Search Results (46)

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

Basidiomycetes can colonize sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill) xylem, causing white or brown rot and losses in wood quality. The aim of this study was to assess the degradative potential of five Basidiomycota strains (Armillaria mellea (Vahl) P. Kumm. (Am), Fistulina hepatica (Shaeff.) With. (Fh), and Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.) Murrill (Ls), and two strains of Ganoderma resinaceum Boud.) on three chestnut woods differing in chemistry. The woods differed in nitrogen content (0.3%–1.0%), carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio (43–150), and phenolic-related traits. In a 39-day laboratory assay, the five fungal strains were inoculated on three chestnut woods and compared for colonization time, extracellular enzymatic activity, and C mineralization. Fungal colonization strongly depended on fungus × wood interaction: L. sulphureus colonized all woods within 6 days, whereas the two G. resinaceum strains required 9–33 days depending on wood type; A. mellea and F. hepatica colonized only selected woods (up to 39 days). Enzymatic screening indicated laccase activity mainly in G. resinaceum (and to a lesser extent A. mellea), while L. sulphureus expressed cellulolytic activity but no laccase. Over 39 days, total C mineralization peaked under G. resinaceum on the two Sicilian woods (up to 270–300 mg CO₂–C g⁻¹ dry wood), whereas the Tuscan wood (highest C/N and phenolic content) markedly inhibited most strains; only L. sulphureus increased mineralization in this wood (85 mg CO₂–C g⁻¹ dry wood). These findings indicate that wood chemistry, especially C/N ratio and phenolic traits, strongly modulates strain-specific decay patterns. Overall, these results highlight the need for an integrated biological–biochemical approach to evaluate fungal decay potential and to inform both the selection of more durable chestnut woods for wood products and the identification of efficient strains to accelerate lignocellulosic biomass composting. Full article

The growing emphasis on sustainability, regional distinctiveness, and spontaneous fermentation in winemaking necessitates a more comprehensive understanding of local yeast populations and their functional mechanisms. In total, 115 indigenous yeast strains were examined for their enzymatic activities of potential vitivinicultural significance. The yeasts were screened for chitinase activity (biocontrol potential), glycosidase activity (terpene release), β-lyases (thiol release), and sulfite reductases (off-flavor formation), followed by quantitative analysis of the selected subsets. Yeasts were further evaluated for inhibition of fungal mycelial growth, VOC-mediated inhibition, and tolerance to commonly applied fungicides. Pre-field selection was refined using the niche overlap index and grapevine leaf disc assay. The results confirmed chitinolytic activity in four species; all strains exhibited hydrolase activities, with H. uvarum 116 displaying the highest cell-associated activity (6.32 U/g), while T. delbrueckii Sut94 showed the highest extracellular activity (1.36 U/g). β-glucosidase and β-lyase activities were widespread, whereas hydrogen sulfide production was infrequent. P. guilliermondii ZIM 624 showed the most comprehensive overall enzymatic profile, together with strong inhibition patterns. A field trial on Pinot cultivars (V. vinifera L.) further evaluated P. guilliermondii ZIM 624 within an integrated disease management approach, with responses being more pronounced in ‘Pinot noir’ than in ‘Pinot gris’. Full article

Skin aging is driven by oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation, and ultraviolet-B (UVB)-induced cellular injury. Plant-derived bioactives with multi-targeted protective actions offer promising avenues for cosmeceutical development. This study assessed ethanolic leaf extracts of Vitex trifolia, an Indonesian medicinal plant traditionally used for skin disorders. Phytochemical analysis showed a total phenolic content of 78.52 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content of 1.99 ± 0.02 mg QE/g. LC–HRMS profiling identified major flavonoid and phenolic acid derivatives. Antioxidant assays demonstrated strong radical-scavenging and reducing activities, with IC₅₀ values of 63.47 ± 0.24 (DPPH) and 70.13 ± 1.28 μg/mL (ABTS) and a Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) value of 36.3 ± 0.18 FeSO₄ eq/100 g. Enzymatic studies confirmed potent collagenase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 27.94 ± 3.20 μg/mL) and moderate elastase inhibition, supported by molecular docking analysis. In HaCaT keratinocytes, the extract remained non-cytotoxic up to 100 μg/mL and exerted cytoprotective activity against UVB-induced damage at 12.5–50 μg/mL. The extract also downregulated UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression up to 42% and 69%, respectively, outperforming ascorbic acid. These findings highlight V. trifolia as a multifunctional natural candidate for anti-photoaging cosmeceutical applications over single-compound antioxidants, as demonstrated by its combined antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory, cytoprotective, and MMP-modulating activities, as well as a wider cell safety profile. Full article

