Search Results (187)

Lactoferrin (LF) is an 80 kDa iron-binding glycoprotein primarily found in milk, saliva, tears, and nasal secretions. LF is well known for its antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects. However, the extraction of LF from milk is inadequate for large-scale therapeutic applications, presenting a challenge for economic mass production. Recombinant protein expression systems offer a solution to overcome this challenge and efficient production of LF. This review discusses recent progress in the translational research of LF gene transfer and biopharming, focusing on different expression systems such as bacteria, yeast, filamentous fungi, transgenic crops, and animals as well as purification methods. The optimization of expression yields, prospects for genetic engineering, and biotechnology to enhance LF production for biomedical applications are emphasized. This review systematically sourced the literature from 1987 to 2025 from leading scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Despite ongoing debates, progress in this field indicates a viable path towards the effective use of LF in therapeutic settings. Full article

This study explores the revival of cotton (Gossypium spp. L.) farming in Italy through sustainable practices, addressing economic and water-related challenges by integrating cultivar selection, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation, and deficit irrigation under organic farming. Field trials evaluated two widely grown Mediterranean cultivars (Armonia and ST-318) under three irrigation levels (I-100: 100% crop water requirement; I-70: 70%; I-30: 30%) across two Sicilian soil types (sandy loam vs. clay-rich). Under I-100, lint yields reached 0.99 t ha⁻¹, while severe deficit (I-30) yielded only 0.40 t ha⁻¹. However, moderate deficit (I-70) maintained 75–79% of full yields, proving a viable strategy. AMF inoculation significantly enhanced plant height (68.52 cm vs. 65.85 cm), boll number (+22.1%), and seed yield (+12.5%) (p < 0.001). Cultivar responses differed: Armonia performed better under water stress, while ST-318 thrived with full irrigation. Site 1, with higher organic matter, required 31–38% less water and achieved superior irrigation water productivity (1.43 kg m⁻³). Water stress also shortened phenological stages, allowing earlier harvests—important for avoiding autumn rains. These results highlight the potential of combining adaptive irrigation, resilient cultivars, and AMF to restore sustainable cotton production in the Mediterranean, emphasizing the importance of soil-specific management. Full article

Helminth parasites of wild animals represent a major threat to the health of these animals, leading to significant losses in performance, health, and zoonotic implications. In some zoos, anthelmintics have traditionally been used to control these parasites, many of which are also zoonotic. Other actions, such as the removal of organic waste, have also been adopted. Few or no control measures are applied to free-ranging wild animals. Helminthophagous fungi are a promising biological alternative. When animals ingest fungal spores, they are excreted in their feces, where they trap and destroy helminth larvae and eggs, preventing and reducing the parasite load in the environment. Another alternative is to administer fungi by spraying them directly into the environment. This review aims to examine the use of helminthophagous fungi in the control of helminthiases in wild animals, highlighting their potential to minimize dependence on chemical treatments and promote sustainable animal breeding and production. There are many challenges to making this viable, such as environmental variability, stability of formulations, and acceptance of this new technology. These fungi have been shown to reduce parasite burdens in wild animals by up to 75% and can be administered through the animals’ feeding troughs. To date, evidence shows that helminthophagous fungi can reliably curb environmental parasite loads for extended periods, offering a sustainable alternative to repeated anthelmintic dosing. Their use has been linked to tangible gains in body condition, weight, and overall welfare in various captive and free-ranging wildlife species. Full article

This study was undertaken to identify foodborne bacteria and fungi from different parts of eggs depending on their storage duration, organoleptic properties, total viable count, and antibiotic resistance profile. Thirty-two samples were randomly collected from commercial layer farms in Mymensingh. Following the protocol of sample preparation, outer-surface and inner-content samples were streaked onto various selective media. Isolation and identification were carried out by observing Gram staining and biochemical properties. Molecular detection was confirmed through a PCR assay using specific primers for Salmonella spp., E. coli, Staphylococcus spp., and fungus (Simplicillium spp. and Saccharomyces spp.). To determine the antibiotic resistance profile, the disk diffusion method was followed against nine antibiotic disks. The isolation rate of E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus spp. was 53.13%, 40.63%, and 40.63%, respectively, in the outer eggshell and 15.63%, 25%, and 15.63%, respectively, in the inner content of the eggs. Regarding the fungus content (yeast and mold), 100% was obtained in the outer eggshell, whereas there was an absence of fungus in the inner content. It was observed that all the isolates of E. coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus spp. were highly sensitive to either Ciprofloxacin or Levofloxacin and extremely resistant to Amoxicillin or Azithromycin drug disks or both. The data also shows that storage duration had a proportional relationship with TVC and an inversely proportional relationship with organoleptic properties. This study indicates that eggs harbor multidrug-resistant foodborne bacteria, which might constitute a public health hazard if these antibiotic-resistant bacteria are transferred to humans. Full article

