Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mayomi H. Omebeyinje, Adewale Adeluyi, Chandrani Mitra, Paramita Chakraborty, Gregory M. Gandee, Nalit Patel, Bindhu Verghese, Christine E. Farrance, Matthew Hull, Paramita Basu, Kwonmoo Lee, Atin Adhikari, Burcu Adivar, Jennifer A. Horney, Anindya Chanda
Summary: The study found a higher prevalence of indoor Aspergillus and Penicillium genera in mold-infested buildings with a history of indoor flooding, as well as proximity to the coast. Indoor flooding history was identified as the most significant factor influencing Asp-Pen prevalence.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-PROCESSES & IMPACTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shachar Jerushalmi, Marcel Maymon, Aviv Dombrovsky, Rafi Regev, Ze'ev Schmilovitch, Dvora Namdar, Nurit Shalev, Hinanit Koltai, Stanley Freeman
Summary: The production of medical cannabis is rapidly expanding, but there is a lack of research and knowledge regarding plant diseases in cannabis, both before and after harvest. Strict limits on fungal colony forming units in commercial cannabis inflorescences require pesticide-free postharvest treatments.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fatih Kayar, Meryem Doymus, Hakan Ozkan, Nazli Pinar Arslan, Ahmet Adiguzel, Mesut Taskin
Summary: In this study, chitinous material was produced from locally isolated Penicillium crustosum using molasses as substrate. Chitosan was prepared from the chitinous material and its antibacterial activity was investigated. The chitosan showed higher antibacterial efficiency compared to commercial chitosan, making it potentially useful for biomedical applications. This study provides important insights into the production and antibacterial properties of chitosan.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Neveen M. Khalil, Susana Rodriguez-Couto, Mohamed N. Abd El-Ghany
Summary: This study isolated an l-asparaginase-producing fungus, Penicillium crustosum NMKA 511, which showed high enzyme activity under optimal cultivation conditions. The purified l-asparaginase demonstrated specificity towards l-asparagine and successfully reduced acrylamide levels in coffee beans.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Elder Pacheco da Cruz, Juliani Buchveitz Pires, Felipe Nardo dos Santos, Laura Martins Fonseca, Marjana Radunz, Jacir Dal Magro, Eliezer Avila Gandra, Elessandra da Rosa Zavareze, Alvaro Renato Guerra Dias
Summary: This study aimed to inhibit fungal spoilage in bread by using cassava starch fibers loaded with lemongrass essential oil. The study measured the amylose content of cassava starch and characterized the chemical composition of lemongrass essential oil. The polymeric solution of starch and lemongrass essential oil was prepared and evaluated for various parameters. The study found that the cassava starch-lemon grass essential oil fibers displayed high antifungal activity and could be a promising alternative to synthetic additives in the food industry.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jiayu Zhou, Weifeng Gong, Tingting Tu, Jiaqi Zhang, Xiaoshuang Xia, Luning Zhao, Xinghua Zhou, Yun Wang
Summary: In this study, the researchers identified 212 and 268 candidate effector protein genes of P. expansum during infection of apple fruits by using RNA-Seq analysis and computational prediction. One of the candidate genes, Peclg, was induced significantly during the pathogen-host interaction. Knockout of Peclg gene resulted in reduced conidial production and germination, increased sensitivity to salt stress, SDS and Congo red, and decreased pathogenicity and infectious growth on apple fruits.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Isabella T. Tomasi, Silvia C. R. Santos, Rui A. R. Boaventura, Cidalia M. S. Botelho
Summary: Portugal is a major producer of chestnuts and the discarded nut shells have potential uses. The shells contain polyphenols, which can be extracted and used for various applications, including water treatment coagulants. In this study, tannin extraction from chestnut shells was optimized using a microwave-assisted method. The best extraction conditions were determined as a 5-minute extraction time, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 50 mL/g, and a temperature of 107 degrees C. The extracted polyphenols showed good features for use as raw materials in water treatment coagulants.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ante Loncaric, Bojan Sarkanj, Ana-Marija Gotal, Marija Kovac, Ante Nevistic, Goran Fruk, Martina Skendrovic Babojelic, Jurislav Babic, Borislav Milicevic, Tihomir Kovac
Summary: The study examined the resistance of traditional and conventional apple cultivars to Penicillium expansum and found a positive correlation between patulin content and polyphenolic compounds such as catechin, epicatechin, and gallic acid in apples.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Teresa Alhinho, Miguel Jesus Nunes Ramos, Sofia Alves, Margarida Rocheta, Leonor Morais-Cecilio, Jose Gomes-Laranjo, Romulo Sobral, Maria Manuela Ribeiro Costa
Summary: This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of unisexual flowers in sweet chestnut tree, identifying homologous genes to the ABCDE model for floral organ identity. The differential expression of B- and C-class genes in male and female flowers suggests a conserved mechanism in determining sexual organ identity in the predominantly monoecious Fagaceae family.