Transitional water bodies are coastal areas of strategic naturalistic and socio-economic importance, and highly vulnerable to increased anthropic pressure. A monitoring study was performed in the transitional area of Lake Faro (Cape Peloro Lagoon, Italy), where specimens of the threatened species Pinna nobilis (Mollusca, Bivalvia) constitute a resident community, as a part of a wider research program aiming to preserve this organism in the context of safeguarding lake biodiversity. Five surface water samplings with a two-month frequency were carried out at four selected stations, three of which were located in the inner part of the lake and one control station outside, in a canal connecting the lake to the Messina Straits. Trophic conditions (total suspender matter, nutrients and chlorophyll-a) and the main environmental variables (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen) were measured. Insights into the total prokaryotic abundance and metabolism via the extracellular enzymatic activities (i.e., leucine aminopeptidase; beta-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase) were obtained. The dataset indicated that microbial and trophic dynamics were associated with the abundance of the P. nobilis population. These parameters, moreover, proved to represent a suitable tool for characterizing the environmental health status of transitional areas, as well as for implementing new effective strategies for sustainable resource management. Full article

The granulation of pomelo (Citrus maxima) juice sacs severely compromises fruit quality and is closely associated with lignin accumulation, a process catalyzed by peroxidases (PODs). Analysis of ‘Sanhong’ pomelo juice sacs collected 175–215 days after flowering revealed that bound peroxidase (BPOD) activity paralleled changes in lignin content, suggesting a potential role for BPOD in lignin biosynthesis. A total of 71 CmPOD genes were identified in the pomelo genome through integrated HMMER and BLAST analyses. Among them, CmPOD52 was selected for functional characterization based on its alkaline peroxidase properties, absence of a CE domain, predicted extracellular localization, and gradually increasing expression pattern revealed by RT-qPCR. Its transient overexpression in ‘Sanhong’ pomelo juice sacs for 36 h increased BPOD activity 2.06-fold (p < 0.01) compared to the empty vector control, indicating that CmPOD52 may be a BPOD gene. The recombinant CmPOD52 protein was expressed in a prokaryotic system, purified, and used in enzymatic assays with sinapyl alcohol as the substrate. The recombinant CmPOD52 protein, assayed at 272 nm with controls (substrate-only blank and heat-inactivated protein), showed an activity of 13.67 ± 0.9 U. The experimental group showed new products, identified by mass spectrometry as sinapyl alcohol dimers, thus suggesting that the recombinant protein catalyzes the dehydrogenation and polymerization of sinapyl alcohol monomers. This study identified CmPOD52, a gene potentially involved in lignin polymerization in pomelo juice sacs, offering a key candidate for further in vivo validation. Full article

Itaconic acid (IA) is an important bio-based platform chemical produced via submerged fermentation by the filamentous Ascomycete Aspergillus terreus. In this study, we examined the impact of initial phosphate concentration on IA production from D-glucose and D-xylose in optimized, manganese-limited fermentations. Nine phosphate concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 4 g L⁻¹ were tested, and representative low (0.04 g L⁻¹), optimal (0.1 g L⁻¹), and high (0.8 g L⁻¹) conditions were analyzed in detail in controlled, 6 L scale bioreactors. Phosphate availability primarily influenced biomass formation and the biomass-to-product ratio rather than directly affecting IA accumulation. Both lower- and higher-than-optimal phosphate concentrations decreased the volumetric and specific IA yields, while the highest productivity was observed at 0.1 g L⁻¹. Expression of the aoxA gene, encoding the cyanide-resistant alternative oxidase (AOX), and AOX enzymatic activity were inversely correlated with extracellular phosphate concentration, consistent with a role in redox homeostasis under phosphate-limited conditions. In contrast, total respiration rates and pellet-type morphology remained unaffected. These findings indicate that phosphate acts mainly as a secondary modulator of IA fermentation performance through its influence on biomass formation, whereas other metabolic constraints play a more dominant role in controlling IA overflow in A. terreus. Full article

