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Isolates with atypical morphology of ascospores. a–c. A. ruber CBS 101748 (ex-type isolate of A. tuberculatus): a, b. ascospores, c. conidia. d–f. A. montevidensis CCF 4248: d, e. ascospores, f. conidia. a, d Nomarski contrast; remaining figures SEM. Bars 5 5 mm.
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Aspergillus section Aspergillus contains economically important, xerophilic fungi that are widely distributed in nature and the human environ-ment and are known for their ability to grow on substrates with low water activity. The taxa were revised based on sequence data from four loci, PCR fingerprinting, micro-and macromorphology, and physiology....
Citations
... Valid names of microscopic filamentous fungi were modified according to Hubka et al. [31] and Visagie et al. [32]. ...
... A total of six cosmopolitan aspergili were identified. According to Hubka et al. [31], Aspergillus proliferans is an economically important strain, and it seems to be relatively common. It has been isolated from variable soils in Tibet or China, from moldy wood, cave sediment, inside books from a library, from air in a living room and from unknown sources [47], as well as from onychomycoses [48]. ...
Due to the falling water level in the Aral Sea and Muynak Lake, the content of salts dissolved in the water has gradually increased, and toxic elements have been deposited at the lake’s bottom and subsequently washed into the Aral region by the river. Bacteria, archaea and fungi are crucial for the cycling of several important inorganic nutrients in soils. From 15 genera and 31 species of recovered microscopic filamentous fungi, a big group was melanized, of which most of them were also phytopathogenic. The second group consisted of keratinophilic species. Isolated bacteria mainly included members of the genera Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Massilia, Rhodococcus and Nocardiopsis. High-throughput sequencing analysis permitted a better view of the mycobiome and prokaryotic communities (comprising archaea). The cultivation and sequencing approaches were shown to be complementary. The aim of the work was to identify soil microorganisms, including the order Halobacteriales, and to discover the differences in species diversity depending on soil salinity and the presence of PTEs in soil.
... As illustrated by [124], colony characteristics like texture, shape, and color as well as the conventional taxonomic key of the isolated fungus was morphologically identified. A prospective fungus was grown on PDA for seven days using the slide culture method [125]. ...
Recently, there has been a surge towards searching for primitive treatment strategies to discover novel therapeutic approaches against multi-drug-resistant pathogens. Endophytes are considered unexplored yet perpetual sources of several secondary metabolites with therapeutic significance. This study aims to isolate and identify the endophytic fungi from Annona squamosa L. fruit peels using morphological, microscopical, and transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA) sequence analysis; extract the fungus’s secondary metabolites by ethyl acetate; investigate the chemical profile using UPLC/MS; and evaluate the potential antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antiviral activities. An endophytic fungus was isolated and identified as Aspergillus flavus L. from the fruit peels. The UPLC/MS revealed seven compounds with various chemical classes. The antimicrobial activity of the fungal ethyl acetate extract (FEA) was investigated against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative standard strains, in addition to resistant clinical isolates using the agar diffusion method. The CPE-inhibition assay was used to identify the potential antiviral activity of the crude fungal extract against low pathogenic human coronavirus (HCoV 229E). Selective Gram-positive antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were evident, demonstrating pronounced efficacy against both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). However, the extract exhibited very weak activity against Gram-negative bacterial strains. The ethyl acetate extract of Aspergillus flavus L exhibited an interesting antiviral activity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 27.2 µg/mL against HCoV 229E. Furthermore, in silico virtual molecular docking-coupled dynamics simulation highlighted the promising affinity of the identified metabolite, orienting towards three MRSA biotargets and HCoV 229E main protease as compared to reported reference inhibitors/substrates. Finally, ADME analysis was conducted to evaluate the potential oral bioavailability of the identified metabolites.
... With the development of sequencing technology, the evolutionary classification of Aspergillus has greatly developed. Through the sequencing of ID regions and partial benA, caM, and RPB2 genes, species belonging to Eurotium were reassigned to the genus Aspergillus [17]. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 18s rDNA, RPB2, calmodulin, beta microtubule protein, or a combination of these sequences are often utilized in the molecular identification of Aspergillus but are not completely reliable as taxonomic traits [18]. ...
