Search Results (1,019)

Aspergillosis encompasses a heterogeneous spectrum of diseases caused by filamentous fungi of the genus Aspergillus, ranging from allergic airway disorders and chronic pulmonary infection to rapidly progressive invasive disease. Aspergillus fumigatus is the predominant pathogen worldwide, although other species, including Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus and cryptic species, contribute to morbidity and may exhibit intrinsic or acquired antifungal resistance. Early and accurate laboratory diagnosis is essential for timely treatment, appropriate antifungal selection, and stewardship. Traditional culture remains foundational, enabling confirmation of viable organisms, species-level identification, and antifungal susceptibility testing, but sensitivity is limited and turnaround times are prolonged. Non-culture approaches—including galactomannan, β-D-glucan, lateral flow assays, PCR, and next-generation sequencing—enhance diagnostic sensitivity, facilitate early detection, and allow identification of resistance-associated mutations. Optimal diagnostic performance is achieved through integrated, multimodal strategies combining laboratory tests with clinical and radiological findings. In invasive disease, concurrent use of biomarkers and molecular assays improves specificity and positive predictive value, while in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, immunological markers remain central. Future directions include standardised molecular protocols, novel antigenic and host-based biomarkers, and cost-effective, risk-adapted diagnostic algorithms to refine detection, guide therapy, and improve patient outcomes. Full article

The diversity of cyanobacteria from the semi-arid region of Rajasthan, India, remains vastly unexplored and warrants systematic investigation. We isolated two cyanobacterial strains (SN2022/33 & AT2016/25) of non-heterocytous, filamentous cyanobacterium from samples of sandy soil biological crusts and investigated them using a polyphasic approach. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence identity, both strains formed a distinct lineage, with 16S sequence identity (p-distance) < 95% to the closest sister genera Trichocoleus, Venetifunis, Trichothermofontia, and Pinocchia. Analyses of 16S-23S Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) secondary structures (D1-D1′, BoxB, and V3 helixes) yielded substantial differences from phylogenetically associated taxa. Morphologically, both strains corresponded to members of the family Trichocoleusaceae (Leptolyngbyales), with tapered filaments and conical-pointed end cells. Most significantly, this taxon exhibited a form of true branching, with prolific unilateral or bilateral extrusions, something that had previously been the exclusive purview of members of the Nostocaceae. The combined evidence from conventional and molecular studies supports the recognition of the isolates as a novel taxon hereby described as Edaphifilum ginni gen. et sp. nov., in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature (ICN) for Algae, Fungi, and Plants. Full article

The increasing demand for safer and environmentally sustainable products has intensified the search for natural alternatives to synthetic dyes. Filamentous fungi are promising sources of natural pigments due to their metabolic diversity and the feasibility of large-scale production. In this study, filamentous fungi isolated from Amazonian freshwater environments were evaluated for their potential to produce natural pigment-associated metabolites under different nutritional conditions. Forty-five fungal isolates were screened in solid media and subsequently cultivated in submerged fermentation using three media: potato dextrose broth supplemented with yeast extract (BD + YE); malt extract broth (ME); and yeast extract–sucrose broth supplemented with magnesium sulfate (YES). Among the 39 pigment-producing isolates, seven were selected for further investigation. Sucrose favored the highest absorbance values of pigment extracts, particularly for isolates identified as Talaromyces amestolkiae. In addition, the extract of T. amestolkiae TA10P5-3 exhibited the highest absorbance value (6.83 abs. units at 400 nm) when cultivated in YES medium, indicating stronger chromophore-associated spectral signals. This extract also showed antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (625 μg/mL), Staphylococcus epidermidis (312 μg/mL), and Candida tropicalis (625 μg/mL). Finally, the TA10P5-3 extract presented high total phenolic content (246.30 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (EC₅₀ = 5470 μg/mL). These findings highlight Amazonian freshwater fungi as promising sources of natural pigments with potential industrial applications. Full article