The sustainable utilization of rice straw is challenged by its recalcitrant lignocellulosic structure, especially under low-to-moderate field temperatures. In this study, a novel microbial consortium (SXJG15) mainly containing Sphingobacterium, Azospirillum, and Pseudomonas was enriched from overwintering rice stubble in Zhejiang, China, and evaluated for its rice straw degradation efficiency at 25 °C. Over an 18-day cultivation period, SXJG15 achieved a 52.5% degradation of total rice straw, including 60.2% cellulose, 76.3% hemicellulose, and 40.7% lignin. High extracellular enzymatic activities, including cellulases (up to 80.3 U/mL) and xylanases (up to 324.8 U/mL), were observed during the biodegradation process. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomics analyses revealed a succession of dominant taxa, including Sphingobacterium, Azospirillum, and Cellulomonas. Further, CAZy annotation indicated that the SXJG15 enzyme system was rich in glycoside hydrolases (42.7%) and glycosyltransferases (34.2%), demonstrating its high potential for lignocellulose degradation. This study uniquely demonstrates the mesophilic (moderate temperature 25 °C) efficiency of SXJG15 in lignocellulose breakdown, provides new insights into the microbial mechanisms of straw decomposition, and lays a foundation for bioenergy and soil fertility applications for developing a sustainable agriculture system. Full article

Xylanases play a crucial role in bio-transforming sustainable agricultural polymers into xylose-based oligosaccharides, which have great potential in various biotechnology applications. Nevertheless, the application of bacterial xylanase is hindered by the high cost of developing recombinant bacteria to overcome the low activity and narrow pH stability. Considerable efforts have been made to discover and explore new wild bacterial strains that produce highly effective and environmentally sustainable extracellular xylanase enzymes for various targeted biotechnological and industrial applications. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have recently been proven to be versatile producers of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate and characterise extracellular xylanase-producing LAB (EXLAB) from plant sources. The specific extracellular xylanase activity was determined across a wide pH range, from acidic to alkaline. Subsequently, the expression of xylanase genes of EXLAB grown under acidic and alkaline conditions was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A total of 45 putative LAB were isolated from radish, gundelia and rhubarb plants. They were identified by phenotypic and genotypic approaches. However, only 15 LAB isolates were confirmed as EXLAB. Weissella confusa and Pediococcus pentosaceus were the most common species among the identified EXLAB. The XylW (~196 bp) and XylP (189 bp) xylanase genes were then amplified from W. confusa and P. pentosaceus, respectively. P. pentosaceus G4 demonstrated the most versatile extracellular xylanase production that was active from pH 5 to pH 8. However, a significant increase in extracellular xylanase gene expression (13.45-fold) at pH 5 was noted as compared to pH 8. Similarly, P. pentosaceus G4 also exhibited the highest extracellular xylanase activity (0.88 U/mg) at pH 5. This study reveals the potential of P. pentosaceus G4 as an eco-friendly and novel extracellular xylanase producer possessing broad pH stability. The robust gene expression and activity of extracellular xylanase imply P. pentosaceus G4 is a promising candidate for sustainable enzymatic processes essential for the environmentally friendly enzymatic reactions and applications. Full article

The search for novel microbial lipases with robust and versatile biochemical properties remains a priority in industrial biotechnology. In this study, the gut microbiota of the Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens) was explored as a potential source of lipase-producing bacteria. A total of 31 distinct bacterial strains were isolated, among which 10 exhibited extracellular lipase activity in qualitative plate assays. Molecular identification revealed representatives of the genera Staphylococcus, Serratia, and Aeromonas. Two promising strains, Staphylococcus ureilyticus LMB-06 and LMB-Ju02, were selected based on their superior lipase productivity and were further subjected to partial biochemical characterization. Their lipase-containing secretomes displayed activity across a broad temperature range, retained stability under mildly acidic conditions (pH 5.0–6.0), tolerated several organic solvents, and exhibited enhanced activity in the presence of Ca²⁺. Notably, the lipase activity of LMB-06 was positively influenced by Mg²⁺ and K⁺—a response not previously reported for Staphylococcus lipases—suggesting unique enzymatic properties. In addition, LMB-06 retained activity in the presence of H₂O₂, highlighting its suitability for biodiesel production from recycled oils. Furthermore, hydrolysis assays using various natural oils as substrates revealed a marked preference for plant-based oils, particularly olive oil. Altogether, these findings highlight the value of S. ureilyticus strains from anchovy gut microbiota as novel biocatalyst sources for sustainable oil bioprocessing and oleochemical applications. Full article