To enhance our understanding of Aspergillus cristatus, an important functional microorganism, the characteristics of its mitochondrial genome were analyzed and compared with related species. The mitochondrial genome of A. cristatus was determined to be 77,649 bp in length, with 15 protein-coding regions. Notably, its length surpassed that of the other species, primarily attributable to the intron length. Gene order exhibited significant variations, with greater conservation observed in the genus Penicillium compared to Aspergillus. Phylogenetic tree analyses indicated that the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium are closely related but monophyletic. Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree constructed based on protein-coding genes effectively distinguished all strains with high branching confidence. This approach provides a robust reflection of the evolutionary relationship between A. cristatus and its related species, offering potential for the development of molecular markers suitable for Aspergillus and Penicillium.
... Morphological characterization of the isolated fungi was performed using a standard taxonomic key that included colony characteristics such as texture, shape, and color [18]. For microscopic examination, promising fungus was cultured on PDA for 7 days using the slide culture method, and hyphae, conidiophore, and conidia were observed under a microscope after staining with lactophenol cotton blue. ...
The surge in multidrug-resistant pathogens worldwide has jeopardized the clinical efficiency of many current antibiotics. This problem steered many researchers in their quest to discover new effective antimicrobial agents from natural origins including plants or their residing endophytes. In this work, we aimed to identify the endophytic fungi derived from Hedera helix L. and investigate their potential antimicrobial activity. Bioguided fractionation approach was conducted to isolate the pure compounds from the most active fungal fraction. Out of a total of six different isolated endophytic fungal strains, only Aspergillus cejpii showed the highest activity against all tested microbial strains. The most active fraction was the dichloromethane/methanol fraction (DCM:MeOH), where it showed significant activity against Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Staphylococcus aureus , Serratia marcescens , Acinetobacter baumannii , Salmonella typhi , and three drug-resistant clinical isolate strains including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, H1), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PS 16), and Acinetobacter baumannii (ACT 322) using tetracyline and kanamycin as the control antibiotics. Bioguided fractionation of the active fraction led to the isolation of the γ -butenolide, spiculisporic acid. Structure elucidation was carried out using ¹ H and ¹³ C-NMR spectroscopic analysis. The compound showed good antimicrobial activities with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 3.9 to 31.25 μg/mL against all tested strains. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling was also carried out to identify the metabolites in the microbial crude extract. In conclusion, endophytic fungi, Aspergillus cejpii , isolated from Hedera helix L. roots showed promising antimicrobial activity which merits further in-depth investigations for potential utilization as a source of new antibiotics in the future. It can also be considered as a novel source for spiculisporic acid.
... The isolates were morphologically identical to A. chevalieri strains (Figure 3). A. chevalieri is a member of section Aspergillus (formerly the genus Eurotium), which was described by Thom and Church [75]. They are generally characterized by yellow cleistothecia, lenticular, hyaline ascospores, and globose, subglobose, or ellipsoidal conidia [76,77]. This species produces some mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins, citrinin, gliotoxin, and sterigmatocystin, but it has not previously been shown to produce OTA [53][54][55]76,[78][79][80]. ...
... The isolates were morphologically identical to A. chevalieri strains (Figure 3). A. chevalieri is a member of section Aspergillus (formerly the genus Eurotium), which was described by Thom and Church [75]. They are generally characterized by yellow cleistothecia, lenticular, hyaline ascospores, and globose, subglobose, or ellipsoidal conidia [76,77]. This species produces some mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins, citrinin, gliotoxin, and sterigmatocystin, but it has not previously been shown to produce OTA [53][54][55]76,[78][79][80]. ...
Herbal teas, including Camellia sinensis (black and green teas), are popular beverages with
health benefits for consumers worldwide. These products are prepared from natural materials of
different plant parts containing antioxidant properties and vitamins. The aim of this study was to
investigate fungal contaminants and their ability to produce ochratoxin A (OTA) in herbal tea samples.