Bark beetle–fungus associations are essential for nutrition, detoxification, and host colonisation, but their composition and function vary across developmental stages and environmental contexts. Hence, we characterised the fungal communities associated with two pine-feeding bark beetles, Ips sexdentatus (ISX) and Ips acuminatus (IAC), across developmental stages and compared wild-collected and laboratory-bred populations using ITS2 amplicon sequencing. Both beetle species maintained a stable core mycobiome dominated by Kuraishia, Ogataea, Ophiostoma, Graphilbum, and Cyberlindnera. These taxa have been earlier reported to be associated with nutrient provisioning, detoxification of host secondary metabolites, and chemical signalling. Adult beetles showed species-specific community differences, whereas wild-collected beetles, particularly IAC, harboured higher fungal diversity than laboratory populations, indicating a strong environmental effect. Beetles shared more fungal taxa with control wood than with gallery wood, suggesting possible fungal acquisition during feeding and concurrent restructuring of the wood mycobiome during infestation. Monoterpene bioassays with selected yeast symbionts showed differential growth responses to α-pinene, 3-carene, and terpinolene, and their mixture, with the mixture producing stronger inhibition than individual compounds. These yeast symbionts further displayed selective antagonistic activity in vitro against selected filamentous fungi, including entomopathogenic taxa, along with detectable lytic and digestive enzyme activities. Together, our findings highlight a link between community structure, predicted functions, and observed interaction phenotypes, providing a strong basis for future mechanistic studies of beetle–fungus–conifer interactions. Full article

Marine endophytic fungi inhabit the internal tissues of seaweed, seagrass, and mangroves without causing harm. These fungi are known to produce extracellular enzymes, including proteases and cellulases, which play crucial roles in various biological processes and have potential applications in diverse industrial sectors. This study aimed to screen the enzymatic potential of marine endophytic fungi, identify selected isolates, and characterize their enzyme activities. A total of 20 fungal isolates were obtained, comprising 16 isolates from seaweed, three from seagrass, and one from mangrove leaves, collected from the coastal areas of the Seribu Islands (Jakarta), Sukabumi (West Java), Nusa Dua (Bali), and the Buton Islands (Southeast Sulawesi). Screening results showed that 50% of the isolates exhibited proteolytic activity on skim milk agar, while 40% demonstrated cellulolytic activity on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) agar. Two isolates with the highest clear zone indices for protease and cellulase activity were identified as Penicillium citrinum and Fomitopsis sp., with distinct morphological characteristics including velvety colonies and filamentous hyphal structures. The specific activities of the protease and cellulase were 5475.42 ± 2724.25 U/mg protein and 620.77 ± 607.71 U/mg protein, respectively, indicating high catalytic potential. Full article

Early and non-destructive identification of fungal contamination in cereals is essential to support post-harvest management, reduce economic losses, and mitigate food safety risks along the wheat supply chain. Among filamentous fungi, Alternaria spp. are widespread contaminants of durum wheat and producers of toxic secondary metabolites such as alternariol (AOH), whose early detection remains analytically challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of near-infrared transmittance (NIT) spectroscopy as a rapid, non-destructive pre-screening tool for the early identification of Alternaria-contaminated durum wheat lots and associated AOH risk. Samples from three durum wheat cultivars were artificially inoculated with Alternaria spp. and monitored over time. NIT spectra (570–1100 nm) were acquired in transmittance mode and analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) regression, focusing on the 870–1100 nm spectral region. Clear and time-dependent spectral differences were observed between inoculated and control samples, with the strongest discriminative features at 834 and 966 nm. Classification performance was high, with area under the curve (AUC) values between 0.96 and 0.97. ELISA analysis confirmed progressive AOH accumulation in inoculated kernels, consistent with the observed spectral changes, while control experiments excluded autoclaving and visual grain damage as confounding factors. From an applied perspective, the results indicate that NIT spectroscopy can support post-harvest decision-making as a rapid pre-screening approach, enabling the prioritization of suspect wheat lots for confirmatory analytical testing. Multivariate analysis further confirmed the consistency of spectral differences across datasets. Full article

