Search Results (405)

To improve the postharvest preservation of cherry tomatoes and combat pathogenic, both bacterial and fungal contamination (particularly Alternaria alternata), a novel biodegradable coating was developed based on a water-in-water (W/W) Pickering emulsion system. The emulsion was stabilized by L. plantarum (Lactobacillus plantarum), with maltodextrin (MD) as the dispersed phase and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the continuous phase. Characterization of emulsions at varying concentrations revealed that the optimized W/W-PL^8 film exhibited superior stability, smooth morphology, and low water vapor permeability (WVP = 220.437 g/(m²·24 h)), making it a promising candidate for fruit and vegetable preservation. Furthermore, the coating demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with scavenging rates of 58.99% (ABTS) and 94.23% (DPPH), along with potent antimicrobial effects, showing inhibition rates of 12.8% against Escherichia coli and 23.7% against Staphylococcus aureus. Applied to cherry tomatoes, the W/W-PL^8 coating significantly reduced respiration rates, minimized decay incidence, and maintained nutritional quality during storage. Remarkably, the coating successfully controlled Alternaria alternata contamination, enhancing the storage duration of cherry tomatoes. These findings highlight the potential of W/W-PL^8 as an eco-friendly and functional packaging material for fresh produce preservation. Full article

Fungi, from saprophytes to pathogens, face predictable daily fluctuations in light, temperature, humidity, and nutrient availability. To cope, they have evolved an internal circadian clock that confers a major adaptive advantage. This review critically synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular architecture and physiological relevance of fungal circadian systems, moving beyond the canonical Neurospora crassa model to explore the broader phylogenetic diversity of timekeeping mechanisms. We examine the core transcription-translation feedback loop (TTFL) centered on the FREQUENCY/WHITE COLLAR (FRQ/WCC) system and contrast it with divergent and non-canonical oscillators, including the metabolic rhythms of yeasts and the universally conserved peroxiredoxin (PRX) oxidation cycles. A central theme is the clock’s role in gating cellular defenses against oxidative, osmotic, and nutritional stress, enabling fungi to anticipate and withstand environmental insults through proactive regulation. We provide a detailed analysis of chrono-pathogenesis, where the circadian control of virulence factors aligns fungal attacks with windows of host vulnerability, with a focus on experimental evidence from pathogens like Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Magnaporthe oryzae. The review explores the downstream pathways—including transcriptional cascades, post-translational modifications, and epigenetic regulation—that translate temporal signals into physiological outputs such as developmental rhythms in conidiation and hyphal branching. Finally, we highlight critical knowledge gaps, particularly in understudied phyla like Basidiomycota, and discuss future research directions. This includes the exploration of novel clock architectures and the emerging, though speculative, hypothesis of “chrono-therapeutics”—interventions designed to disrupt fungal clocks—as a forward-looking concept for managing fungal infections. Full article

Nowadays, there is special interest in promoting the consumption of ancestral crops and minimally processed foods with high nutritional value. However, besides nutritional issues, safety assessments must be addressed. This study aimed to evaluate mycotoxin contamination in five minimally processed traditional Ecuadorian foods: ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisin B₁ (FB₁), and aflatoxins (AFs) in brown rice, lupin, and quinoa; OTA, FB₁, and deoxynivalenol (DON) in whole-wheat flour; and OTA and AFs in peanuts. Samples (45 samples of peanuts and whole-wheat flour, 47 of brown rice, 46 of quinoa, and 36 of lupin) were collected from local markets and supermarkets in the three most populated cities in Ecuador. Mycotoxins were determined by RP-HPLC with fluorescence and detection. Results were compared with the maximum permitted levels (MPLs) of European Regulation 2023/915/EC. Overall contamination reached up to 59.8% of the analyzed samples (38.4% with one mycotoxin and 21.5% with co-occurrence). OTA was the most prevalent mycotoxin (in 82.6% of quinoa, 76.7% of whole-wheat flour, 53.3% of peanuts, 48.6% of lupin, and 25.5% of brown rice), and a modest number of quinoa (17%) and lupin (5.7%) samples surpassed the MPLs. DON was found in 82.2% of whole-wheat flour (28.9% > MPL). FB₁ was detected in above 25% of brown rice and whole-wheat flour and in 9% of the quinoa samples. FB₁ levels were above the MPLs only for whole-wheat flour (17.8%). AFB₁ and AFG₁ showed similar prevalence (about 6.5 and 8.5%, respectively) in quinoa and rice and about 27% in peanuts. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of enhancing fungal control in the pre- and post-harvest stages of these foods, which are recognized for their high nutritional value and ancestral worth; consequently, the results present key issues related to healthy diet promotion and food sovereignty. This study provides compelling insights into mycotoxin occurrence in minimally processed Ecuadorian foods and highlights the need for further exposure assessments by combining population consumption data. Full article

