmuir model at pH 3.0 and 293 K were 50.76 and 57.80 mg/g, respectively. Based on surface complexation modeling, the adsorption mechanism of Th(IV) on sepiocite + P. catenlannulatus was cation exchange/outer-sphere surface complexation at low pH, whereas inner-sphere surface complexation dominated the Th(IV) adsorption at high pH conditions. The findings presented in this study are of great importance towards understanding of fate and transport of heavy metals under natural aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new bicyclic fatty acids, paecilonic acids A and B ( 1 and 2 ), were isolated from the culture broth of the marine fungus Paecilomyces variotii derived from the jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai . Compounds 1 and 2 share the same molecular formula and possess a 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane core skeleton. The planar structures of compounds 1 and 2 were established by spectroscopic analysis, which included NMR and ESI-MS/MS. Relative and absolute configurations were determined by analyzing coupling constants, NOESY correlations, and optical rotations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization of extraction, characterization and antioxidant activity of mycelial polysaccharides from Paecilomyces hepiali HN1 (PHMPs) were investigated. As results, the optimal parameters for extraction of PHMPs were obtained by a Box–Behnken design as follows: extraction temperature 92 °C, extracting time 190 min and ratio of water to material 43 mL/g. The analysis of monosaccharide composition by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that PHMPs was composed of mannose, ribose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose and arabinose in molar ratio of 46.07:0.59:2.25:1.29:1.42:18.82:26.17:1.13:2.26, respectively. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that PHMPs had a significant protective effect against oxidative stress induced by d -galactose in mice, as evident by higher activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and level of total antioxidant capacity, as well as lower levels of malondialdehyde in serums and livers compared to the d -galactose-treated group. These results suggested that PHMPs could be explored as promising natural antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the antifungal activity of a polymer integrated with nano-porous charcoal particles against Paecilomyces variotii , Chaetomium globosum , Trichoderma virens , which are all filamentous fungi. The charcoal polymers were prepared by combining charcoal powders with plastic resin under a vacuum to form charcoal particle protrusions on the polymer surface. The mycelial growth of P. variotii and T. virens exhibited a reduction of 10 and 30%, respectively, after the conidia were pre-treated with charcoal polymers, and in particular, no mycelial growth was found in C. globosum during 5 days of culture. The adsorption of Ca 2+ into charcoal was suggested to inhibit growth due to the reduction in the flux of calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) into the hyphae. In 5 h, about 15 mM of Ca 2+ were removed from CaCl 2 solution with 0.2 g/mL of polymers, and the nano-sized pores of the charcoals on the polymer were responsible for the Ca 2+ adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A neutral heteropolysaccharide (PCIPS2) was isolated and purified from mycelium of Paecilomyces cicadae , which was investigated to be mainly composed of d -mannose, l -rhamnose, 3- O -methyl- d -galactose, d -glucose and d -galactose with a molar ratio of 47.9:3.1:6.4:0.9:0.8. It had a backbone of 1,4-linked α- l -Rha p residues and 1,6-linked α- d -Man p residues with branches at O -3 of α- d -Man p residues. Its side chain was comprised of minor terminal β- d -glucose and 1,4-linked α-3- O -Me- d -Gal p residues terminated by α- d -galactose. Furthermore, its chain information on the values of weight-average molar mass ( M w ), root mean square radius ( 〈 S 2 〉 z 1 / 2 ), hydrodynamic radius ( R h ) and intrinsic viscosity ([ η ]) for PCIPS2 were analyzed to be 3.09 × 10 4 g/mol, 7.8 nm, 3.6 nm and 8.5 mL/g, respectively. The structural exponent α of 0.57 indicated that PCIPS2 existed as a flexible chain conformation with a coil-like structure in 0.1 M NaNO 3 at 25 °C. In terms of known theory for worm-like chains, the model parameters for PCIPS2 were as following: molar mass per unit contour length ( M L ) = 379 nm −1 , persistence length ( q ) = 0.74 nm and hydrodynamic diameter of cylinder ( d ) = 0.82 nm, which were further evidenced by atomic force microscopy (AFM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alachlor is an herbicide that is widely used worldwide to protect plant crops against broadleaf weeds and annual grasses. However, due to its endocrine-disrupting activity, its application had been banned in the European Union. As described in our earlier work, Paecilomyces marquandii is a microscopic fungus capable of alachlor removal by N -acetyl oxidation. Our current work uses proteomics and metabolomics to gain a better understanding of alachlor biodegradation by the microscopic fungus P. marquandii . The data revealed that the addition of alachlor reduced the culture growth and glucose consumption rates. Moreover, the rates of glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acids (TCA) cycle increased during the initial stage of growth, and there was a shift toward the formation of supplementary materials (UDP-glucose/galactose) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers (ascorbate). Proteomic