scholarly journals Identification of Penicillium species by MALDI-TOF MS analysis of spores collected by dielectrophoresis

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A Reeve ◽  
Denise Bachmann ◽  
Thelma S Caine

Abstract In matrix-assisted laser-desorption and ionization mass spectrometry, spectral differences are frequently observed using different growth media on agar plates and/or different growth times in culture, which add undesirable analytical variance. In this article, we explore an approach to the above problem based upon the rationale that, while protein expression in fungal mycelium may well vary under different growth conditions, this might not apply to the same extent in fungal spores. To this end, we have exploited the fact that while mycelium is generally anchored to the fungal-growth substrate, some fungi produce physically-isolated spores which, as such, are amenable to manipulation using dielectrophoresis (the translational motion of charged or uncharged matter caused by polarization effects in a non-uniform electrical field). Such fields can be conveniently generated through the charging of an insulator using the triboelectric effect (the transfer of charge between two objects through friction when they are rubbed together). In this study, polystyrene microbiological inoculating loops were used in combination with nylon-fabric rubbing to harvest fungal spores from five species from within the genus Penicillium, which were grown on agar plates containing two different media over an extended time course. In terms of average Bruker spectral-comparison scores, our method generated higher scores in 80% of cases tested and, in terms of average coefficients of variation, our method generated lower spectral variability in 93% of cases tested. Harvesting of spores using a rapid, inexpensive and simple dielectrophoretic method, therefore, facilitates improved fungal identification for the Penicillium species tested.

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 303-312
Author(s):  
Chin-Yi Chen ◽  
Ly-Huong T. Nguyen ◽  
George C. Paoli ◽  
Peter L. Irwin

Herein we describe a highly structured, filamentous growth phenotype displayed by an isolate of the food spoilage microorganism Brochothrix thermosphacta. The growth morphology of this B. thermosphacta strain (strain BII) was dependent on environmental factors such as the growth media, incubation temperatures, and the inoculum concentration. Inoculation of cultures in highly dilute suspensions resulted in the formation of isolated, tight aggregates resembling fungal growth in liquid media. This same strain also formed stable, mesh-like structures in 6-well tissue culture plates under specific growth conditions. The complex growth phenotype does not appear to be unique to strain BII but was common among B. thermosphacta strains isolated from chicken. Light and electron micrographs showed that the filaments of multiple BII cells can organize into complex, tertiary structures resembling multistranded cables. Time-lapse microscopy was employed to monitor the development of such aggregates over 18 h and revealed growth originating from short filaments into compact ball-like clusters that appeared fuzzy due to protruding filaments or cables. This report is the first to document this complex filamentous growth phenotype in a wild-type bacterial isolate of B. thermosphacta.


Proceedings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (13) ◽  
pp. 959
Author(s):  
Jörg Ettenauer ◽  
Karen Zuser ◽  
Sandra Pfeiffer ◽  
Dominique Cserna ◽  
Martin Brandl

Fungi are widespread throughout the environment and can cause health as well as indoor problems. One of the most common fungi involved in building damage are Aspergillus sp. This study describes a rapid method for the detection of fungal spores. It is based on the ability of fungi to produce the enzyme cellulase, which can cleave the substrate Aminophenyl-β-d-cellobioside (APC) resulting into 4-Aminophenyl (AP). This cleavage product can then be oxidized leading to an increased output current signal. In the experimental setup several growth media and different parameters were tested over time, for instance growth conditions like pH or incubation temperature. Furthermore, various spore concentrations, which are related to the cellulase activities, were examined. This method presents a technique that makes it possible to specifically detect low concentrations of fungi spores in short time.


1996 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 533-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Podile ◽  
A. P. Prakash

A biocontrol rhizobacterial strain of Bacillus subtilis AF 1 grown for 6 h was coinoculated with Aspergillus niger at different time intervals and microscopic observations revealed adherence of bacterial cells to the fungal mycelium. Bacterial cells multiplied in situ and colonized the mycelial surface. Growth of AF 1 resulted in damage to the cell wall, followed by lysis. AF 1 inoculation into media containing A. niger at 0, 6, and 12 h suppressed >90% fungal growth, while in 18- and 24-h cultures fungal growth inhibition was 70 and 56%, respectively, in terms of dry weight. In dual culture the fungal growth was not accompanied by formation of spores. The mycelial preparation of A. niger as principal carbon source supported the growth of B. subtilis, as much as chitin. Extracellular protein precipitate from B. subtilis culture filtrate had a significant growth-retarding effect on A. niger. Groundnut seeds bacterized with B. subtilis showed a reduced incidence of crown rot in A. niger infested soil, suggesting a possible role of B. subtilis in biological control of A. niger.Key words: mycolytic bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus niger, biological control.


