Search Results (4,519)

Basil essential oil (BEO) has emerged as a promising natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production. BEO has shown antimicrobial, antifungal, anticoccidial, antioxidant, and insecticidal properties. BEO exhibits broad antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, and modulates gut microbiota by decreasing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. Anticoccidial effects include reduced oocyst shedding, improved intestinal morphology, and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Antifungal activity reduces fungal load and inhibits Aspergillus spp., with implications for control spoilage and aflatoxin risk. BEO at a concentration of 40 ppm was effective in preventing E. tenella invasion, showing an average reduction in invasion by 36% in primary chicken epithelial cells. Antioxidant benefits include enhanced intestinal and systemic antioxidant status. Advanced nanoformulation technologies, particularly nano-encapsulation, have substantially overcome several limitations for BEO application in poultry. Further research is still required to assess the efficacy of nano-encapsulated BEO for enhancing overall poultry industry productivity. This review synthesizes current evidence on BEO integration in the poultry production sections, from nutrition and disease control to product preservation and farm hygiene, and evaluates technological solutions that address formulation barriers. Moreover, it discusses critical research gaps and proposes future directions for enhancing BEO applications in sustainable poultry production systems. Full article

This study evaluates a SiO₂ nanoparticle (SiO₂NPs)/Paraloid B-72 nanocomposite as a restorative and antifungal treatment for deteriorated sandstone at the Ptolemaic Temple of Isis, located within a densely populated residential area. The temple stones exhibit structural damage, soiling, and severe microbiological deterioration. Fungal isolates from the sandstone were cultured on PDA medium and identified by ITS region DNA sequencing as Alternaria alternata, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Aspergillus niger. The SiO₂NPs and their Paraloid B-72 nanocomposites were synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Stone samples, examined before and after treatment via SEM-EDX, TEM, and XRD, were used to assess both conservation performance and compatibility. Laboratory antifungal tests showed that SiO₂NPs at 300 ppm exhibited the greatest inhibition of mycelial growth, reaching 91.59% for P. chrysogenum, 90.77% for A. niger, and 85.2% for A. alternata. Mechanical testing demonstrated that treatment with the SiO₂NPs/Paraloid B-72 nanocomposite enhanced stone strength, increasing compressive strength from 26.5 MPa to 27.4 MPa. SEM images confirmed excellent, homogeneous dispersion of the nanocomposite on stone grains, forming a coherent coating without pore occlusion. Overall, the SiO₂NPs/Paraloid B-72 formulation improved sandstone surface properties while substantially improving short-term mechanical performance and antifungal efficacy, indicating promise for enhancing restoration procedures when combined with established conservation protocols for sandstone architectural heritage. Full article

Aspergillus flavus is a globally distributed filamentous fungus of major agricultural and medical importance, capable of producing carcinogenic aflatoxins and forming two specialized developmental structures, conidia and sclerotia. While the molecular framework governing conidiation has been well characterized in Aspergillus nidulans, the corresponding mechanisms in A. flavus remain somewhat unelucidated. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized AfldrnA, a gene encoding a basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor. Targeted deletion of AfldrnA resulted in an aconidial phenotype accompanied by a significant increase in sclerotia formation, whereas complementation with the intact AfldrnA gene restored conidiation and reduced sclerotia development. Phenotypic assays revealed that the ΔAfldrnA mutant exhibited normal vegetative growth, unchanged antifungal susceptibility, and unaffected aflatoxin B₁ production, indicating that AfldrnA primarily regulates developmental rather than metabolic differentiation. Additionally, observed differences between standard and dark incubation conditions suggest that AfldrnA may be involved in environmentally responsive regulation of fungal development. Overall, this study identifies AfldrnA as a pivotal transcriptional regulator essential for coordinating conidiation and sclerotia formation in A. flavus, providing new insights into the genetic and environmental regulation of fungal developmental programs. Full article