Article
Agronomy
Shankar P. Gaire, Xin-Gen Zhou, Yong Zhou, Jun Shi, Young-Ki Jo
Summary: A survey was conducted to determine the distribution and pathogenicity of fungal pathogens causing seedling blight in rice in the southern United States. The most prevalent fungus isolated from diseased samples was Rhizoctonia solani, with isolates of R. solani AG-4 and Marasmius graminum being the most aggressive. The survey results are important for developing effective fungicide seed treatment strategies.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mariane Minozzo, Marina Andreia de Souza, Julia Lisboa Bernardi, Bruna Maria Saorin Puton, Eunice Valduga, Clarice Steffens, Natalia Paroul, Rogerio Luis Cansian
Summary: The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and antifungal activity of Cinnamomum cassia essential oil (EO) against fungal pathogens, and its aroma persistence in maize flour. The major compound in C. cassia EO was identified as trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC). Encapsulated C. cassia EO showed lower antifungal activity and aroma intensity persistence in maize flour compared to the free EO.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Juliana Moura-Mendes, Cinthia C. Cazal-Martinez, Cinthia Rojas, Francisco Ferreira, Pastor Perez-Estigarribia, Nathalia Dias, Patricio Godoy, Jessica Costa, Cledir Santos, Andrea Arrua
Summary: This study identified and classified the fungi in two maize varieties (Zea mays var. amylacea and Zea mays var. indurata) sold in the market of Paraguay using various methods. It was found that some fungal strains were capable of producing aflatoxins. The results showed that maize marketed in the metropolitan region of Asuncion had high fungal contamination and mycotoxin contamination, posing a potential risk to food safety and public health, and control measures should be implemented.
Article
Agronomy
Lorenzo Bini, Massimo Gori, Stefania Nin, Roberto Natale, Elisabetta Meacci, Edgardo Giordani, Stefano Biricolti
Summary: This research focused on genetic characterization and identification of four chestnut varieties commonly used for flour production in the Tuscan Apennine Mountains. The study showed SSRs can accurately distinguish different varieties, allowing for traceability of products and enhancing market value. Additionally, the research revealed a significant genetic variability within Tuscan chestnut varieties, which is crucial for coping with climate change challenges.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hui Ren, Xianbi Li, Yujie Li, Mengjun Li, Jiyuan Sun, Fanlong Wang, Jianyan Zeng, Yang Chen, Lei Wang, Xingying Yan, Yanhua Fan, Dan Jin, Yan Pei
Summary: Four P4-ATPase flippase genes were identified in Verticillium dahliae, and their knock out or knock down significantly decreased the pathogenicity of the mutants in cotton. Among the mutants, Delta VdDrs2 showed the greatest decrease in pathogenicity. Delta VdDrs2 also exhibited reduced secretion of known Verticillium toxins and impaired synthesis of melanin and formation of microsclerotia.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Guihong Yu, Luning Zhou, Guangwei Wu, Dehai Li
Summary: Two new dihydropyrones were isolated from the co-culture broth of deep-sea-derived fungus and endophytic fungus, along with a known compound. The structures of these compounds were determined and one of them showed significant antibacterial activity against two strains.