The search for sustainable, economically viable, and effective plant protection strategies against pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses is a major challenge in modern agricultural practices. Chitosan (CS) is an abundant cationic natural biopolymer known for its biocompatibility, low toxicity, and antimicrobial properties. Its potential use in agriculture for pathogen control is a promising alternative to traditional chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which raise concerns regarding public health, environmental protection, and pesticide resistance. This study focused on the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) through cross-linking with organic molecules, such as tannic acid (TA). Various formulations were explored for the development of stable nanoscale particles having encapsulation capabilities towards low compounds of varying polarity and with potential agricultural applications relevant to plant health and growth. The solution properties of the NPs were assessed using dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering (DLS and ELS); their morphology was observed through atomic force microscopy (AFM), while analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) measurements provided insights into their molar mass. Their properties proved to be primarily influenced by the concentration of CS, which significantly affected its intrinsic conformation. Additional structural insights were obtained via infrared and UV–Vis spectroscopic measurements, while detailed fluorescence analysis with the use of three different probes, as model cargo molecules, provided information regarding the hydrophobic and hydrophilic microdomains within the particles. Full article

Against the backdrop of the green circular economy, the exploration of reliable and sustainable applications of lignocellulosic biomass (LCBM) has emerged as a critical research frontier. The utilization of LCBM as a ruminant roughage source offers a promising strategy to address two pressing issues: the “human-animal competition for food” dilemma and the environmental degradation resulting from improper LCBM disposal. However, the high degree of lignification in LCBM significantly restricts its utilization efficiency in ruminant diets. In recent years, microbial pretreatment has gained considerable attention as a viable approach to reduce lignification prior to LCBM application as ruminant feed. White-rot fungi (WRF) have emerged as particularly noteworthy among various microbial agents due to their environmentally benign characteristics and unique lignin degradation selectivity. WRF demonstrates remarkable efficacy in enzymatically breaking down the rigid lignocellulosic matrix (comprising lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose) within LCBM cell walls, thereby reducing lignin content—a largely indigestible component for ruminants—while simultaneously enhancing the nutritional profile through increased protein availability and improved digestibility. Solid-state fermentation mediated by WRF enhances LCBM utilization rates and optimizes its nutritional value for ruminant consumption, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable livestock production, agroforestry systems, and global environmental conservation efforts. This review systematically examines recent technological advancements in WRF-mediated solid-state fermentation of LCBM, evaluates its outcomes of nutritional enhancement and animal utilization efficiency, and critically assesses current limitations and future prospects of this innovative approach within the framework of circular bioeconomy principles. Full article

Phosphorus-solubilizing fungi represent a viable alternative to traditional fertilizers for use in coffee cultivation. The aim of this work was to select fungal consortia with a high phosphorus-solubilizing capacity for application to three varieties of coffee plants under greenhouse conditions. The research comprised three phases: Firstly, solubilizing strains were identified morphologically and molecularly. Secondly, compatibility tests were carried out to select combinations of phosphorus-solubilizing fungi. The selection of the consortia was evaluated based on their phosphorus-solubilizing capacity, and the consortia with the solubilizing activity were chosen for application to coffee plants. In the greenhouse phase, three coffee varieties were inoculated; the treatments involved single, dual, and triple inoculation, as well as a control without fungi. Five species were identified: Fusarium crassum, F. irregulare, Leptobacillium leptobactrum, Penicillium brevicompactum, and Trichoderma spirale, plus one strain of Absidia sp. The in vitro phase of the study revealed that 11 consortia demonstrated compatibility, and their phosphorus solubilization capacity and phosphatase activity were evaluated. As a result, four consortia with high phosphorus solubilization capacity were selected for inoculation on coffee plants. The greenhouse phase results showed that the three coffee varieties inoculated in consortia showed higher phosphorus availability in the substrate and significant growth. Full article

Selenium (Se) is an important micronutrient for the maintenance of human health. In China, however, the population is more severely deficient in Se. Soybean is an important grain and oil crop in the world and serves as a major dietary source. The development of Se biofortification of soybeans may be an effective measure to address human Se deficiency. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ubiquitous soil microorganisms that can enhance nutrient uptake in host plants. So, it is necessary to investigate whether soybean inoculated with AMF can biofortificate Se. In this experiment, we studied the impact of the exogenous application of three Se species (selenite, selenate, and selenomethionine) and two AMF species (Funneliformis mosseae and Glomus versiforme) on Se uptake in soybean seedlings. The results showed that the inoculation of AMF significantly (p < 0.05) improved biomass and P concentration in soybeans. Regardless of exogenous Se addition, the inoculation of AMF improved the Se transfer factor and significantly (p < 0.05) increased Se translocation to the soybean shoot. The inoculation of AMF also significantly (p < 0.05) increased the percentage of available Se in soil with selenite addition. Based on these findings, the combined application of exogenous Se and AMF inoculation represents a viable strategy for the Se biofortification of soybeans. Full article