Seven herbal teas were obtained from local markets in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand. Samples
were incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and the growing mycelia were isolated into a pure
culture. The cultures were identified via both morphology and molecular analysis to confirm species
identification. The identified species were subjected to OTA analysis using high-performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector. Ochratoxin A was produced by Aspergillus
chevalieri and A. niger, isolated from seven herbal tea samples (black tea, green tea, bael fruit, goji
berry, jasmine, lavender, and rose). This finding raises concerns about the safety of herbal tea and
should be investigated further for potential health implications.
... Eurotium (Eurotiaceae), now renamed Aspergillus, is the sexual generation of the genus Aspergillus. Despite the renaming, the majority of mycologists prefer adhering to the established and commonly used nomenclature [1][2][3]. Eurotium is characterised by its golden cleistothecia, lenticular ascospores, uniseriate conidial heads in shades of green or blue, and yellow-, orange-or red-encrusted hyphae [2,4]. The genus Eurotium comprises approximately 20 species [2], of which Eurotium amstelodami, Eurotium cristatum, and Eurotium repens have received the most attention [5,6]. ...
... Despite the renaming, the majority of mycologists prefer adhering to the established and commonly used nomenclature [1][2][3]. Eurotium is characterised by its golden cleistothecia, lenticular ascospores, uniseriate conidial heads in shades of green or blue, and yellow-, orange-or red-encrusted hyphae [2,4]. The genus Eurotium comprises approximately 20 species [2], of which Eurotium amstelodami, Eurotium cristatum, and Eurotium repens have received the most attention [5,6]. ...
... Eurotium is characterised by its golden cleistothecia, lenticular ascospores, uniseriate conidial heads in shades of green or blue, and yellow-, orange-or red-encrusted hyphae [2,4]. The genus Eurotium comprises approximately 20 species [2], of which Eurotium amstelodami, Eurotium cristatum, and Eurotium repens have received the most attention [5,6]. All species of Eurotium are hypertonic fungi, which are widely distributed in nature and human environments, especially in environments of high salt, high sugar, and low water. ...
Eurotium is the teleomorph genus associated with the section Aspergillus. Eurotium comprises approximately 20 species, which are widely distributed in nature and human environments. Eurotium is usually the key microorganism for the fermentation of traditional food, such as Fuzhuan brick tea, Liupao tea, Meju, and Karebushi; thus, Eurotium is an important fungus in the food industry. Eurotium has been extensively studied because it contains a series of interesting, structurally diverse, and biologically important secondary metabolites, including anthraquinones, benzaldehyde derivatives, and indol diketopiperazine alkaloids. These secondary metabolites have shown multiple biological activities, including antioxidative, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antitumor, insecticidal, antimalarial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study presents an up-to-date review of the phytochemistry and biological activities of all Eurotium species. This review will provide recent advances on the secondary metabolites and their bioactivities in the genus Eurotium for the first time and serve as a database for future research and drug development from the genus Eurotium.
... The isolates were morphologically identical to A. chevalieri strains (Figure 3). A. chevalieri is a member of section Aspergillus (formerly the genus Eurotium), which was described by Thom and Church [75]. They are generally characterized by yellow cleistothecia, lenticular, hyaline ascospores, and globose, subglobose, or ellipsoidal conidia [76,77]. This species produces some mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins, citrinin, gliotoxin, and sterigmatocystin, but it has not previously been shown to produce OTA [53][54][55]76,[78][79][80]. ...
Herbal teas, including Camellia sinensis (black and green teas), are popular beverages with health benefits for consumers worldwide. These products are prepared from natural materials of different plant parts containing antioxidant properties and vitamins. The aim of this study was to investigate fungal contaminants and their ability to produce ochratoxin A (OTA) in herbal tea samples. Seven herbal teas were obtained from local markets in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand. Samples were incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA), and the growing mycelia were isolated into a pure culture. The cultures were identified via both morphology and molecular analysis to confirm species identification. The identified species were subjected to OTA analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector. Ochratoxin A was produced by Aspergillus chevalieri and A. niger, isolated from seven herbal tea samples (black tea, green tea, bael fruit, goji berry, jasmine, lavender, and rose). This finding raises concerns about the safety of herbal tea and should be investigated further for potential health implications.