JOURNAL OF OCEAN UNIVERSITY OF CHINA
(2023)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
M. Mezzalama, V. Guarnaccia, G. Martano, D. Spadaro
Review
Microbiology
Edoardo Piombo, Ahmed Abdelfattah, Samir Droby, Michael Wisniewski, Davide Spadaro, Leonardo Schena
Summary: Globalization has led to increased economic losses caused by the introduction of transboundary plant pathogens via trade and movement of seeds, fruits and vegetables. High-throughput sequencing techniques, particularly metabarcoding, offer potential for surveillance of various plant pathogens, but challenges such as low precision need to be addressed. Advances in bioinformatics will play a key role in accelerating the use of metagenomics for detection and surveillance of plant pathogens in plant material and foodstuffs.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
M. Rosati, G. Schiavon, M. L. Gullino, D. Spadaro
Article
Microbiology
Silvia Valente, Edoardo Piombo, Volker Schroeckh, Giovanna Roberta Meloni, Thorsten Heinekamp, Axel A. Brakhage, Davide Spadaro
Summary: Penicillium polonicum, a common mold found on food, produces the neurotoxin verrucosidin. Through genetic analysis, the biosynthetic gene verA has been identified and confirmed to be involved in the production of verrucosidin. The use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology has allowed further characterization of the biosynthetic potential of P. polonicum for novel compounds.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Martina Sanna, Davide Spadaro, Maria Lodovica Gullino, Monica Mezzalama
Summary: Fusarium fujikuroi, causing bakanae disease, is a significant seedborne pathogen of rice, and detecting it is crucial for seed certification and disease prevention. The study demonstrates the potential of LAMP technique for rapid and quantitative on-site detection of the pathogen.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Edoardo Piombo, Marco Rosati, Martina Sanna, Monica Mezzalama, Maria Lodovica Gullino, Davide Spadaro
Summary: Bakanae, a significant disease in rice caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium fujikuroi, remains poorly understood in terms of pathogenicity mechanisms. Through comparative genomics and functional analyses, this study identified nine genes putatively related to pathogenicity in F. fujikuroi, with three of them validated to exhibit higher expression levels in virulent strains during rice infection.
FUNGAL GENETICS AND BIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
M. Waqas, V Guarnaccia, D. Spadaro
Article
Plant Sciences
Simona Prencipe, Giovanna Roberta Meloni, Luca Nari, Giada Schiavon, Davide Spadaro
Summary: In this study, black spot pathogens were isolated from symptomatic leaves and fruits of European pear, and their pathogenicity and characteristics were evaluated. The study found that the pathogens were present in both fruit and leaves, and produced multiple toxins. The results suggest potential risks to human health associated with black spot. This study also reports for the first time the infection of European pear by black spot pathogens in Italy.
Article
Plant Sciences
Simona Prencipe, Silvia Valente, Luca Nari, Davide Spadaro
Summary: The emerging pathogen Ramularia mali is causing dry lenticel rot in apple fruit. A SYBR Green qPCR assay was developed for the detection and quantification of R. mali in apple fruit. The assay showed good specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility, and can be used to clarify the life cycle of the pathogen for effective disease management.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabio Buonsenso, Giada Schiavon, Davide Spadaro
Summary: Biofumigation with slow-release diffusers of essential oils from basil, oregano, savoury, thyme, lemon, and fennel was effective in inhibiting the growth of Penicillium expansum, the pathogen causing blue mould of apples. The greatest reduction in blue mould was observed with lemon and oregano essential oils at 1.0% concentration after 60 days of storage and subsequent shelf-life. The essential oils did not have any phytotoxic effects on the apples during the storage period.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Marco Garello, Edoardo Piombo, Simona Prencipe, Giada Schiavon, Lorenzo Berra, Michael Wisniewski, Samir Droby, Davide Spadaro
Summary: By measuring fruit disease incidence and using metabarcoding, this study characterized the microbial communities of apple fruit and revealed the epidemiology of white haze and dry lenticel rot. The study found that R. mali first appeared as an endophyte and then transitioned to an epiphyte, while Golubevia was the most abundant epiphyte associated with white haze. Additionally, significant differences in richness and composition were observed among different tissue, time points, and cultivars. Overall, this study provides insights into the diseases and suggests the potential of fruit metabarcoding as a tool for disease assessment and prediction.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Simona Prencipe, Giada Schiavon, Marco Rosati, Luca Nari, Leonardo Schena, Davide Spadaro
Summary: Since 2012, the kiwifruit vine decline syndrome (KVDS) has been affecting Italian kiwifruit orchards. The presence of Phytopythium spp. has been identified in KVDS-affected orchards in north-western Italy. Inoculation experiments demonstrated the pathogenicity of P. vexans, P. litorale, P. chamaehyphon, and P. helicoides in potted plants. The study suggests that different species of Phytopythium play a significant role in the establishment and development of KVDS.