Background: The Er:YAG laser has gained attention in dentistry for its potential to enhance microbial disinfection through targeted photothermal and photoacoustic mechanisms. Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and bactericidal efficacy of Er:YAG laser therapy across clinically relevant oral pathogens in in vitro models. Methods: Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted for studies published between 2015 and 2025. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251031368). Eligibility criteria included in vitro or animal studies assessing the bactericidal effects of the Er:YAG laser on oral bacteria or fungi, either alone or in combination with chemical disinfectants. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted independently by multiple reviewers. Results: Ten in vitro studies met inclusion criteria. The Er:YAG laser demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Candida albicans, and other species. Greater bacterial reduction was consistently observed when the laser was combined with adjunctive irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide. The laser was effective in reducing biofilm biomass and viable counts, particularly in complex anatomical settings. Most studies were rated as low risk of bias. Conclusions: Er:YAG laser therapy is a promising adjunctive tool for microbial disinfection in dentistry, particularly in challenging anatomical sites. Further well-designed in vivo and clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and determine optimal treatment parameters. Full article

The valorization of plant biomass is one of the main strategies for sustainable development. However, its use as energy, biofuels, fertilizers, value-added products, or even food is severely affected by the complexity of the plant cell wall. Therefore, the evaluation of fungi with high production of lignocellulolytic enzymes capable of efficiently degrading these substrates constitutes a viable, clean, and eco-friendly solution, allowing, for example, an increase in the digestibility and nutritional quality of alternative animal feed sources. For these reasons, the present study evaluated the ability of the mutant strain Trichodema viride M5-2 to improve the nutritional composition of the forage legumes Lablab purpureus and Mucuna pruriens through solid-state fermentation. Endo- and exoglucanase cellulolytic activity was assessed, as well as the effect of fermentation on the fiber’s physical properties and chemical composition. Molecular changes in the structure of plant fiber were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy. Increased production of the cellulolytic complex of the enzymes endoglucanase (3.29 IU/mL) and exoglucanase (0.64 IU/mL) was achieved in M. pruriens. The chemical composition showed an increase in true protein and a decrease in neutral fiber, hemicellulose, and cellulose, with a consequent improvement in nutritional quality. Fiber degradation was evident in the infrared spectrum with a significant decrease in the signals associated with cellulose and, to a lesser extent, with lignin. It can be concluded that the mutant strain T. viride M5-2 produced chemical, physical, and molecular changes in the fibrous and protein fractions of L. purpureus and M. pruriens through SSF, which improved their nutritional value as an alternative feed for animal nutrition. By promoting the use of this fungus, the nutritional quality of this source is increased through an effective and eco-friendly process, which contributes to mitigating the environmental impact of food production, in accordance with sustainability objectives and the need for more responsible agricultural practices. Full article

Commercial production of the button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach, is threatened by various pests and mycopathogenic microorganisms. Sciarid flies (Sciaridae) of the genus Lycoriella are considered as major pests, while major pathogens include the fungi Lecanicillium fungicola (Preuss), Zare and Gams, Hypomyces perniciosus Magnus, Cladobotryum spp., and Trichoderma aggressivum Samuels & W. Gams, the causative agents of dry bubble, wet bubble, cobweb, and green mold diseases, respectively. Control of mushroom pests and diseases has long relied on synthetic chemical pesticides. Pesticide resistance and various health and environmental issues have created a need for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to the use of synthetic chemical pesticides for mushroom pest and disease control. The concept of bioprotection, which involves using biological control agents (BCAs) and biopesticide products, offers a viable alternative. The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) and predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley) are the most important invertebrate BCAs, while the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, B. amyloliquefaciens, and B. velezensis stand out as the most widely used microbial BCAs/biopesticides. Azadirachtin- and pyrethrum-based products are the most important biochemical biopesticides. Bioprotection agents require inclusion in the integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) programs in order to achieve their full effectiveness. Full article

