-
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology :... 2017Large quantities of kitchen waste are produced in modern society and its disposal poses serious environmental and social problems. The aim of this study was to isolate...
Large quantities of kitchen waste are produced in modern society and its disposal poses serious environmental and social problems. The aim of this study was to isolate degradative strains from kitchen waste and to develop a novel and effective microbial agent. One hundred and four strains were isolated from kitchen waste and the 84 dominant strains were used to inoculate protein-, starch-, fat- and cellulose-containing media for detecting their degradability. Twelve dominant strains of various species with high degradability (eight bacteria, one actinomycetes and three fungi) were selected to develop a compound microbial agent "YH" and five strains of these species including H7 (Brevibacterium epidermidis), A3 (Paenibacillus polymyxa), E3 (Aspergillus japonicus), F9 (Aspergillus versicolor) and A5 (Penicillium digitatum), were new for kitchen waste degradation. YH was compared with three commercial microbial agents-"Tiangeng" (TG), "Yilezai" (YLZ) and Effective Microorganisms (EM), by their effects on reduction, maturity and deodorization. The results showed that YH exerted the greatest efficacy on mass loss which decreased about 65.87% after 14 days. The agent inhibited NH and HS emissions significantly during composting process. The concentration of NH decreased from 7.1 to 3.2ppm and that of HS reduced from 0.7 to 0.2ppm. Moreover, E/E (Extinction value/Extinction value) of YH decreased from 2.51 to 1.31, which meant YH had an obvious maturity effect. These results highlighted the potential application of YH in composting kitchen waste.
Topics: Bacteria; Biodegradation, Environmental; Fungi; Refuse Disposal; Vegetables
PubMed: 28279600
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjm.2016.12.011 -
Marine Drugs Jun 2020Four new indolyl diketopiperazines, aspamides A-E (- and two new diketopiperazines, aspamides F-G (), along with 11 known diketopiperazines and intermediates were...
Four new indolyl diketopiperazines, aspamides A-E (- and two new diketopiperazines, aspamides F-G (), along with 11 known diketopiperazines and intermediates were isolated from the solid culture of , which is an endophyte with the sea crab ( ). Further chiral high-performance liquid chromatography resolution gave enantiomers (+)- and (-)-, respectively. The structures and absolute configurations of compounds - were determined by the comprehensive analyses of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. All isolated compounds were selected for the virtual screening on the coronavirus 3-chymoretpsin-like protease (Mpro) of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the docking scores of compounds -, , , and were top among all screened molecules, may be helpful in fighting with Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) after further studies.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Aquatic Organisms; Aspergillus; Betacoronavirus; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Coronavirus 3C Proteases; Cysteine Endopeptidases; Diketopiperazines; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Mass Spectrometry; Molecular Docking Simulation; SARS-CoV-2; Stereoisomerism; User-Computer Interface; Viral Nonstructural Proteins
PubMed: 32605149
DOI: 10.3390/md18070338 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Sep 2015Currently, contamination of indoor environment by fungi and molds is considered as a public health problem. The monitoring of indoor airborne fungal contamination is a...
Currently, contamination of indoor environment by fungi and molds is considered as a public health problem. The monitoring of indoor airborne fungal contamination is a common tool to help understanding the link between fungi in houses and respiratory problems. Classical analytical monitoring methods, based on cultivation and microscopic identification, depend on the growth of the fungi. Consequently, they are biased by difficulties to grow some species on certain culture media and under certain conditions or by noncultivable or dead fungi that can consequently not be identified. However, they could have an impact on human health as they might be allergenic. Since molecular methods do not require a culture step, they seem an excellent alternative for the monitoring of indoor fungal contaminations. As a case study, we developed a SYBR® green real-time PCR-based assay for the specific detection and identification of Aspergillus versicolor, which is frequently observed in indoor environment and known to be allergenic. The developed primers amplify a short region of the internal transcribed spacer 1 from the 18S ribosomal DNA complex. Subsequently, the performance of this quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method was assessed using specific criteria, including an evaluation of the selectivity, PCR efficiency, dynamic range, and repeatability. The limit of detection was determined to be 1 or 2 copies of genomic DNA of A. versicolor. In order to demonstrate that this SYBR® green qPCR assay is a valuable alternative for monitoring indoor fungal contamination with A. versicolor, environmental samples collected in contaminated houses were analyzed and the results were compared to the ones obtained with the traditional methods.
Topics: Air Microbiology; Air Pollution, Indoor; Aspergillus; Benzothiazoles; DNA, Fungal; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; Diamines; Humans; Organic Chemicals; Quinolines; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Staining and Labeling
PubMed: 26184975
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6785-9 -
Marine Drugs Nov 2017Asperlin is a marine-derived natural product with antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. In the present study, we isolated asperlin from a marine LZD4403...