2013 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 1427-1438 ◽  
Author(s):  
MATHIAS A. CHIA ◽  
ANA T. LOMBARDI ◽  
MARIA DA GRACA G. MELAO

The need for clean and low-cost algae production demands for investigations on algal physiological response under different growth conditions. In this research, we investigated the growth, biomass production and biochemical composition of Chlorella vulgaris using semi-continuous cultures employing three growth media (LC Oligo, Chu 10 and WC media). The highest cell density was obtained in LC Oligo, while the lowest in Chu medium. Chlorophyll a, carbohydrate and protein concentrations and yield were highest in Chu and LC Oligo media. Lipid class analysis showed that hydrocarbons (HC), sterol esthers (SE), free fatty acids (FFA), aliphatic alcohols (ALC), acetone mobile polar lipids (AMPL) and phospholipids (PL) concentrations and yields were highest in the Chu medium. Triglyceride (TAG) and sterol (ST) concentrations were highest in the LC Oligo medium. The results suggested that for cost effective cultivation, LC Oligo medium is the best choice among those studied, as it saved the cost of buying vitamins and EDTA associated with the other growth media, while at the same time resulted in the best growth performance and biomass production.


2007 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 887-899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martijn van de Mortel ◽  
Justin C. Recknor ◽  
Michelle A. Graham ◽  
Dan Nettleton ◽  
Jaime D. Dittman ◽  
...  

Asian soybean rust (ASR), caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is now established in all major soybean-producing countries. Currently, there is little information about the molecular basis of ASR–soybean interactions, which will be needed to assist future efforts to develop effective resistance. Toward this end, abundance changes of soybean mRNAs were measured over a 7-day ASR infection time course in mock-inoculated and infected leaves of a soybean accession (PI230970) carrying the Rpp2 resistance gene and a susceptible genotype (Embrapa-48). The expression profiles of differentially expressed genes (ASR-infected compared with the mock-inoculated control) revealed a biphasic response to ASR in each genotype. Within the first 12 h after inoculation (hai), which corresponds to fungal germination and penetration of the epidermal cells, differential gene expression changes were evident in both genotypes. mRNA expression of these genes mostly returned to levels found in mock-inoculated plants by 24 hai. In the susceptible genotype, gene expression remained unaffected by rust infection until 96 hai, a time period when rapid fungal growth began. In contrast, gene expression in the resistant genotype diverged from the mock-inoculated control earlier, at 72 h, demonstrating that Rpp2-mediated defenses were initiated prior to this time. These data suggest that ASR initially induces a non-specific response that is transient or is suppressed when early steps in colonization are completed in both soybean genotypes. The race-specific resistance phenotype of Rpp2 is manifested in massive gene expression changes after the initial response prior to the onset of rapid fungal growth that occurs in the susceptible genotype.


2007 ◽  
Vol 70 (5) ◽  
pp. 1206-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
CLELIA ALTIERI ◽  
DANIELA CARDILLO ◽  
ANTONIO BEVILACQUA ◽  
MILENA SINIGAGLIA

The antifungal activity of three fatty acids (lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids) and their monoglycerides (monolaurin, monomyristic acid, and palmitin, respectively) against Aspergillus and Penicillium species in a model system was investigated. Data were modeled through a reparameterized Gompertz equation. The maximum colony diameter attained within the experimental time (30 days), the maximal radial growth rate, the lag time (i.e., the number of days before the beginning of radial fungal growth), and the minimum detection time (MDT; the number of days needed to attain 1 cm colony diameter) were evaluated. Fatty acids and their monoglycerides inhibited mold growth by increasing MDT and lag times. The effectiveness of the active compounds seemed to be strain and genus dependent. Palmitic acid was the most effective chemical against aspergilli, whereas penicilli were strongly inhibited by myristic acid. Aspergilli also were more susceptible to fatty acids than were penicilli, as indicated by the longer MDT.