Integrated rice–crayfish (Oryza sativa–Procambarus clarkii) co-culture (RC) systems have gained prominence due to their economic benefits and ecological sustainability; however, the interactions between soil properties and microbial communities in such systems remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of the RC systems on soil physicochemical characteristics and microbial dynamics in paddy fields of southern Henan Province, China, over the 2023 growing season and subsequent fallow period. Using a randomized complete design, rice monoculture (RM, as the control) and RC treatments were compared across replicated plots. Soil and water samples were collected post-harvest and pre-transplanting to assess soil properties, extracellular enzyme activity, and microbial community structure. Results showed that RC significantly enhanced soil moisture by up to 30.2%, increased soil porosity by 9.6%, and nearly tripled soil organic carbon compared to RM. The RC system consistently elevated nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) throughout both the rice growth and fallow stages, indicating improved nutrient availability and retention. Elevated extracellular enzyme activities linked to carbon, N, and P cycling were observed under RC, with enzymatic stoichiometry revealing increased microbial nutrient limitation intensity and a shift toward P limitation. Microbial community composition was significantly altered under RC, showing increased biomass, a higher fungi-to-bacteria ratio, and greater relative abundance of Gram-positive bacteria, reflecting enhanced soil biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Further analyses using the Mantel test and Random Forest identified extracellular enzyme activities, PLFAs, soil moisture, and bulk density as major factors shaping microbial communities. Redundancy analysis (RDA) confirmed that total potassium (TK), vector length (VL), soil pH, and total nitrogen (TN) were the strongest environmental predictors of microbial variation, jointly explaining 74.57% of the total variation. Our findings indicated that RC improves soil physicochemical conditions and microbial function, thereby supporting sustainable nutrient cycling and offering a promising, environmentally sound strategy for enhancing productivity and soil health in rice-based agro-ecosystems. Full article

Low-molecular-weight polypeptides (<3 kDa) were prepared from Periplaneta americana via enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrafiltration, yielding 3.53 ± 0.01 mg/g of peptide-rich extract. The extract was primarily composed of peptides, proteins, polysaccharides, phenolics, and flavonoids. HPLC-MS analysis identified 1402 peptide sequences, 80.51% of which were below 1000 Da, predominantly consisting of tri-, tetra-, and octapeptides. Monosaccharide profiling detected D-(+)-galactose, and quantitative assays determined the contents of total phenolics (12.28 mg/g), flavonoids (15.50 mg/g), proteins (85.84 mg/g), and total sugars (17.62 mg/g). The biological activities of the extract were systematically evaluated. The peptide fraction inhibited hyaluronidase activity by 58% at 5 mg/mL, suggesting protection of extracellular matrix integrity. In HaCaT keratinocytes, it promoted cell proliferation by 62.6%, accelerated scratch wound closure by 54%, upregulated Wnt-10b and β-catenin expression, and reduced intracellular ROS levels under oxidative stress. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, the extract decreased TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production by 30%, 25%, and 28%, respectively, reduced MDA levels by 35.2%, and enhanced CAT and SOD activities by 12.3% and 60.3%. In vivo, complete closure of full-thickness skin wounds in mice was achieved by day 14. Safety evaluations using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay and human patch tests confirmed the extract to be non-irritating and non-toxic. These findings highlight Periplaneta americana extract as a promising multifunctional bioactive ingredient for cosmetic and dermatological applications. Further studies on its active components, mechanisms of action, and clinical efficacy are warranted to support its development in skin health and aesthetic medicine. Full article