Background: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder managed through a strict, lifelong low-phenylalanine diet, which may influence gut microbiome dynamics. While gut bacterial alterations in PKU are increasingly investigated, the fungal community (mycobiome) remains largely unexplored. This study compared gut mycobiome composition and dietary profiles of paediatric PKU patients and healthy controls, stratified by age (<10 and 10–18 years). Methods: Stool samples from 20 children (10 PKU, 10 controls) were analysed using ITS1/ITS2 amplicon sequencing. Nutritional status was assessed using Body Mass Index percentiles (Polish standards), and nutrient intake was evaluated from three-day dietary records compared to national reference values. Correlations between fungal taxa and dietary factors were explored. Results: Although alpha diversity did not differ significantly, beta diversity and LEfSe analyses revealed distinct fungal profiles between PKU patients and controls, indicating a trend toward group separation (PERMANOVA: F = 1.54646, p = 0.09; ANOVA: p = 0.0609). PKU patients showed increased Eurotiales (p = 0.029), Aspergillaceae (p = 0.029), and Penicillium (p = 0.11) and decreased Physalacriaceae (0% vs. 5.84% in controls) and Malassezia (p = 0.13). Spearman’s analysis showed significant correlations between Geotrichum and intake of protein (ρ = 0.55, p = 0.0127) and phenylalanine (ρ = 0.70, p = 0.0005). Conclusions: Dietary treatment in PKU is associated with age-dependent shifts in the gut mycobiome, notably increasing the abundance of taxa such as Eurotiales, Aspergillaceae, and Penicillium, involved in carbohydrate/lipid metabolism and mucosal inflammation. These findings highlight the potential of gut fungi as nutritional and clinical biomarkers in PKU. Full article

Melanin is a complex natural pigment that imparts a variety of colors to the fruiting bodies of edible fungi, influencing both their nutritional quality and commercial value. Stropharia rugosoannulata is an emerging type of edible fungus that has been widely cultivated in recent years. It can be categorized into red and yellow varieties based on cap color, while its pigment characteristics remain unclear. In this study, the melanins from the two varieties were obtained using an alkaline extraction and acid precipitation method, followed by comprehensive characterization of their chemical properties and ultrastructural features. Both melanins displayed distinct absorption maxima at approximately 211 nm. The melanin extracted from the red variety consisted of 55.63% carbon (C), 7.40% hydrogen (H), 30.23% oxygen (O), 5.99% nitrogen (N), and 0.64% sulfur (S), whereas the yellow variety comprised 52.22% C, 6.74% H, 29.70% O, 5.91% N, and 0.99% S. Both types of melanin included eumelanin and phaeomelanin forms, with eumelanin being the predominant type. Variations in the quantities and relative proportions of eumelanin and phaeomelanin contributed to the observed color differences in the mushroom caps. Ultrastructural micrographs revealed the melanins were primarily localized in the cell wall, consistent with findings in other fungal species. These findings contribute valuable insights into fundamental knowledge and potential applications of mushroom pigments. Full article