... Xerotolerant contaminating taxa were detected on high a w media. These are species of Aspergillus section Aspergillus (formerly classified in Eurotium) (Hubka et al., 2013), species of Aspergillus section Versicolor (Jurjević et al., 2012), Cladosporium, Alternaria (Caselli et al., 2018), and also other genera. ...
Historically valuable canvas paintings are often exposed to conditions enabling microbial deterioration. Painting materials, mainly of organic origin, in combination with high humidity and other environmental conditions, favor microbial metabolism and growth. These preconditions are often present during exhibitions or storage in old buildings, such as churches and castles, and also in museum storage depositories. The accumulated dust serves as an inoculum for both indoor and outdoor fungi. In our study, we present the results on cultivable fungi isolated from 24 canvas paintings, mainly exhibited in Slovenian sacral buildings, dating from the 16 th to 21 st centuries. Fungi were isolated from the front and back of damaged and undamaged surfaces of the paintings using culture media with high-and low-water activity. A total of 465 isolates were identified using current taxonomic DNA markers and assigned to 37 genera and 98 species. The most abundant genus was Aspergillus, represented by 32 species, of which 9 xerophilic species are for the first time mentioned in contaminated paintings. In addition to the most abundant xerophilic A. vitricola, A. destruens, A. tardicrescens, and A. magnivesiculatus, xerophilic Wallemia muriae and W. canadensis, xerotolerant Penicillium chrysogenum, P. brevicompactum, P. corylophilum, and xerotolerant Cladosporium species were most frequent. When machine learning methods were used to predict the relationship between fungal contamination, damage to the painting, and the type of material present, proteins were identified as one of the most important factors and cracked paint was identified as a hotspot for fungal growth. Aspergillus species colonize paintings regardless of materials, while Wallemia spp. can be associated with animal fat. Culture media with low-water activity are suggested in such inventories to isolate and obtain an overview of fungi that are actively contaminating paintings stored indoors at low relative humidity.
... Filamentous fungi, such as the genus Aspergillus spp., are the class of microorganisms that best make use of SSF, as they are able to grow radially across the surface of the substrate in low moisture conditions, in addition to their rapid growth and the presence of a wide variety of genes that produce different biomolecules [11,12]. The production of specific biomolecules, such as enzymes, for example, can be induced by the substrate composition and process conditions such as temperature, pH, moisture, and C:N ratio, among other factors [13]. ...
The use of chicken waste can contribute to the development of new processes and obtaining molecules with high added value. An experimental design was applied to evaluate the effect of moisture, temperature, and inoculum size on the production of antioxidant peptides and proteases by A. oryzae IOC3999 through solid-state fermentation (SSF) of chicken viscera meal. As a result, the process conditions strongly influenced protease production and antioxidant activity of the fermented products. A global analysis of the results indicated that the most adequate conditions for SSF were (assay 9): 40% initial moisture, 30 °C as the incubation temperature, 5.05 × 10⁶ spores/g as the inoculum size, and 48-h fermentation as the fermentation time. Under this condition, the antioxidant activities for the ABTS- and DPPH-radicals inhibition and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods were 376.16, 153.29, and 300.47 (µmol TE/g), respectively, and the protease production reached 428.22 U/g. Ultrafiltration of the crude extract obtained under optimized fermentation conditions was performed, and the fraction containing peptides with molecular mass lower than 3 kDa showed the highest antioxidant activity. The proteases were biochemically characterized and showed maximal activity at pH values ranging from 5.0 to 6.0 and a temperature of 50 °C. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the process of thermal protease inactivation is not spontaneous (ΔG*d > 88.78 kJ/mol), increasing with temperature (ΔH*d 27.01–26.88 kJ/mol), and with reduced disorder in the system (ΔS*d < − 197.74 kJ/mol) probably caused by agglomeration of partially denatured enzymes.