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is an abundant lignocellulosic by-product whose valorization can support circular bioeconomy strategies. This study evaluated BSG bioconversion by Aspergillus oryzae ATCC 10124 under solid-state fermentation (SSF) to produce lignocellulolytic enzymes and release second-generation (2G) sugars relevant to biorefinery applications. SSF was monitored over 0–10 days, and FPase, endo-cellulase, β-glucosidase, xylanase, mannanase, amylase, and ligninolytic enzyme activities were quantified. Enzymatic crude extracts were further assessed in SDS-PAGE analysis. Glucose, cellobiose, xylose and arabinose release and consumption were tracked throughout fermentation, and substrate transformation was supported by FTIR. The secretome exhibited a predominantly hydrolytic profile, with maximal hemicellulolytic and cellulolytic activity around days 2–4, as well as sustained amylase activity. Ligninolytic activity was not detected. Sugar profiles indicated rapid early hydrolysis of glucose, followed by progressive pentose release. The stabilization and decline were consistent with fungal uptake. Changes in the carbohydrate fingerprint and SDS–PAGE banding supported structural polysaccharide remodeling and hydrolytic protein secretion. Thus, this SSF platform confirmed certain potential for low-cost cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzyme generation. However, because sugar accumulation was temporary and followed by consumption, this system is best interpreted as a biological pretreatment and enzyme-generation step that supports subsequent downstream valorization. Full article

The global rise in the incidence and severity of invasive fungal infections, particularly among immunocompromised and immunodeficient patients, has created an urgent need for rapid and accurate diagnostic techniques. Therefore, fungal-specific positron emission tomography imaging agents are increasingly in demand, as they offer the potential for early-stage detection of fungal infections. Recently, 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluorocellobiose ([¹⁸F]FCB), a fluorine-18-labeled analog of cellobiose that is selectively metabolized by fungal pathogens possessing cellulose-degrading mechanisms (cellulolytic), was developed for the targeted imaging of Aspergillus infections. However, the final [¹⁸F]FCB contained less than 2% unreacted 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoroglucose ([¹⁸F]FDG), which can potentially interfere with image interpretation. Accordingly, this study aims to eliminate residual [¹⁸F]FDG from the final product by enzymatically converting it to [¹⁸F]FDG-6-phosphate through hexokinase-mediated phosphorylation. A Trasis AllInOne (Trasis AIO) module was used to automate the radiolabeling procedure. The reagent vials contain [¹⁸F]FDG, glucose-1-phosphate, cellobiose phosphorylase, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and hexokinase. A Sep-Pak cartridge was used to purify the tracer. The overall radiochemical yield was 45–50% (n = 3, decay-corrected) in a 40 min synthesis time, with a radiochemical purity of >99% (no detectable [¹⁸F]FDG). This is a highly reliable protocol to produce current good manufacturing practice (cGMP)-compliant [¹⁸F]FCB for clinical PET imaging. Full article

Mycotoxin contamination remains a persistent threat to food safety in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries, driven by conducive tropical agroecological conditions, inadequate post-harvest practices, and limited regulatory governance. This critical narrative review (2009–2024) synthesizes the occurrence data for major staple foods (maize, peanuts, cassava, sorghum, millet, and beans) and dairy products compiled from Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, MDPI and institutional sources. It examines the co-occurrence patterns, exposure pathways, and analytical and regulatory gaps. Warm, humid lowland environments favor Aspergillus and aflatoxins, whereas cooler, humid highland zones promote Fusarium, fumonisins, and deoxynivalenol. Across commodities, contamination intensifies along food value chains through inadequate drying, non-hermetic storage, insect damage, and prolonged handling, with processed products generally exhibiting the highest levels of mycotoxins. Regulated mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, ochratoxins, and zearalenone, frequently exceed European Union (EU), East African Community (EAC), and Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) limits in staple foods. Their co-occurrence is widespread, including emerging mycotoxins such as beauvericin and enniatins, particularly in maize- and peanut-based products, raising concerns about potential additive or synergistic effects. Aflatoxin M1 in milk highlights plant–feed–animal–human transfer within a One Health framework. Despite increasing evidence, the available data remain fragmented and heterogeneous; rapid tests dominate, while few studies employ multi-mycotoxin LC-MS/MS methods. Cross-border trade between countries, such as Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Angola, facilitates the circulation of contaminated commodities in the absence of harmonized standards and risk-based controls. Priorities include harmonized regional surveillance, biomarker-based co-exposure assessment, cost-effectiveness evaluation of mitigation strategies, and regulatory alignment at borders. Coordinated, multisectoral action is essential to reduce chronic dietary exposure and improve food safety across the region. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fungal keratitis remains a vision-threatening infection, and current amphotericin B (AmphB) eye drops suffer from low corneal residence time, poor aqueous solubility, and the need for frequent dosing. This study develops electrospun nanofiber-based ophthalmic inserts combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gamma-cyclodextrin (γ-CD), and sodium taurocholate (STC) to enhance AmphB solubility and provide a non-invasive, rapidly dissolving ophthalmic dosage form. Methods: γ-CD and STC-enhanced AmphB-loaded PVA nanofiber-based ophthalmic inserts with varying γ-CD and STC concentrations were prepared by electrospinning and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Drug content, in vitro release (Weibull modeling), antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Fusarium solani, and Aspergillus fumigatus, ocular cytocompatibility using the Hen’s Egg Test on Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM), and accelerated stability (40 ± 2 °C, 75 ± 5% relative humidity, 4 weeks) were evaluated. Results: Bead-free nanofibers with mean diameters between 216 ± 33 nm and 310 ± 35 nm were obtained, and XRD confirmed complete amorphization of AmphB within the PVA nanofiber matrix, forming an amorphous solid dispersion. All formulations showed rapid and nearly complete AmphB release (≈100% within 60 min), with Weibull β values < 0.75, indicating Fickian diffusion-controlled release. AmphB-loaded PVA nanofiber-based ophthalmic inserts produced inhibition zones and broth susceptibility profiles comparable to AmphB in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), demonstrating preserved antifungal activity. HET-CAM scores (0–0.9) classified the inserts as practically non-irritant, and SEM/FTIR after accelerated storage showed no relevant morphological or physicochemical changes. Conclusions: These γ-CD and STC-enhanced AmphB-loaded PVA nanofiber-based ophthalmic inserts provide a non-invasive, rapidly dissolving ophthalmic dosage form that combines amorphous AmphB, immediate drug availability, and good ocular tolerance, supporting their further development as a patient-friendly treatment option for fungal keratitis. Full article