Asperlin is a marine-derived natural product with antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. In the present study, we isolated asperlin from a marine LZD4403 fungus and investigated its anti-atherosclerotic effects in vitro and in vivo. Asperlin significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharides (LPS)- but not oxidated low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-evoked foam cell formation and promoted cholesterol efflux in RAW264.7 macrophages. Supplementation with asperlin also suppressed LPS-elicited production of pro-inflammatory factors in RAW264.7 macrophages, decreased the expression levels of iNOS, IL-1β and TNFα, and increased the expression of IL-10 and IL-4, indicating a remarkable shift in M1/M2 macrophages polarization. In vivo experiments in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed ApoE mice showed that oral administration of asperlin for 12 weeks remarkably suppressed atherosclerotic plaque formation in the aorta, as revealed by the reduced aortic dilatation and decreased atherosclerotic lesion area. Asperlin also decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory factors but showed little impact on blood lipids in ApoE atherosclerotic mice. These results suggested that asperlin is adequate to prevent atherosclerosis in vivo. It may exert atheroprotective function through suppressing inflammation rather than ameliorating dyslipidemia.
Topics: Animals; Aorta; Apolipoproteins E; Atherosclerosis; Cell Line; Diet, High-Fat; Epoxy Compounds; Foam Cells; Inflammation; Interleukin-1beta; Lipopolysaccharides; Lipoproteins, LDL; Macrophages; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Pyrones; RAW 264.7 Cells; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 29135917
DOI: 10.3390/md15110358 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2021To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the efficiency of hydro-alcoholic extract (ASE) againstFigure growth, biofilm development, and...
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the efficiency of hydro-alcoholic extract (ASE) againstFigure growth, biofilm development, and soluble factor production of more than 200 biodeteriogenic microbial strains isolated from cultural heritage objects and buildings. The plant extract composition and antioxidant activities were determined spectrophotometrically and by HPLC-MS. The bioevaluation consisted of the qualitative (adapted diffusion method) and the quantitative evaluation of the inhibitory effect on planktonic growth (microdilution method), biofilm formation (violet crystal microtiter method), and production of microbial enzymes and organic acids. The garlic extract efficiency was correlated with microbial strain taxonomy and isolation source (the fungal strains isolated from paintings and paper and bacteria from wood, paper, and textiles were the most susceptible). The garlic extract contained thiosulfinate (307.66 ± 0.043 µM/g), flavonoids (64.33 ± 7.69 µg QE/g), and polyphenols (0.95 ± 0.011 mg GAE/g) as major compounds and demonstrated the highest efficiency against the (MIC 3.12-6.25 mg/mL) (MIC: 3.12 mg/mL) (MIC 6.25-12.5 mg/mL), and (MIC 3.12-50 mg/mL) strains. The extract inhibited the adherence capacity (IIBG% 95.08-44.62%) and the production of cellulase, organic acids, and esterase. This eco-friendly solution shows promising potential for the conservation and safeguarding of tangible cultural heritage, successfully combating the biodeteriogenic microorganisms without undesirable side effects for the natural ecosystems.
Topics: Antioxidants; Bacteria; Biofilms; Carboxylic Acids; Enzymes; Fungi; Garlic; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols; Solubility
PubMed: 34885775
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237195 -
RSC Advances Apr 2022A new epoxy ergostane sterol, named versisterol, was isolated from , an endophytic fungus from . The structure of the isolated compound was deduced by means of one- and...
A new epoxy ergostane sterol, named versisterol, was isolated from , an endophytic fungus from . The structure of the isolated compound was deduced by means of one- and two-dimensional NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The absolute stereochemistry was elucidated by NOESY analysis, and experimental and calculated time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) circular dichroism spectroscopy. Versisterol inhibited 3CL protease (3CL) with an IC value of 2.168 ± 0.09 μM. Binding affinities and molecular interactions of versisterol towards 3CL were scrutinized and compared to lopinavir with the help of the combination of docking computations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. calculations demonstrated a comparable binding affinity of versisterol with a docking score of -9.4 kcal mol, and MM-GBSA binding energy over 200 ns MD simulation of -29.1 kcal mol, with respect to lopinavir (-9.8 and -32.2 kcal mol, respectively). These findings suggested that versisterol can be an auspicious prototype for developing new 3CL drug candidates against COVID-19.
PubMed: 35480378
DOI: 10.1039/d2ra00877g -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2019Damp indoor environments contaminated with different mold species may contribute to the development and exacerbation of respiratory illnesses. Human bronchial epithelial...
Damp indoor environments contaminated with different mold species may contribute to the development and exacerbation of respiratory illnesses. Human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were exposed to X-ray treated spores and hyphal fragments from pure cultures of , , and . Hyphal fragments of and induced expression and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 and the chemokine IL-8, while none of the other hyphal preparations had effects. Hyphal fragments from and also increased the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, but these cytokines were not released. X-ray treated spores had little or no inflammatory potential. Attenuating Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 by blocking antibodies strongly reduced the and hyphae-induced IL-6 and IL-8 release, whereas TLR4 antagonist treatment was without effects. Untreated spores formed hyphae and triggered expression of pro-inflammatory genes with similarities to the effects of hyphal fragments. In conclusion, while X-ray treated spores induced no pro-inflammatory responses, hyphal fragments of and enhanced a TLR2-dependent expression and release of IL-6 and IL-8.