Article
Microbiology
Giada Schiavon, Marco Garello, Simona Prencipe, Giovanna Roberta Meloni, Fabio Buonsenso, Davide Spadaro
Summary: Biofumigation with thyme, savoury, and basil essential oils effectively inhibits the development of grey mould rot in apples caused by Botrytis cinerea. Thyme and savoury oils at 1% concentration significantly reduce the incidence of grey mould rot after 60 days of storage. Biofumigation also alters the species and abundance of microorganisms on the apple surface and inside the fruit.
Article
Microbiology
Muhammad Waqas, Simona Prencipe, Vladimiro Guarnaccia, Davide Spadaro
Summary: This study is the first characterization of Alternaria spp. associated with black rot of cherries in Italy, identifying A. arborescens species complex (AASC) and A. alternata as the main pathogens. All tested strains showed pathogenicity on sweet cherries.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Francesco Ferrero, Simona Prencipe, Ernesto Tabacco, Ilario Ferrocino, Giorgio Borreani, Davide Spadaro
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a prothioconazole- and tebuconazole-based fungicide on the yield and quality of whole-crop corn (WCC) and high-moisture ear corn (HMC) silages, as well as on the dynamics of the fungal community from harvest to aerobic exposure. The results showed that the fungicide increased yield per hectare but did not consistently affect the nutritional characteristics of the silages. The main factors influencing the silage quality were the conservation time, regardless of the fungicide treatment. Additionally, the dominant fungal species changed from before ensiling to after silo opening and aerobic exposure.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lihan Huang, Nurul Hawa Ahmad, Vijay Juneja, Erika Stapp-Kamotani, Jose Gabiola, Udit Minocha, Robert Phillips, Marie Hooker, Isabel Walls, Kim Cook, James Lindsay
Summary: This study investigated the growth kinetics of foodborne pathogen B. cereus during the commercial production of liquid egg yolk using PLA(2) treatment. The results showed that B. cytotoxicus NVH391-98 can grow prolifically at 50 degrees C, with estimated minimum, optimum, and maximum temperatures of 16.7-18.5, 47.8-48.1, and 52.1-52.4 degrees C, respectively. The dynamic model was validated with isothermal curves and it was found that holding the temperature below 15 degrees C or above 55 degrees C can effectively prevent the growth of B. cytotoxicus in egg yolk.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Giacomo Mantegazza, Robin Duncan, Nicolo Telesca, Giorgio Gargari, Susanna Perotti, Patrizia Riso, Simone Guglielmetti
Summary: This study investigates whether salad-associated LAB can survive the gastrointestinal transit (GIT) and contribute to the gut microbiota. The results suggest that salad-associated LAB can survive in the gastrointestinal tract, but their quantity does not significantly alter the composition of the gut microbiota.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Itsaso Baztarrika, Adrian Salazar-Sanchez, Lorena Laorden, Ilargi Martinez-Ballesteros, Rodrigo Alonso, Irati Martinez-Malaxetxebarria
Summary: The infection mechanisms of Arcobacter are still uncertain. This study found that Arcobacter isolates from food and water sources were able to adhere and invade Caco-2 cells, and carried at least two virulence markers. A. butzleri showed higher virulent activity compared to A. cryaerophilus, while A. lanthieri, A. skirrowii, and A. vitoriensis exhibited even higher adhesion and invasion values. Sewage isolates were more adherent and invasive, and had a higher gene content. The association between cadF and hecA with high adhesion capability was identified for the first time.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Balaji Sundararaman, Karen Shapiro, Andrea Packham, Lauren E. Camp, Rachel S. Meyer, Beth Shapiro, Richard E. Green
Summary: Pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa can cause food and waterborne diseases, and surveillance methods are needed. In this study, CNER method was used to prepare enrichment baits for difficult-to-grow pathogens. This method allows direct sequencing of pathogens from samples.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Guanghui Zhou, Pengcheng Dong, Xin Luo, Lixian Zhu, Yanwei Mao, Yunge Liu, Yimin Zhang