Protoplast-based transformation is a vital tool for genetic studies in fungi, yet no protoplast method existed for P. sclerotiorum-scaumcx01 before this study. Here, we optimized protoplast isolation, regeneration, and transformation efficiency. The highest protoplast yield (6.72 × 10⁶ cells/mL) was obtained from liquid mycelium after 12 h of enzymatic digestion at 28 °C using Lysing Enzymes, Yatalase, cellulase, and pectinase. Among osmotic stabilizers, 1 M MgSO₄ yielded the most viable protoplasts. Regeneration occurred via direct mycelial outgrowth and new protoplast formation, with a 1.02% regeneration rate. PEG-mediated transformation with a hygromycin resistance gene and GFP tagging resulted in stable GFP expression in fungal spores and mycelium over five generations. LC/MS-based metabolomic analysis revealed significant changes in glycerophospholipid metabolism, indicating lipid-related dynamics influenced by GFP tagging. Microscopy confirmed successful colonization of tomato roots by GFP-tagged scaumcx01, with GFP fluorescence observed in cortical tissues. Enzymatic (cellulase) seed pretreatment enhanced fungal colonization by modifying root surface properties, promoting plant–fungal interaction. This study establishes an efficient protoplast transformation system, reveals the metabolic impacts of genetic modifications, and demonstrates the potential of enzymatic seed treatment for enhancing plant–fungal interactions. Full article

Maize (Zea mays) is a critical staple crop whose post-harvest losses, predominantly due to infestations by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, threaten food security. This study explores the possibility of utilizing S. zeamais, traditionally known as a pest, as an alternative protein source by assessing its nutritional profile and food safety attributes. Cultured under controlled conditions, S. zeamais specimens were processed into flour, which was subsequently analyzed for microbiological safety, protein content, and amino acid composition. Microbiological assays confirmed that the flour met established food safety standards, with aerobic mesophilic bacteria, fungi, and yeast present at negligible levels and no detection of coliforms, Salmonella spp., or Escherichia coli. Protein quantification revealed a high total protein content (48.1 ± 0.3%), although the salt-soluble fraction constituted only 13.7% of the total. The amino acid profile exhibited elevated levels of isoleucine, valine, and threonine, while deficiencies in leucine, lysine, sulfur amino acids, and tryptophan were noted. These findings suggest that, despite certain limitations, S. zeamais flour represents a viable protein source. Integrating targeted insect harvesting for protein into pest management strategies could help reduce post-harvest losses and contribute to improved food security and nutritional availability. Full article

Drought and metal pollution severely impact plant growth. Root-associated extremophilic fungi can improve plant performance, and their encapsulation improves protection and effectiveness. This study optimized the encapsulation conditions for an extremophilic fungus with plant growth-promoting traits using alginate–chitosan capsules. An endophytic fungus was isolated from the roots of Neltuma chilensis from the Atacama Desert and identified via internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. Its plant growth-promoting traits, including exopolysaccharide, ammonium, siderophore, and indole acetic acid production and phosphorus solubilization, were evaluated. Freeze-dried Penicillium nalgiovense was encapsulated using jet-breaking extrusion, and capsule morphology and fungal survival were assessed via scanning electron microscope (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and viability tests. Using Taguchi’s design, optimal conditions for sphericity (0.914 ± 0.002) and mean size (3.232 ± 0.087 mm) were achieved with 1% chitosan, a 5 cm distance to the gelation bath, and a 40 Hz vibration frequency. CLSM analysis confirmed the presence of the chitosan outer layer, revealing the capsule’s coating material encapsulating the fungus P. nalgiovense. The encapsulated fungus remained viable across disinfection times, demonstrating effective protection and gradual release. These findings emphasize the need for precise parameter control in fungal encapsulation, providing a basis for developing robust bioinoculants to support plant resilience in extreme environments. Full article

This study evaluates the effectiveness of agroecological practices—organic fertilization and biofertilization—in enhancing ecosystem services in agroforestry and pasture systems. A field experiment was conducted over three years, comparing these practices to a control treatment and a natural ecosystem as a reference. Soil chemical, physical, and biological parameters were assessed, including soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial respiration, root density, and gene abundances of key microbial groups (Archaea, Bacteria, and Fungi). Organic fertilization resulted in a significant increase in SOC, phosphorus, microbial biomass, and root density, indicating improved soil structure and fertility. Biofertilization showed selective effects, promoting archaeal abundance but reducing bacterial and fungal diversity. Seasonal variation influenced nutrient cycling, with organic fertilization buffering against dry-season declines in microbial activity and nutrient availability. Aboveground dry biomass and litter deposition were highest in the natural ecosystem, followed by organic fertilization treatments in agroforestry and pasture systems. Despite improvements under agroecological management, the natural ecosystem consistently maintained superior soil quality and biological resilience. The findings highlight that organic inputs and diversified cropping systems enhance soil health but do not fully replicate the ecological benefits of undisturbed forests. In conclusion, agroecological practices provide viable alternatives to mitigate soil degradation and sustain ecosystem services in tropical Oxisols. Organic fertilization emerges as the most effective strategy, fostering long-term improvements in soil fertility and microbial dynamics. However, continued research is needed to optimize these practices for greater resilience and sustainability in Amazonian agroecosystems. Full article