Considering the increasing consumer demand for natural meat tenderization methods, this study explores the potential of Aspergillus oryzae (Koji) to enhance beef quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the enzymatic effect of Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae) on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics, as well as the perception of satiety, in Angus beef. Two distinct anatomical cuts, the neck and the round, were subjected to enzymatic aging using four different Koji-based mixtures. Parameters such as water content, thermal preparation (grilling) loss, expressible moisture, and pH were determined, supplemented by sensory analysis and a satiety test. Compared to untreated or traditionally marinated samples (Teriyaki sauce), Koji-treated samples exhibited lower grilling loss and improved texture. Sensory analysis highlighted a more intense flavor profile and increased acceptability of the enzymatically treated products. The satiety test indicated a predominantly positive perception of postprandial fullness, with negative ratings being rare and exclusive to the control group. These results support the potential of A. oryzae as a natural alternative for optimizing the technological and sensory quality of red meat, contributing to a favorable consumer experience, including satiety perception. Full article

To address the challenge of depleting traditional feed resources, this study aimed to biovalorize sweet potato waste (SPW), a major byproduct of the Japanese shochu industry, into a high-value functional animal feed. An innovative two-stage solid-state fermentation (SSF) was employed, featuring an initial aerobic stage with Aspergillus oryzae for substrate degradation, followed by an anaerobic stage with Lactobacillus plantarum for nutritional enhancement. To optimize this complex, multi-variable process, the predictive performance of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Random Forest (RF) machine learning models was compared based on an augmented experimental dataset (N = 80). To ensure statistical robustness and prevent data leakage, a repeated k-fold cross-validation strategy was implemented. The RF model demonstrated significantly superior accuracy and reliability than the ANN model, particularly in predicting the primary metric, crude protein (R² = 0.61 ± 0.04 vs. R² = 0.12 ± 0.15). Subsequently, the validated RF model was integrated with a Constrained Differential Evolution (CDE) algorithm for global parameter optimization. The optimized process was predicted to yield a final product with a crude protein content of 25.0%, alongside significant increases of 114.1% in total amino acids and 123.9% in essential amino acids. These projections were experimentally validated in vitro, confirming the model’s accuracy with a relative error of less than 5%. Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical assays demonstrated a massive degradation of anti-nutritional factors and significant enhancements in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. This study provides a scientifically validated, data-driven framework for the valorization of SPW. It confirms the superior efficacy of ensemble learning methods for optimizing complex bioprocesses with limited data, offering a contribution to the development of a circular bioeconomy and sustainable feed resources. Full article

