Arcopilus eremanthusum sp. nov. as sources of antibacterial and antioxidant metabolites.

In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of Arcopilus eremanthusum sp. nov. (CML3766) isolated from E. erythopappus. The fungi were identified using the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit (LSU), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2). Antibacterial activity was determined using the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using free radical scavenging methods with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS•+) assays and the ß-carotene-linoleic acid system. The total phenolic compound content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The endophytic fungal extract presented bactericidal activity, with an MBC of 2.44 and 19.5 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus GL 8702 and GL 5674, respectively, and 625 µg/mL for Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. In addition, this fungus demonstrated an antioxidant activity of 52.30% protection in the ß-carotene method. The total concentration of phenolic compounds was 23.73 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g. Ferulic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, vanillin, p-coumaric acid, and caffeic acid were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The results demonstrate the potential of A. eremanthusum sp. nov. to serve as a source of antibacterial and antioxidant metabolites with possible future biotechnological applications.

Enzyme Production by Induratia spp. Isolated from Coffee Plants in Brazil

Abstract Endophytic fungi belonging to the genus Muscodor now transferred to Induratia are known producers of bioactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with many industrial applications. However, the members of this genus have rarely been reported to produce non-volatile metabolites including enzyme. Enzymes of the endophytes are degraders of the polysaccharides available in the host plants and the knowledge of enzyme production by Induratia spp. may provide insights into their possible biotechnological applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of amylase, cellulase, lipase, pectinase, phytase, protease, endo β-1,4 glucanase and exo β-1,4 glucanase enzymes produced by fungi of the species Induratia coffeana, Induratia yucatanensis and Induratia sp. isolated from organic coffee plants. All Induratia spp. were able to produce the extracellular enzymes cellulase, pectinase, protease, and phytase. Eight fungi were able to produce lipase and four produced amylase. The specific activity of endo β-1, 4 glucanase and exo β-1,4 glucanase enzymes were detected for 9 and 8 endophytic fungi, respectively. This work demonstrated for the first time, the array of enzymes produced by Induratia spp. isolated from Coffea arabica in organic systems in Brazil.

Spray Drying of Coloring Extracts Produced by Fungi Isolated from Brazilian Caves

Abstract Pigments produced by submerged fermentation of three filamentous fungi isolated from Brazilian caves, namely Aspergillus keveii, Penicillium flavigenum, and Epicoccum nigrum, were submitted to spray drying in presence of the adjuvants maltodextrin, modified starch or gum arabic. Yellow fine powders with low moisture content and water activity, and high color retention (> 70%) were successfully generated with a high product recovery ratio (> 50%), independently of the adjuvant used. The dried products have enhanced stability and potential to might be used as a natural colorant in food and pharmaceutical applications.