analysis revealed that the presence of xenobiotics resulted in a strong upregulation of enzymes related to energy, sugar metabolism and ROS production. However, the unique overexpression of cyanide hydratase in alachlor-containing cultures may implicate this enzyme as the key protein involved in the alachlor biodegradation pathway. The characterization of P. marquandii -mediated alachlor removal in terms of cell structure and function provides a deeper insight into the strategies of microorganisms toward xenobiotic biodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Paecilomyces cateniannulatus ( P. cateniannulatus ) on Ni(II) diffusion onto sepiolite was investigated by batch adsorption and their interaction mechanisms were determined by surface complexation modeling. At low pH, the diffusion of Ni(II) on sepiocite and sepiocite + P. cateniannulatus systems is primarily cation exchange and inner-sphere surface complexation, respectively. P. cateniannulatus facilitated the Ni(II) diffusion on sepiocite at pH < 5.0, whereas the inhibited diffusion was observed at pH > 5.0. According to surface complexation modeling, the diffusion of Ni(II) on sepiolite can be satisfactorily fitted by diffuse layer model with single amphoteric sorption sites (SOH) and ion exchange sites (XH), whereas the three type sites (strong sites (SsOH), weak sites (SwOH) and ion exchange sites (XH)) are assumed for sepiocite + P. cateniannulatus systems. The findings presented in this study are of great importance towards the investigation on Ni(II) diffusion at the water–mineral interface in the presence of bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Food waste collected from restaurants, convenience stores, and food-processing factories was mixed with sawdust and subjected to hydrothermal pretreatment at 180 °C for 30 min to prepare compost raw material. Furan compounds such as 5-HMF (5-hydroxymethyl furfural) and furfural were produced at concentration levels of approximately 8 and 0.5 mg/g-ds, respectively, through hydrothermal pretreatment. The furan compounds inhibited the activity of composting microorganisms, thus delaying the start of organic matter degradation during composting. A newly identified fungus, Paecilomyces sp. FA13, which possesses the ability to degrade furan compounds, was isolated and used as an inoculum for the composting of the raw material prepared by hydrothermal pretreatment. By inoculating the FA13 into the compost raw material at 10 5 CFU/g-ds, the degradation of furan compounds was accelerated. As a result, bacterial activity, which contributed to composting, was enhanced, significantly promoting the start of vigorous degradation of organic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tannase is an interesting enzyme due to its capacity to hydrolyze galotannins and polyphenol compounds. Tannase from Paecilomyces variotii has been produced from different residues, such as wheat, castor bean cake and pomegranate, and has shown great potential in Brazilian Citrus residue. The process of tannase production using solid-state fermentation was optimized and activity increased tenfold. The tannase produced showed optimum activity at pH 5.0, with 70 °C and 80% stability between pH 4.0–6.5 and 20–60 °C. The enzyme was then applied to orange juice by flavanone hydrolysis to increase antioxidant and functional activity. It was concluded that aglycon flavanones present higher functional activity than glycosylated flavanones. The results demonstrate the benefits of producing tannase (from a low-cost process) for the food industry. The enzyme reacts under a range of temperatures and pH levels, and increases the biological effects of orange juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the effects of several amendments on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita population, the melon production and some soil features. Treatments were: (i) virgin olive pomace (VOP) at rate of 22 t ha −1 , (ii) olive pomace based compost (COP) at rate of 9 t ha −1 , (iii) chicken manure (CM) at dose of 3 t ha −1 , (iv) CM plus the nematophagous fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus , (CMB) at 3 t ha −1 and 4 kg ha −1 , respectively and (v) the naturally infested and untreated control (CON). The doses of the amendments were calculated to provide the same amount of total nitrogen (ca. 120 kg ha −1 ). The experiment was carried out following a randomized block design with four replications for each treatment. The melon production significantly increased with CM and CMB in comparison to all other treatments ( P ≤ 0.05). VOP and COP enlarged the soil organic C, the total and organic N, and the exchangeable K content, while CM and CMB increased the inorganic N and available P content. The root gall index, the soil nematode population density and the reproduction rate were significantly reduced in all amended plots in comparison to CON. The use of P. lilacinus did not influence significantly the M. incognita population, suggesting that it is possible to manage the soil fertility and the root-knot nematode population by using organic amendments alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Paecilomyces catenlannulatus ( P. catenlannulatus ) on removal of U(VI) onto illite as a function of contact time, pH, ionic strength, and solution concentration was conducted by batch techniques. The adsorption kinetics indicated that the removal of U(VI) on illite and illite coated P. catenlannulatus can be fitted by pseudo-second order kinetic model very well. The removal of U(VI) on illite and illite coated