Mold infection by Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. in Sithong sweet tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) during commercial postharvest storage poses quality and food safety risks. However, the current visual detection method, which involves randomly cracking open the pods, is both destructive and laborious. The integration of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with artificial neural networks (ANN) enables rapid and non-destructive detection while capturing non-linear biochemical–spectral relationships, offering advantages over conventional destructive and linear analytical methods. It was tested as a mold classifier in sweet tamarind pods preserved in commercial ambient conditions (25 °C, 60% relative humidity) for five weeks. Six hundred pods were examined weekly using interactance spectroscopy (800–2500 nm) with six measurement points per pod and four spectral preprocessing methods. The ANN outperformed partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) across all storage weeks, peaking at Week 2 with standard normal variate (SNV) preprocessing (prediction accuracy: 85.00%; sensitivity: 0.84; specificity: 0.86; F1-score: 0.85). Advanced tissue degeneration caused spectral heterogeneity, which decreased performance at Week 4 (prediction accuracy: 71.82–76.36%). Principal component loadings identified mold-induced water redistribution and carbohydrate depletion wavelengths at 938, 975–980, and 1035 nm. Week-adaptive calibration is essential for implementation because of the large difference between week-specific model accuracy (up to 85%) and overall storage model accuracy (63.53%). These findings provide a mechanistic underpinning for smaller wavelength-selective sensors and temporally adaptive mold screening systems in commercial tamarind storage. Full article

Fungal extracts have garnered considerable attention in recent years due to their diverse pharmaceutical potential. The present study investigates the secondary metabolite profile and biological activities of Alternaria citri, a fungal strain associated with citrus fruits. Metabolites were extracted from A. citri grown in Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) using ethyl acetate and subsequently evaluated for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities, alongside gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling. GC–MS analysis identified 14 bioactive compounds in the fungal extract. The extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma hamatum, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Moderate total phenolic and flavonoid contents were observed, which correlated with concentration-dependent antioxidant activity as determined by the DPPH assay. Cytotoxic evaluation using NIH/3T3 cells demonstrated potential anticancer activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 126.63 µg/mL. A. citri is an interesting source of bioactive metabolites with potential therapeutic applications. These findings further strengthen the evidence that Alternaria species can serve as promising sources of natural antioxidants and antimicrobials, thereby supporting their potential applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical formulations. This study expands current knowledge of fungal metabolite diversity and establishes A. citri as a potential source of novel therapeutic agents. Full article

The pathways governing the transformation of crop residues into humic acid (HA) remain incompletely understood because multiple biochemical routes may operate simultaneously during composting-like humification. In this study, a 30-day solid-state humification experiment was conducted by integrating physicochemical pretreatments, including steam explosion (SE) and ammonification coupled with steam explosion (SE-N), with a multi-fungal inoculation strategy involving Aspergillus niger, Candida spp., and Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Across three representative substrate–pretreatment systems and 81 experimental groups, the contents of lignocellulosic fractions, reducing sugars (RS), a UV-280-based soluble nitrogen-containing precursor index (operationally denoted as SNP), fulvic acid (FA), and HA were compared. The results showed that neither physicochemical pretreatment alone nor single-strain inoculation was sufficient to achieve substantial HA formation. SE mainly improved substrate accessibility and promoted carbon release, whereas ammonification provided essential nitrogen preloading for subsequent precursor coupling. In the saccharification-dominant treatment, RS reached 27.5%, but HA remained negligible. In the Candida-only treatment, the soluble nitrogen-containing precursor index increased markedly, yet HA formation was still minimal. By contrast, the highest HA yield (13.7%) was obtained under multi-fungal co-inoculation, particularly when nitrogen preloading by ammonification was combined with concurrent accumulation of carbon and aromatic precursors. The data suggest that lignin-targeting activity by P. chrysosporium was associated with the likely generation of phenolic and quinone-like intermediates that bridged the condensation of sugar- and nitrogen-derived compounds. Overall, the findings support a synergistic humification framework in which polysaccharide depolymerization, microbial nitrogen transformation, and lignin-derived aromatic precursor formation jointly contribute to HA accumulation, rather than a single linear pathway dominating the process. Full article