1978 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 344-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. PENSALA ◽  
A. NISKANEN ◽  
S. LINDROTH

Unsweetened and sweetened (20 and 44% sucrose) black currant, blueberry and strawberry jams with spores of Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 were incubated at different temperatures and atmospheres for 0.5, 1, 2, and 6 months. Hyphal dry weight, pH of medium and aflatoxin production were examined. Also, the aflatoxin distribution between mold and jam layers was examined in jam with uncontrolled and controlled pH (initial pH 3.1–3.6 and 5.6 respectively) and in 20% yeast extract sucrose broth (initial pH 5.6) after 2 weeks of incubation. Aflatoxin was observed in black currant and strawberry jams stored at 22 and 30 C, but not in blueberry jam. Addition of sugar prevented production of aflatoxin in detectable amounts, although it enhanced fungal growth. Storage at 4 C resulted in a marked reduction in fungal growth. The high CO2 atmosphere prevented production of aflatoxin in detectable amounts in black currant and blueberry jams but not in strawberry jam. Raising the initial pH of the stored jam caused an increase in aflatoxin synthesis, although the amount of fungal mycelium, in contrast was reduced. Aflatoxin synthesis as a function of fungal growth was significantly weaker in the jams than in the yeast extract sucrose broth. The results imply that the jam raw materials, particularly blueberry, contain substances inhibiting production of atlatoxins. Alternatively, it is also possible that the jam materials contain only small amounts of nutrients necessary for synthesis of aflatoxin.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 98-102
Author(s):  
Anatoliy Sergeevich Shumilov ◽  
Sergey Alexandrovich Blagodatsky

The aim of this work was to simulate the growth and spatial structure of the fungal mycelium using a cellular automaton based on the synthesis of various model approaches. The spatial structure of the mycelium is described in the structural submodel of the cellular automaton, which determines the growth rate in the direction of larger resource amount and the number of branches of the mycelium per area unit. The amount of available substrate determines the probability of unidirectional apical growth. Another, biochemical part of the model allows us to describe the rate of transport of resources into the cell, their transport within the mycelium, and also their excretion, and is intended to describe the vertical and horizontal migration in the soil of two nutrients. The proposed model makes it possible to quantitatively describe such a feature of fungal colony growth as more active absorption of resources by external cells, compared to central ones due to separation of transport resources into active and passive resources. The active transport was described using the Michaelis-Menten kinetics. We were able to simulate the stockpiling of surplus resources and their redistribution over the mycelium after the exhaustion of reserves in the external environment, and also to simulate typical growth patterns of mycelial colonies that were observed in experiments published in the literature.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Sandra Guallar-Garrido ◽  
Farners Almiñana-Rapún ◽  
Víctor Campo-Pérez ◽  
Eduard Torrents ◽  
Marina Luquin ◽  
...  

Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) efficacy as an immunotherapy tool can be influenced by the genetic background or immune status of the treated population and by the BCG substrain used. BCG comprises several substrains with genetic differences that elicit diverse phenotypic characteristics. Moreover, modifications of phenotypic characteristics can be influenced by culture conditions. However, several culture media formulations are used worldwide to produce BCG. To elucidate the influence of growth conditions on BCG characteristics, five different substrains were grown on two culture media, and the lipidic profile and physico-chemical properties were evaluated. Our results show that each BCG substrain displays a variety of lipidic profiles on the outermost surface depending on the growth conditions. These modifications lead to a breadth of hydrophobicity patterns and a different ability to reduce neutral red dye within the same BCG substrain, suggesting the influence of BCG growth conditions on the interaction between BCG cells and host cells.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pajaree Sonsungsan ◽  
Pheerawat Chantanakool ◽  
Apichat Suratanee ◽  
Teerapong Buaboocha ◽  
Luca Comai ◽  
...  

Salinity is an important environmental factor causing a negative effect on rice production. To prevent salinity effects on rice yields, genetic diversity concerning salt tolerance must be evaluated. In this study, we investigated the salinity responses of rice (Oryza sativa) to determine the critical genes. The transcriptomes of ‘Luang Pratahn’ rice, a local Thai rice variety with high salt tolerance, were used as a model for analyzing and identifying the key genes responsible for salt-stress tolerance. Based on 3' Tag-Seq data from the time course of salt-stress treatment, weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to identify key genes in gene modules. We obtained 1,386 significantly differentially expressed genes in eight modules. Among them, six modules indicated a significant correlation within 6, 12, or 48h after salt stress. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis was performed on the co-expressed genes of interesting modules to reveal which genes were mainly enriched within important functions for salt-stress responses. To identify the key genes in salt-stress responses, we considered the two-state co-expression networks, normal growth conditions, and salt stress to investigate which genes were less important in a normal situation but gained more impact under stress. We identified key genes for the response to biotic and abiotic stimuli and tolerance to salt stress. Thus, these novel genes may play important roles in salinity tolerance and serve as potential biomarkers to improve salt tolerance cultivars.


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