P. catenlannulatus increased with increasing pH from 1.0 to 7.0, whereas the decrease of U(VI) adsorption on illite and illite coated P. catenlannulatus was observed at pH > 7.5. The adsorption behavior of U(VI) on illite and illite coated P. catenlannulatus can be simulated by the double diffuse model under various pH conditions. The ionic strength-dependent experiments showed that the removal of U(VI) on illite was outer-sphere surface complexation, whereas the inner-sphere surface complexation predominated the U(VI) adsorption onto illite coated P. catenlannulatus at pH 5.0–7.0. The maximum adsorption capacity of U(VI) on illite and illite coated P. catenlannulatus calculated from Langmuir model at pH 5.0 and T = 298 K was 46.729 and 54.347 mg/g, respectively, revealing enhanced adsorption of U(VI) on illite coated P. catenlannulatus . This paper highlights the effect of microorganism on the removal of radionuclides from aqueous solutions in environmental pollution management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paecilomyces lilacinus is an egg-parasitic fungus which is effective against plant-parasitic nematodes and it has been successfully commercialized for the control of many plant-parasitic nematodes. However, during the large-scale industrial fermentation process of the filamentous fungus, the dissolved oxygen supply is a limiting factor, which influences yield, product quality and production cost. To solve this problem, we intended to heterologously express VHb in P. lilacinus ACSS. After optimizing the vgb gene, we fused it with a selection marker gene npt II, a promoter P gpd A and a terminator T trp C. The complete expression cassette P gpd A- npt II- vgb -T trp C was transferred into P. lilacinus ACSS by Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated transformation. Consequently, we successfully screened an applicable fungus strain PNVT8 which efficiently expressed VHb. The submerged fermentation experiments demonstrated that the expression of VHb not only increased the production traits of P. lilacinus such as biomass and spore production, but also improved the beneficial product quality and application value, due to the secretion of more protease and chitinase. It can be speculated that the recombinant strain harboring vgb gene will have a growth advantage over the original strain under anaerobic conditions in soil and therefore will possess higher biocontrol efficiency against plant-parasitic nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The filamentous fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus was grown on n-hexadecane in submerged (SmC) and solid-state (SSC) cultures. The maximum CO2 production rate in SmC (Vmax = 11.7 mg CO2 Lg−1day−1) was three times lower than in SSC (Vmax = 40.4 mg CO2 Lg−1day−1). The P. lilacinus hydrophobin (PLHYD) yield from the SSC was 1.3 mg PLHYD g protein−1, but in SmC, this protein was not detected. The PLHYD showed a critical micelle concentration of 0.45 mg mL−1. In addition, the PLHYD modified the hydrophobicity of Teflon from 130.1 ± 2° to 47 ± 2°, forming porous structures with some filaments <1 μm and globular aggregates <0.25 μm diameter. The interfacial studies of this PLHYD could be the basis for the use of the protein to modify surfaces and to stabilize compounds in emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitic fungus, Paecilomyces hepiali, is used to produce Cordyceps materials as succedaneum of natural Cordyceps sinensis in China. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of glucose, mannose, sucrose, lactose as solo carbon source and sucrose + lactose or mannose + sucrose as synthetic carbon source on the growth of mycelium and production, chemical composition, molecular weight distribution and monosaccharide composition of exopolysaccharides from P. hepiali HN1 (PHEPS). The maximum mycelium biomass of 12.16 kg m-3 and PHEPS yield of 4.57 kg m-3 were achieved from the culture with sucrose (50 kg m-3) as carbon source. The resulting PHEPS was characterized by analyses of chemical composition, size-exclusion chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone pre-column derivatization. It was found that the chemical compositions and monosaccharide ratios in PHEPS were significantly affected by the carbon sources used. Glucose or mannose as carbon source enhanced the biosynthesis of PHEPS with higher-molecular weight (>1000 kD), but solo carbon source of lactose or synthetic carbon source of mannose + lactose did not increase the ratio of galactose in PHEPS. The metabolism kinetics of carbon sources demonstrated the correlation between PHEPS synthesis and the utilization of carbon sources. These findings will be useful for further works on the production, structure and function of PHEPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] P. variotii was evaluated for the first time as candidate species in CBP applications. [•] Xylan tuned metabolism – pentose fermentation and xylanase production-was revealed. [•] Ethanol production was shown in lab-scale CBP systems on different lignocellulosics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Members of the recently introduced fungal genus Rasamsonia (formerly included in the Geosmithia genus) have been described as emerging pathogens in immunosuppressed hosts or patients with cystic fibrosis ( CF). Rasamsonia species have often been misidentified as Penicillium or Paecilomyces because of similar morphological characteristics. We validated a commercially available real-time PCR assay (Primerdesign™, UK) for accurate detection of species from