Fungal endophytes of medicinal plants produce diverse secondary metabolites and extracellular enzymes with therapeutic and biotechnological potential. However, the biological and biotechnological potential of fungal endophytes from South African medicinal plants remain relatively underexplored. In this study, the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and extracellular enzymatic capabilities of five fungal endophytes previously isolated from the leaves of Kirkia acuminata Oliv. were investigated. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions revealed that the isolates belonged to the genera Setosphaeria, Diaporthe and Corynespora. The broth micro-dilution assay and the Folin–Ciocalteau reagent method were used to assess the antibacterial activity and the total phenolic content (TPC) of the fungal endophytes’ ethyl acetate crude extracts (CEs), respectively. The antioxidant activity was assessed using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays. The influence of the CE of the Setosphaeria rostrata KaL-4 on the viability and LPS-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in Raw 264.7 macrophages was assessed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and an ELISA, respectively. The ability of the isolates to produce extracellular proteases, laccases and peroxidases was also determined. The CEs displayed antimicrobial activity with MICs ranging from 0.63 to 1.25 mg/mL and reducing power and scavenging activity ranging from 40% to 18% and from 60% to 48%, respectively. The S. rostrata KaL-4 CE possessed the highest TPC and demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity. The CE further demonstrated a significant reduction in IL-6 production at a concentration of 0.75 µg/mL. Only one isolate demonstrated the ability to produce proteases with an enzymatic index (EI) of 0.66, while laccases (EI range of 0.14 to 1.15) and peroxidases were produced by all of the isolates. These findings suggest that fungal endophytes from South African medicinal plants are promising sources of bioactive compounds and industry-significant extracellular enzymes. Full article

The Na, K–ATPase generates an asymmetric ion gradient that supports multiple cellular functions, including the control of cellular volume, neuronal excitability, secondary ionic transport, and the movement of molecules like amino acids and glucose. The intracellular and extracellular levels of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions are the classical local regulators of the enzyme’s activity. Additionally, the regulation of Na, K–ATPase is a complex process that occurs at multiple levels, encompassing its total cellular content, subcellular distribution, and intrinsic activity. In this context, the enzyme serves as a regulatory target for hormones, either through direct actions or via signaling cascades triggered by hormone receptors. Notably, FXYDs small transmembrane proteins regulators of Na, K–ATPase serve as intermediaries linking hormonal signaling to enzymatic regulation at various levels. Specifically, members of the FXYD family, particularly FXYD1 and FXYD2, are that undergo phosphorylation by kinases activated through hormone receptor signaling, which subsequently influences their modulation of Na, K–ATPase activity. This review describes the effects of FXYD2, cardiotonic steroid signaling, and hormones such as angiotensin II, dopamine, insulin, and catecholamines on the regulation of Na, K–ATPase. Furthermore, this review highlights the implications of Na, K–ATPase in diseases such as hypertension, renal hypomagnesemia, and cancer. Full article

Objective: In our experimental study, we evaluated the influence of treatment with atorvastatin on the antioxidant activity of intracellular and extracellular systems factors, homocysteine levels (Hcy), and lipid profiles in obese and diabetic rats. Method: Twenty-one male Wistar rats, aged 6 months, 450–550 g, were allocated into three groups. From the beginning of the study, the first group (G-I, control) received only standard food, while the second and third groups (G II—obese, G III—diabetic) were administered a high-fat diet (HFD) with 2% cholesterol. After 2 weeks of accommodation, the specimens in G-III were injected intraperitoneal (i.p.) streptozotocin (35 mg of body weight, pH 4.5), intervention followed by the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Following confirmation of diabetes onset, the specimens in G III were administered concomitantly with the HFD a daily gavage of atorvastatin 20 mg of body weight/day for 20 days. We measured, at the beginning and the end of the study, the Hcy levels, lipid profile, vitamin B12, B6, folic acid, and various parameters of oxidative stress (OS)—total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results: After treatment with atorvastatin, the lipid profile in G III significantly improved compared to the other two groups, but enzymatic markers of oxidative stress did not closely parallel this trend. However, after the treatment of statin, we observed an important reduction in Hcy values. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that treatment with atorvastatin can be used not only for its lipid-lowering properties and antioxidant effects but also to reduce Hcy concentration in this experimental model of diabetic rats. Moreover, atorvastatin therapy improves lipid profiles, reduces inflammation, suppresses oxidation, and decreases Hcy levels, potentially preventing major adverse cardiovascular events. Full article