This study systematically investigated the dynamic diversity, potential sources, and antifungal activities of small molecular peptides during the pile-fermentation process of post-fermented tea. By analyzing the damaging effects of small molecular peptide extracts from tea samples at different pile-fermentation stages on the spore cell membranes of Aspergillus carbonarius (A. carbonarius) and the inhibitory activity against β-1,3-glucan synthase (β-1,3-GS), it was confirmed that some small molecular peptides exhibit significant antifungal effects. The main findings are as follows: (1) The number of identified small molecular peptides showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the progress of pile-fermentation, peaking at 4453 species on the 35th day of pile-fermentation, and were dominated by hexapeptides and heptapeptides with molecular weights ranging from 600 to 800 Da. (2) Based on orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), the samples were divided into three characteristic stages according to the differences in small molecular peptide composition at different stages, and 156 characteristic peptides with a relative abundance higher than 0.1% were screened out. Their precursor proteins were derived from 148 proteins belonging to 16 genera, including Camellia, Aspergillus, Saccharomyces, Penicillium, and Bacillus. (3) BLAST alignment results showed that five out of the 156 characteristic peptides were degradation fragments of known antifungal peptides originating from Aspergillus and Bacillus. (4) Combining molecular docking screening and in vitro verification of synthetic peptides, a total of 27 small molecular peptides with antifungal activity were obtained, and their mechanism of action was the inhibition of β-1,3-GS activity. (5) The small molecular peptides related to antifungal activity could be classified into two categories: enzymatic hydrolysates of known antifungal peptides, and the enzymatic hydrolysates of tea-derived proteins or macromolecular peptides. Both categories were mainly distributed in the three stages of pile-fermentation, and there was a significant positive correlation among the population size of dominant microorganisms, microbial peptidase activity, and the abundance of small molecular peptides. This study reveals the dynamic generation pattern and antifungal potential of small molecular peptides during the pile-fermentation of post-fermented tea, providing a new scientific basis for evaluating the dynamic changes in microbial communities in tea and effectively controlling the contamination of harmful fungi during the pile-fermentation process. Full article

Background: The nasopharyngeal microbiome is crucial for respiratory health in mammals, yet it remains poorly characterized in the endangered forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii), particularly in the context of disease. Methods: We compared the bacterial (16S rRNA) and fungal (ITS2) communities in the nasopharynx of healthy (n = 6) and clinically diseased (n = 6) individuals. Results: Although alpha diversity did not differ significantly, beta diversity (PCoA) analysis revealed distinct bacterial (PERMANOVA, R² = 0.165, p = 0.014) and fungal (R² = 0.577, p = 0.003) community structures between groups. The diseased group exhibited a significant increase in the bacterial phylum Proteobacteria (70.97% vs. 46.27%), primarily driven by the genera Bibersteinia and Pseudomonas. Fungal communities in the diseased group were dominated by a higher relative abundance of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, with significant enrichment of Wallemia and Aspergillus. LEfSe analysis identified Pseudomonas and multiple fungal taxa (e.g., Wallemia, Aspergillus) as biomarkers for the diseased group. PICRUSt2 prediction indicated enrichment of pathways related to carotenoid biosynthesis and sphingolipid metabolism in the diseased state, while FUNGuild analysis suggested a higher abundance of animal/plant pathogen-related fungi. Conclusions: Symptomatic respiratory infections in forest musk deer are associated with significant dysbiosis of the nasopharyngeal microbiome, characterized by the marked enrichment of potential bacterial opportunists (e.g., Pseudomonas) and specific fungal taxa (e.g., Wallemia, Aspergillus), alongside distinct functional shifts in the microbiome. These findings provide the first integrated bacterial–fungal profile of the nasopharyngeal microbiome in this endangered species, and highlight potential microbial biomarkers associated with respiratory disease. Full article

Medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) is a plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Despite the nutritional and functional value of the medlar fruit, there is limited research, particularly regarding its potential as a source of dietary fibers, indigestible plant-based components, important for improving health. Fungal cellulase enzymes were used to treat medlar fruit in physiological (PRM) and consumable (CRM) maturity and obtain insoluble dietary fibers (IDF). The yield of obtained insoluble dietary fibers was 83% for both PRM and CRM. Fungal strains Aspergillus welwitschiae have proven to be significant producers of the cellulase enzyme complex and are also safe for use in food production. Swelling capacity exhibited the most pronounced response to the enzymatic treatment; 8.51–8.65% vs. 12.24–12.86% (untreated and treated fruits, respectively). Dietary fibers extracted from medlar fruits exhibited antioxidant activity that can be attributed to the presence of bound polyphenolic compounds within the fiber material. Microscopic analysis and FTIR spectra revealed structural changes in the medlar fibers due to enzyme activity, indicating partial hydrolysis of lignocellulosic components. This process enhances the functional properties of medlar-based IDF, making it a valuable ingredient for fiber-enriched food products. Full article