Morphological control in submerged fermentation is a well-established method for enhancing bioactive metabolite production in filamentous fungi. However, the molecular mechanisms linking morphology to fermentation efficiency remain insufficiently understood. In this study, supplementing 1.5% Tween 80 (P80) at the seed culture stage of Cordyceps militaris consistently induced the formation of compact, uniform mycelial pellets. This morphological induction at the seed stage enhanced fermentation performance, increasing exopolysaccharide (EPS) titer by 71.1% and reducing the production cycle by 24 h. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that pelletized cultures exhibited transcriptional patterns associated with MAPK signaling related to cell wall integrity and upregulation of genes involved in cell wall remodeling. Additionally, pelletized cultures displayed a reduced oxidative burden and were associated with enhanced antioxidant capacity. These findings link morphology induction to cell wall remodeling and oxidative stress defense, offering a potentially scalable strategy for industrial polysaccharide production in medicinal fungi. Full article

Increasing consumer demand for natural and safe food products has led to the exploration of biocontrol alternatives to chemical preservatives, especially in the cured meat industry. The yeast Debaryomyces hansenii has emerged as a promising biocontrol candidate due to its antagonistic properties against spoilage fungi. This study assessed the impact of D. hansenii inoculation on the fungal community structure of Iberian cured pork loin using high-throughput sequencing of the ITS1 region. Ion Torrent ITS1 amplicon sequencing, QIIME2/DADA2 pipeline, and ALDEx2 differential abundance analysis were applied to this study. Pork loin samples inoculated with D. hansenii were compared to non-inoculated controls to evaluate changes in the fungal microbiome. Inoculation resulted in a marked decrease in fungal diversity and evenness, indicating strong competition by D. hansenii against native fungal populations. This effect was reflected in a significant reduction in alpha diversity in inoculated samples (Shannon, p = 0.0042; Pielou p = 0.0075; Gini–Simpson, p = 0.0081). Notably, genera associated with spoilage and mycotoxin production, particularly Aspergillus and Penicillium, were significantly reduced in inoculated samples. Simultaneously, D. hansenii became dominant, reducing other yeasts and filamentous fungi. These findings highlight the powerful competitive and biocontrol potential of D. hansenii, demonstrating its ability to improve microbial safety by potentially reducing mycotoxin-associated risks through the suppression of toxigenic genera. This is the first study to characterise the fungal community of Iberian pork loin using metabarcoding under D. hansenii inoculation. The findings confirm that the inoculation of D. hansenii can substantially reduce fungal contamination risks. Overall, the results contribute valuable insights into microbial interactions during meat curing and underscore the practical benefits of targeted starter cultures for enhancing food safety and quality. Full article

The growing worldwide need for sustainable, high-quality protein sources has intensified interest in single-cell protein (SCP) production, particularly mycoproteins derived from filamentous fungi. This shift is further driven by global sustainability priorities articulated by regulatory bodies, which promote resource efficiency, waste valorization, and sustainable food systems. Despite their high carbohydrate potential, the agricultural sector generates vast quantities of starch-rich by-products. Examples include broken rice, cassava peels, potato waste, and cereal-processing residues, which remain largely underutilized and thereby contribute substantially to environmental pollution. This literature review examines the potential of starch-based agricultural by-products as low-cost, renewable feedstocks for fungal SCP production in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These by-products include broken rice, cassava peels, potato waste, and cereal processing residues, which remain largely underutilized despite their high carbohydrate content. Key topics include pretreatment strategies, fungal fermentation with Neurospora and Fusarium spp., and process optimization to maximize biomass yield and feedstock valorization. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) indicate reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional protein sources, highlighting the potential of starch residues in circular bioeconomy systems. Furthermore, considerations related to process design, environmental benefits, and techno-economic feasibility are evaluated in the context of converting starch residues into fungal protein. In summary, the evidence suggests that valorizing starch by-products for mycoprotein fermentation, used both as a protein alternative and as an ingredient, represents a promising strategy to reduce waste management and production costs and support global food sustainability. Full article