A fungal strain with comparably high chitosan yield was isolated from the Shivaganga hills and identified as Aspergillus versicolor AD07 through molecular characterization. Later, the strain was cultivated on Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB) and wild jackfruit-based media to evaluate its potential for chitosan production. Among the various media formulations, the highest chitosan yield (178.40 ± 1.76 mg/L) was obtained from the jackfruit extract medium with added peptone and dextrose. The extracted chitosan was characterized through FTIR, XRD (reported a crystallinity index of 55%), TGA/DTG, and DSC analysis, confirming the presence of key functional groups and high thermal resistance. The extracted chitosan was fabricated into a sheet incorporated with 1% lemongrass oil; the sheet exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (30 mm) and Bacillus megaterium (48 mm). The biodegradation studies reported a weight loss of 38.93 ± 0.51% after 50 days of soil burial. Further, the chitosan film was tested as a packaging material for paneer, demonstrating better preservation by maintaining nutritional quality and reducing microbial load over a 14-day storage period. These findings highlight the potential of A. versicolor AD07-derived chitosan, cultivated on a waste substrate medium, as a sustainable biopolymer for food packaging applications. Full article

Apple pomace, a by-product from the production of concentrated juice, is a major contributor to global food waste. Despite its beneficial nutritional profile, apple pomace is predominantly disposed of in landfills. Rapid fermentation and spoilage caused by microorganisms are compounding factors in this demise, despite significant research into upcycling strategies. Thus, there is an unmet need for economical approaches that allow for the preservation of pomace during storage and transportation to centralized processing facilities from regional hubs. To address this challenge, we investigated the potential of different preservatives for preventing microbial growth and the spoilage of apple pomace, including antimicrobials (natamycin and iodine), polysaccharides (chitosan and fucoidan), and acetic acid. Spread plates for total microbial and fungal counts were employed to assess the effectiveness of the treatments. High concentrations (10,000 ppm) of chitosan were effective at reducing the microbial load and inhibiting growth, and in combination with antimicrobials, eliminated all microbes below detectable levels. Nevertheless, acetic acid at an equivalent concentration to commercial vinegar displayed the highest economic potential. Apple pomace submerged in 0.8 M acetic acid (3 kg pomace per liter) resulted in a five-log reduction in the microbial colony-forming units (CFUs) out to 14 days and prevented fermentation and ethanol production. These results provide a foundation for the short-term storage and preservation of apple pomace that could contribute to its upcycling. Full article

To address the need for improved nutritional value of organically grown wheat, this study investigated the impact of silicon treatments (AdeSil, ZumSil) on yield, health status, and bioactive compound content in spring wheat cultivars. The 2019–2020 research evaluated different application variants: seed dressing, foliar sprays, and their combinations. Comprehensive seed dressing combined with two foliar treatments, (variant B) and two foliar treatments (variant C), significantly increased yield (by an average of 8.9% and 7.6% vs. control, respectively). These variants beneficially affected fungal disease resistance mainly in the stressful 2019; in optimal 2020, they showed no clear advantage over the control, which performed similarly or better. Seed dressing (variant D) increased total phenolic acids (PAs) content and antioxidant activity, with the spelt cv. Wirtas exhibiting the highest levels. Silicon treatments modified alkylresorcinols (ARs) content, but effects depended on the year, cultivar, and application variant, not always exceeding the control. Silicon treatments, especially when applied in combination (seed dressing and foliar application), can improve spring wheat yield and favorably modify PAs content, enhancing grain nutritional value. However, the plant response regarding health status and ARs content is strongly conditioned by cultivar specificity and the prevailing environmental conditions of the growing year. Full article