Topics: Air Pollution, Indoor; Aspergillus; Cell Line; Cytokines; Epithelial Cells; Humans; Hyphae; Penicillium; Spores, Fungal; Stachybotrys; Toll-Like Receptor 2; X-Rays
PubMed: 30917597
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16061085 -
Genetics and Molecular Research : GMR Apr 2017Brunfelsia genus is traditionally utilized in popular medicine due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties to name but a few. However, studies on the...
Brunfelsia genus is traditionally utilized in popular medicine due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties to name but a few. However, studies on the antimicrobial activity of Brunfelsia uniflora flower oleoresin have not been found yet. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of B. uniflora flower oleoresin obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide. Oleoresin from the plant dried flowers was obtained by carbon dioxide, and the chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of this oleoresin for seven bacteria and eight fungi were determined using 96-well microtiter plates. The oleoresin MBC for Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 mg/mL, whereas the controls streptomycin and ampicillin varied from 0.1 and 0.5 mg/mL. The oleoresin MFC for Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium ochrochloron, Penicillium verrucosum var. cyclopium, and Trichoderma viride varied from 0.01 to 0.08 mg/mL, whereas the controls bifonazole and ketoconazole ranged from 0.2 to 3.5 mg/mL. The oleoresin obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide presented bacteriostatic, bactericidal, fungistatic, and fungicidal activities that were higher than the positive controls streptomycin, ampicillin, bifonazole, and ketoconazole. The high antimicrobial activity was related to the high content of (E, E)-geranyllinalool that composes 21.0% of the oleoresin and a possible synergic action with fatty acid esters that made up 50.5% of the oleoresin. The oleoresin antimicrobial activity against common multiresistant bacteria in severe infectious processes as P. aeruginosa or against toxin-producing fungi such as P. ochrochloron or fungi that are difficult to control such as T. viride suggests the development of promising applications of this product in the food, farming, livestock, and pharmaceutical industry.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antifungal Agents; Carbon Dioxide; Flowers; Plant Extracts; Solanaceae
PubMed: 28407186
DOI: 10.4238/gmr16029548 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2016The aims of this work were to study the chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Pereskia aculeata and to evaluate some biological activities of...
The aims of this work were to study the chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Pereskia aculeata and to evaluate some biological activities of three leaf extracts. The phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and in vitro antimicrobial and antifungal activities were determined. The methanol extract showed antioxidant activity (EC50 7.09 mg/mL) and high polyphenols content (15.04 ± 0.31 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g). The petroleum ether extract exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, whereas the chloroform extract showed inhibitory activity against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. The petroleum ether and methanol extracts were more effective in inhibiting the growth of Aspergillus versicolor. The possible cytotoxicity of extracts on neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cancer cell line and the influence on adenylate cyclase (ADCY) expression was also studied. P. aculeata chloroform extract showed antiproliferative activity with an IC50 value of 262.83 µg/mL. Treatments of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with 100 µg/mL of methanol extract significantly reduced ADCY1 expression.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antifungal Agents; Cactaceae; Cell Line, Tumor; Free Radical Scavengers; Humans; Neurons; Oils, Volatile; Phenols; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves
PubMed: 27598154
DOI: 10.3390/ijms17091478 -
Bioscience of Microbiota, Food and... 2020Food contamination by fungi and mycotoxins presents a problem for food safety even today. Since lactic acid (LA) has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status, the aim...
Food contamination by fungi and mycotoxins presents a problem for food safety even today. Since lactic acid (LA) has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status, the aim of this research was to determine its potential in protection of food against mycological and mycotoxicological contamination. In this study, LA showed an inhibitory effect on the growth of food-borne fungi ( K51, KB31, S72, and K95) and on biosynthesis of sterigmatocystin (STE). For the antifungal effect of LA on the growth of food-borne fungi, the disc diffusion and microdilution methods were performed. The effect of LA on the STE biosynthesis by was determined using an LC-MS/MS technique. The largest inhibition zone was observed for (inhibition zone of 24 ± 0.35 mm), while there were no inhibition zones for and at all tested LA concentrations. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of LA on fungi ranged from 25.0 mg/mL to 50.0 mg/mL, while the minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) ranged from 50.0 mg/mL to 100.0 mg/mL. Complete inhibition of STE biosynthesis by was observed at an LA concentration of 50.0 mg/mL. The obtained results showed that LA could be efficient for protection of food against mycological and STE contamination.
PubMed: 32775125
DOI: 10.12938/bmfh.2019-029