This study analyzed the degree of fungal contamination of cereal grains and assessed the potential of gemini surfactants as antifungal agents used in seed dressing. Identification analysis based on the ITS region showed that representatives of the genera Penicillium and Fusarium were most frequently identified among the isolated microorganisms. The sensitivity testing of the gemini surfactants—12-6-12 hexamethylene-1,6-bis(N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide) and 12-O-12 3-oxa-1,5-pentane-bis(N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide), as well as formulations derived from them—showed that the growth of mold monocultures was inhibited at concentrations <0.0005–0.0016%. A consortium containing a mixture of five different strains inhibited the growth at concentrations of 0.031–0.125%. In studies of treated grains, both on synthetic media and in pot tests, the following parameters were considered: the type of gemini surfactant in the fungicide, the coating agent concentration, and various filamentous fungi. It was found that wheat grains showed comparatively lower infection levels under the tested conditions for the 12-6-12/N/IT7/S formulation, containing the main active ingredient, hexamethylene-1,6-bis(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium) dibromide, and a single concentration of the coating agent. Fusarium sp. monocultures colonized treated grain more quickly than a consortium of five strains. The results indicate that seed coatings based on gemini surfactants may represent a potentially useful approach under controlled conditions; however, further studies including toxicity assessment, environmental impact evaluation, and field validation are required. Full article

During fermentation in stirred-tank bioreactors (STBR), filamentous fungi are frequently exposed to hypoxic conditions. However, their responses, especially short-term ones (≤6 h), remain unclear. In this study, we performed a short-term multi-omics profiling in an Aspergillus oryzae hyphal dispersion mutant (AGΔ-GAGΔ) during a controlled transition to hypoxia (a decrease in dissolved oxygen (DO) from 10% to ≤1%) in a 4 L STBR. In transcriptome analysis, the genes encoding mitochondrial respiratory chain Complexes I–III were transiently downregulated at 1 h from DO depletion and were then upregulated, whereas those of Complex IV were upregulated immediately at the onset of hypoxia. In relation to this respiratory remodeling, we also observed an immediate induction of an alternative oxidase (AOX) gene. However, our metabolome data showed no significant change in the ATP level. This result could be explained by the upregulation of the glycolytic genes in hypoxic cultures. Fluorescence imaging revealed a transient increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hypoxia, and metabolomics data revealed a decrease in the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio in hypoxic cultures. Deletion of the AOX gene prolonged the ROS increase. Together, these data indicate that early hypoxia triggers a transient increase in oxidative stress, mitigated by antioxidant systems and mitochondrial respiratory rebalancing including an AOX-mediated bypass. Full article

Ceramidases hydrolyze ceramides to fatty acids and sphingolipids, but their role in fungal response to stress remains unclear. We investigated the function of neutral ceramidase (nCDase) response to aromatic fungicide (carvacrol, cuminaldehyde, and isoniazid) stress in Neurospora crassa. Comparative analysis of the wild-type strain, Δnc and OEnc showed that nCDase enhanced fungicide resistance through multiple mechanisms. nCDase improved β-1,3-glucan synthesis (30% increase), decreased membrane permeability, elevated superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and promoted carotenoid accumulation (50%), which collectively improved stress tolerance. Δnc exhibited disruption of cellular integrity, altered fatty acid profiles (elevated oleic acid, reduced total fatty acids), and increased fungicide sensitivity. Collectively, these findings established that nCDase as a key regulator of cell wall dynamics, lipid homeostasis, and antioxidant defense, thereby facilitating fungal adaptation to abiotic stress. This study identified the role of nCDase in the response to aromatic fungicide stress and laid foundation for inhibiting pathogenic fungi in agricultural production and food preservation. Full article