Gut microbes are important for saproxylophagous insects, but little is known about the specific types of microbes that we can grow in the lab and how their diet affects them. We characterized aerobic culturable microbes from the superworm Zophobas atratus larvae reared on a standard diet (SD) and a fungal-based diet (FD) using the selective plating and 16S rRNA sequencing of isolates. Five functional groups were cultured: amino acid autotrophs, enterobacteria, yeasts, cellulolytic bacteria, and molds. A quantitative assessment revealed distinct diet-dependent patterns: SD-fed larvae showed the dominance of enterobacteria and amino acid autotrophs, while FD-fed larvae exhibited a higher abundance of enterobacteria and yeasts. Mold populations remained minimal under both diets. A phylogenetic analysis of bacterial isolates showed four core bacterial phyla (Pseudomonadota, Actinobacteria, Bacillota, and Bacteroidota) with diet-sensitive genus-level variations. Pseudomonadota dominated both diets, but certain genera were associated with different diets: Micrococcus and Brucella in the SD versus Citrobacter and Pseudomonas in the FD. Shared genera (Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Bacillus) may represent a core culturable community. These findings demonstrate the influence of diet on culturable gut microbes while highlighting the need for complementary molecular approaches to study unculturable taxa. The isolated strains provide resources for investigating microbial functions in insect nutrition. Full article

Malt bagasse is the primary solid waste product from the brewing process, with notable environmental implications. Due to its nutritional value, it has potential as animal feed, primarily through ensilage. Alfalfa pellets can enhance this silage by adding digestible nitrogen and fibre. However, the high moisture content favours microbial contamination, particularly by fungi like Fusarium, which produces harmful mycotoxins. This study evaluated the impact of winter silage on fungal diversity, Fusarium presence, and mycotoxin contamination in malt bagasse, comparing the pre- and post-silage stages with the addition of alfalfa pellets. Results showed a diverse range of fungi, including Mucor, Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Penicillium, as well as yeasts. Fungal contamination was higher before silage, although the addition of alfalfa increased it after silage was produced. Fusarium verticillioides was the most common Fusarium species. Mycotoxin analysis detected DON (1.4 ppb) in only one sample. A two-month winter silage process under cold-temperate conditions appears to reduce fungal contamination and preserve feed quality. These findings support silage as a circular strategy to manage brewery waste safely, but further research and policy measures are needed to minimise biological risks in the brewing and livestock sectors amid climate change. Full article

Sanghuang (SH), a natural fungal resource used for food and medicinal purposes, has drawn considerable attention due to its pharmacological effects and efficacy. This study focused on Wild Sanghuang (WS) and Sanghuang cultivated using two different methods: Duanmu Sanghuang and Mycelium Sanghuang. Using UPLC-O-TOF-MS, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the secondary metabolites present in SH. The content of 18 amino acids was measured using an automated amino acid analyzer. The results demonstrated major differences in secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, organic acids, amino acids, and their derivatives, between WS and cultivated Sanghuang (CS). The total amino acid content in WS surpassed that of CS, with segmental trunk SH exhibiting a total amino acid content 1.3 times (p < 0.05) greater than that of bag material SH. This variation may be linked to the biosynthetic pathways of valine, leucine, isoleucine, and flavonoids. By comparing the metabolomic and amino acidomic differences between WS and artificially CS, this study aims to provide a scientific basis for understanding the nutritional and medicinal value of various cultivation methods for SH and offer theoretical support for the future development of SH-related products. Full article

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a globally important economic crop valued for its nutritional and commercial significance. However, its growth is frequently challenged by various biotic and abiotic stresses. To enhance strawberry root development and resilience, we engineered a Trichoderma guizhouense NJAU4742 strain to overexpress the TgSWO gene, which encodes a plant cell-wall-loosening protein known to facilitate fungal penetration and colonization. Strawberry seedlings treated with the TgSWO-overexpressing T. guizhouense NJAU4742 strain (S-OE) exhibited significant improvements in shoot and root fresh weights, root surface area, and number of root tips, showing 1.37- to 2.00-fold increases compared with the strawberry seedlings inoculated with the wild-type T. guizhouense NJAU4742 (S-WT) and 2.00- to 3.44-fold increases compared with the uninoculated strawberry seedlings (S-CK). Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the S-OE roots revealed denser hyphal colonization. Transcriptome analysis of S-OE showed a decrease in genes related to defense and detoxification, while genes for cell-wall growth and hormone signaling increased, shifting focus from defense to growth. Metabolomic profiling identified cysteine as a key metabolite associated with induced growth, which was further validated through exogenous cysteine application experiments. This study highlights the potential of genetically enhanced Trichoderma for improving strawberry growth and provides new insights into root–microbe interactions and metabolite-mediated plant development. Full article