the Rasamsonia argillacea complex. First, we tested this assay with a collection of 74 reference strains and clinical isolates and then compared the PCR with cultures of 234 respiratory samples from 152 patients with CF from two University Hospitals in Germany and France. The assay reliably detected the three main species within the Rasamsonia argillacea species complex ( R. argillacea, R. piperina, R. aegroticola), which are typically encountered in CF patients. The limit of DNA detection was between 0.01 and 1 pg/μL. Analysis of the DNA extracts from respiratory specimens of CF patients revealed that four out of the 153 patients studied (2.6%) were colonized with R. argillacea species complex. Two species from the R. argillacea complex grew in the parallel cultures from the same patients. In one patient the PCR was positive 5 months before culture. The real-time PCR assay is a sensitive and specific method for detecting the three most important species of the R. argillacea species complex encountered in the CF context. Detection of these emerging pathogens in respiratory secretions from CF patients by this novel assay may increase our understanding of the occurrence and epidemiology of the R. argillacea species complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoses summarized in the hyalohyphomycosis group are heterogeneous, defined by the presence of hyaline (non-dematiaceous) hyphae. The number of organisms implicated in hyalohyphomycosis is increasing and the most clinically important species belong to the genera Fusarium, Scedosporium, Acremonium, Scopulariopsis, Purpureocillium and Paecilomyces. Severely immunocompromised patients are particularly vulnerable to infection, and clinical manifestations range from colonization to chronic localized lesions to acute invasive and/or disseminated diseases. Diagnosis usually requires isolation and identification of the infecting pathogen. A poor prognosis is associated with fusariosis and early therapy of localized disease is important to prevent progression to a more aggressive or disseminated infection. Therapy should include voriconazole and surgical debridement where possible or posaconazole as salvage treatment. Voriconazole represents the first-line treatment of infections due to members of the genus Scedosporium. For Acremonium spp., Scopulariopsis spp., Purpureocillium spp. and Paecilomyces spp. the optimal antifungal treatment has not been established. Management usually consists of surgery and antifungal treatment, depending on the clinical presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The thermostable 1,3–1,4-β-glucanase PtLic16A from the fungus Paecilomyces thermophila catalyzes stringent hydrolysis of barley β-glucan and lichenan with an outstanding efficiency and has great potential for broad industrial applications. Here, we report the crystal structures of PtLic16A and an inactive mutant E113A in ligand-free form and in complex with the ligands cellobiose, cellotetraose and glucotriose at 1.80Å to 2.25Å resolution. PtLic16A adopts a typical β-jellyroll fold with a curved surface and the concave face forms an extended ligand binding cleft. These structures suggest that PtLic16A might carry out the hydrolysis via retaining mechanism with E113 and E118 serving as the nucleophile and general acid/base, respectively. Interestingly, in the structure of E113A/1,3–1,4-β-glucotriose complex, the sugar bound to the −1 subsite adopts an intermediate-like (α-anomeric) configuration. By combining all crystal structures solved here, a comprehensive binding mode for a substrate is proposed. These findings not only help understand the 1,3–1,4-β-glucanase catalytic mechanism but also provide a basis for further enzymatic engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bio-pesticides are considered as low-risk compounds, a belief mainly based on their natural origin rather than on experimental evidence. Thus there is a need to explore the ecotoxicity of bio-pesticides and mostly their impact on soil microbes which is largely unknown. The effect of Quillajia saponaria plant extract (QLAgri®) and Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (PL251, BIOACT®) on the microbial community was investigated comparatively to the synthetic nematicides oxamyl and fluensulfone. Particular attention was given to potential effects on ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA). No effect of QLAgri®, oxamyl and fluensulfone on the soil microbial community and AOB/AOA was observed. In contrast BIOACT® stimulated the growth of copiotrophic Gram negative bacteria and fungi as determined by phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) analysis. Terminal restriction fragments length polymorphism (TRFLP) and qPCR analysis of the amoA gene showed a significant time-dependent inhibitory effect of BIOACT® on the abundance of AOB/AOA up to 20 days post application. Further qPCR analysis indicated that PL251 did not proliferate in soil. These results suggested the establishment of complex interactions between BIOACT® and AOB/AOA which were further explored. In a follow-up study BIOACT® and its co-formulants, glucose (78%) and skimmed milk powder (6%), both induced a transient inhibitory effect on potential nitrification and abundance of AOB/AOA, whereas no effect was seen when PL251 spores were used. Overall, our data suggest that the transient effect of BIOACT® on nitrifiers was the result of a competitive exclusion by copiotrophic microorganisms feeding on co-formulants rather than a direct toxicity effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]