Summary: Interactions between bacterial species in the formation of dual-species biofilms in the food industry are affected by environmental stresses, such as temperature and pH. This study found that the combination of cold and acid stresses significantly increased biofilm formation, and different temperatures resulted in variations in the presence of specific bacterial species and the secretion of extracellular substances. The findings provide valuable insights for addressing mixed biofilms in food processing under diverse stressful conditions.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carmen Sanchez, Sonia Garde, Jose Maria Landete, Javier Calzada, Dave J. Baker, Rhiannon Evans, Arjan Narbad, Melinda J. Mayer, Marta Avila
Summary: This study sequenced and compared the genomes of bacteriophages active against C. tyrobutyricum, identifying novel species and phage proteins. A phage showed high lytic activity against C. tyrobutyricum cells and remained stable under different environmental conditions. Additionally, engineered strains successfully delivered endolysin and fluorescent protein to dairy products without affecting their technological properties.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Danai Etter, Michael Biggel, Mariella Greutmann, Nicole Cernela, Sophia Johler
Summary: Bacillus cytotoxicus is a thermotolerant bacterium that is linked to rare but sometimes fatal cases of diarrheal disease. It is mostly found in dehydrated foods containing potato starch or insects and may be missed in routine screening.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tong Jin, Xiangjun Zhan, Liuxin Pang, Bo Peng, Xinpeng Zhang, Wenxiu Zhu, Baowei Yang, Xiaodong Xia
Summary: The study found that CpxAR TCS is an important regulatory mechanism for the virulence of C. sakazakii. Mutants showed weakened adhesion, invasion, and survival ability, and exhibited attenuated virulence in animal models. In addition, CpxAR TCS is involved in regulating the expression of genes associated with bacterial virulence and cellular invasion.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Soo-Hwan Kim, Sang-Hyun Park, Jun-Bae Ahn, Dong-Hyun Kang
Summary: In this study, a semi continuous SHS system was developed to inactivate foodborne pathogens on radish seed surfaces and enhance the seeds' salinity tolerance. The results showed that higher temperature and more treatments led to a significant reduction in microbial count on the seed surface.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yujun Zhai, Weina Tian, Kewei Chen, Linshu Lan, Jianquan Kan, Hui Shi
Summary: This research investigates the role of flagella-related genes in the adhesion of E. coli O157:H7 and the effects of certain cations on bacterial adhesion and motility. The results demonstrate that flagellar-mediated motility is critical in the early stage of adhesion, and the presence of Fe2+, Ca2+, and Mn2+ affects the adhesion and motility of wildtype strains but not flagellar function-impaired strains. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of bacterial adhesion and have implications for the development of anti-adhesion agents.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mariana Marggraf, Andrea Barac, Jens Andre Hammerl, Stefan Hertwig
Summary: Isolating Yersinia enterocolitica from food is challenging due to overgrowth by other microflora and the lack of a selective medium. The authors improved the standard isolation procedure, resulting in a more sensitive method, reduced background bacteria, and time savings.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rafael D. Chaves, Samuel H. Kumazawa, Amin Mousavi Khaneghah, Veronica O. Alvarenga, Humberto M. Hungaro, Anderson S. Sant'Ana
Summary: This study investigated the susceptibility to sanitizers and biofilm-forming ability of 43 Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes strains on stainless steel surfaces. The results showed variations in susceptibility to sanitizers and biofilm resistance among different strains of the pathogens, with chlorine compounds being more effective in inactivating planktonic cells and biofilms.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
So Yeong Mun, Wooje Lee, Soo-Young Lee, Ji Yoon Chang, Hae Choon Chang
Summary: This study reveals that lactobacilli with a strong defense system dominate the final stage of kimchi fermentation and proposes a model for the succession mechanism of kimchi lactobacilli.