The global consumption of fresh and ready-to-eat (RTE) fruits and vegetables has surged due to increasing awareness of their nutritional benefits. However, this trend has been accompanied by a rise in foodborne illness outbreaks linked to microbial contamination. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on the prevalence and diversity of foodborne pathogens in fresh produce, including bacterial, viral, and fungal agents. It critically evaluates both conventional and emerging detection methods, ranging from culture-based techniques and immunoassays to advanced molecular diagnostics, biosensors, flow cytometry (FC), and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Additionally, this review discusses cutting-edge control strategies, such as natural antifungal agents, essential oils, biocontrol methods, and non-thermal technologies like cold plasma and UV-C treatment. Emphasis is placed on sampling methodologies, sustainability, One Health perspectives, and regulatory considerations. By highlighting recent technological advances and their limitations, this review aims to support the development of integrated, effective, and safe microbial control approaches for the fresh produce supply chain. Full article

Dried fruits, which are widely produced in different parts of the world, and, especially in the Mediterranean basin, are broadly known for their durability and their nutritional value. This is primarily due to their ability to be stored for long periods of time and their concentrated nutrient content. However, these fruits can be at risk of contamination by specific stored-product insects and various toxigenic fungal species at different stages of their production process, including cultivation, harvesting, processing, drying, and storage. As a result, the dried fruits that are consumed may contain mycotoxins, which pose a potential risk for human health. The risk is significant in both industrialized and developing nations, as climate change and inadequate sanitation practices contribute to the proliferation of mycotoxins in these commodities. It is worth noting that there are several factors that contribute to the production of mycotoxins, such as the type of fruit, geographical location, climatic conditions, harvest treatments, and storage management practices, with specialized insects, known as “stored-product insects”, playing a crucial role in this latter stage. Therefore, it is critically important to gain a comprehensive understanding of the interaction among insects, fungi, and mycotoxins to effectively mitigate this problem. In this review, the primary objective is to bridge the knowledge gap by consolidating data from various regions to gain a global perspective on this topic. Full article

This study explores the effects of Tricholoma matsutake-derived insoluble dietary fiber (TMIDF) on the pasting behavior, structural properties, and in vitro digestibility of rice flour. The incorporation of 5% TMIDF significantly increased the peak viscosity (from 2573.21 to 2814.52 mPa·s) by competitively adsorbing water and forming a dense transient network, while simultaneously reducing the final viscosity (from 1998.27 to 1886.18 mPa·s) by inhibiting amylose recrystallization. Multi-scale structural analyses revealed that TMIDF enhanced V-type crystallinity and limited enzyme access via a porous fibrous matrix. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analyses confirmed that hydrogen bonding and water redistribution were key interaction mechanisms. TMIDF significantly lowered in vitro starch digestibility and increased resistant starch content by 16% (from 14.36% to 30.94%) through synergistic effects, including physical encapsulation of starch granules, formation of enzyme-resistant amylose-lipid complexes, and α-amylase inhibition (31.08%). These results demonstrate that TMIDF possesses a unique multi-tiered modulation mechanism, involving structural optimization, enzyme suppression, and diffusion control, which collectively surpasses the functional performance of conventional plant-derived insoluble dietary fibers. This research establishes a theoretical basis for applying fungal insoluble dietary fibers to develop low glycemic index functional foods, highlighting their dual role in improving processing performance and nutritional quality. Full article