Miang, a traditional fermented tea produced from Camellia sinensis var. assamica, is of notable cultural and socio-economic relevance in Northern Thailand. Traditionally, the non-filamentous fungi-based process (NFP) in western Lanna uses only young tea leaves, resulting in substantial amounts of mature leaves being discarded as agricultural waste. This study aimed to utilize the mature tea leaves by adapting the filamentous fungi growth-based process (FFP) of eastern Lanna using selected tannin-tolerant microorganisms, including Aspergillus niger MLF3, Cyberlindera rhodanensis P3, and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus A14-6. Study on fermentation dynamics and bioactive compound formation based on a 2-step fermentation process: 3-day solid-state fermentation with A. niger MLF3, followed by 7-day submerged fermentation by co-culture of C. rhodaninsis P3, and L. pentosus A14-6 in 500 mL sterile distilled water at 30 °C. Increased activities of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes and organic acids were clearly observed during solid-state fermentation, while the significant changes in polyphenol, antioxidant, and reducing sugar content in cell-free supernatant (CFS) were found after submerged fermentation. The obtained CFS shows inhibitory effects of 90 ± 2.5% and 95 ± 1.8% on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively. Analysis of CFS by E-tongue and E-nose clearly indicated the influence of microbial mixture on the taste and aroma of the fermented products. These results demonstrate not only a high-yielding strategy for the effective biotransformation of mature tea leaves into functional drink products but also significant implications for reducing agricultural waste. Full article

High-value metabolites, such as antibiotics and enzymes, are primarily produced using filamentous fungi. However, their morphological complexity increases broth viscosity during biomass growth, hindering industrial scale-up by impairing both power input and mass transfer. The interaction between biomass growth, rheology, power input, and oxygen transfer is first addressed here by evaluating mycelial rheology and determining the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (k_La) (dynamic method) and oxygen uptake rate (respirometry) across different operating conditions. These confirmed that the mycelial broth’s pseudoplastic behavior significantly influences volumetric power input and k_La correlations. However, specific power input analysis revealed that operating at higher stirring rates (800 rpm) at higher cell-density cultures is 28.17% more energetically efficient than at low speeds (500 rpm). Furthermore, the oxygen supply-to-demand ratio, calculated via Excel model-fitting, allowed for the estimation of “metabolic power input” which represents the required energy to fit oxygen demand. Results also reveal that at 3.67 ± 0.34 g L⁻¹ of biomass effectively channel up to 51% of total energy toward aerobic metabolism, compared to only 17–30% for 0.73 ± 0.01 g L⁻¹ of biomass. These findings show that volumetric power inputs around 4 kW m⁻³ improve oxygen transfer efficiency, even at relatively high biomass concentrations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Filamentous basidiomycetes are environmental fungi that rarely cause human infection but are increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. However, their clinical epidemiology and antifungal management data remain limited. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with filamentous basidiomycetes isolated from clinical specimens at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand, between 2019 and 2025. Species identification was performed using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) or D1/D2 ribosomal DNA sequencing. Demographic characteristics, clinical features, antifungal management, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Fourteen patients were identified with a mean age of 61.2 ± 18.3 (29–90), and 71.4% were female. In these patients, pulmonary infection was most common (64.3%), followed by ocular (14.3%), cutaneous (14.3%), and central-line-associated infection (7.1%). Bronchoalveolar lavage was the most frequent specimen (64.3%). ITS/D1D2 sequencing revealed broad species diversity, including Schizophyllum commune (n = 3), Candolleomyces spp. (n = 3), Coprinopsis cinerea, Fomitopsis spp., Geliporus exilisporus, Odontoefibula orientalis, Irpex laceratus, Volvariella volvacea, Deconica coprophila, and Agaricales spp. Antifungal therapy was largely empirical, with voriconazole used most frequently (46.6%). Overall, 85.7% of patients improved, whereas 14.3% did not respond clinically. Conclusions: Emerging filamentous basidiomycetes demonstrate substantial species diversity and pose ongoing diagnostic and antifungal management challenges. The absence of standardized susceptibility testing and clinical breakpoints may contribute to therapeutic uncertainty and challenges in antifungal selection. Integrating molecular diagnostics into routine clinical workflows may enhance antifungal stewardship in rare mold infections. Full article