Keratinophilic fungi from the vicinity of salt pan soils of Sambhar lake Rajasthan (India).

Forty soil samples were collected from seven sites in the vicinity of Sambhar lake Rajasthan, India and screened for the presence of keratinophilic fungi using hair baiting techniques for isolation. Seventeen isolates were recovered and identified. The cultures were identified by recognition of their macro- and micro- morphological features. Their identification was confirmed by BLAST using ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region and sequences have been deposited in NCBI data base. A total of 34 species belonging to 29 genera were isolated. Among the dermatophytes and related keratinophilic fungi Chrysosporium indicum was predominant followed by Ctenomyces serratus, C. tropicum, Keratinophyton durus, Auxarthron conjugatum, Gymnascella dankaliensis, Gymnoascoideus petalosporus and Uncinocarpus reesii. Twenty-six species belonging to 22 genera represented other species. Our study indicates that keratinophilic fungi and species are found in the soils at the vicinity of the Sambhar Lake, and human activities can be the potential source of pathogenic fungi.

Altersolanol A: a selective cytotoxic anthraquinone from a Phomopsis sp.

UNLABELLED: The cytotoxic compound Altersolanol A, an anthraquinone derivative was isolated from PM0409092 a fungus of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (family Oleaceae). It was identified as a Phomopsis sp. by DNA amplification and sequencing of the ITS region. The chemical structure of Altersolanol A was elucidated from its physicochemical properties, 2D NMR spectroscopy and other spectroscopic data. The compound has in vitro cytotoxic activity against 34 human cancer cell lines with mean IC50 (IC70) values of 0.005 µg ml(-1) (0.024 µg ml(-1)) respectively. Altersolanol A, a kinase inhibitor, induces cell death by apoptosis through the cleavage by Caspase-3 and -9 and by decreased anti-apoptotic protein expression. There are several previous reports of the anticancer activity of Altersolanol A, but we report here an extensive study using 36 cell lines which gives wider spectrum of results. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study confirms the cytotoxic potential of Altersolanol A isolated from the endophyte Phomopsis sp. (PM0409092) of the plant Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. The compound exhibits in vitro cytotoxicity against 34 human cancer cell lines with mean IC50 (IC70) value of 0.005 µg ml(-1) (0.024 µg ml(-1)). This is an in-depth report of Altersolanol A against a panel of 34 human cancer cell lines and extends observations from previous studies indicating that Altersolanol A can be used for the development of chemotherapeutics. Altersolanol A, a kinase inhibitor, induces cell death by apoptosis through the cleavage of Caspase-3 and -9 and by decreased anti-apoptotic protein expression.

Isolation of keratinophilic fungi from selected soils of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai (India).

One hundred and twenty-five samples were collected from eight different sites in the vicinity of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and screened for the presence of keratinophilic fungi using hair baiting technique for isolation. Seventy-three isolates were recovered and identified. The cultures were identified using macro- and micro-morphological features. Their identification was also confirmed by the BLAST search of sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region against the NCBI/Genbank data and compared with deposited sequences for identification purpose. Thirteen species of nine genera were isolated viz. Aphanoascus durus (2.4%), Arthroderma corniculatum (1.6%), Auxarthron umbrinum (0.8%), Chrysosporium evolceanui (1.6%), Chrysosporium indicum (16.0%), Chrysosporium tropicum (2.4%), Chrysosporium zonatum (4.0%), Chrysosporium states of Arthroderma tuberculatum (0.8%), Chrysosporium state of Ctenomyces serratus (11.2%), Gymnascella dankaliensis (3.2%), Microsporum gypseum (12.0%), Myriodontium keratinophilum (0.8%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (1.6%). Representative of all thirteen species can release the protein in the range of 152.2-322.4 µg/mL in liquid media when grown on human hair in shake flask culture and also decompose 18.4-40.2% of human hair after four weeks of incubation. This study indicates that the soils of SGNP, Mumbai may be significant reservoirs of certain keratinophilic fungi. The keratinolytic activity of these fungi may be playing significant role in superficial infections to man and animals and recycling of keratinic material of this environment.

A method to minimize the global warming and environmental pollution.

There has been continuous increase in the level of CO2 in atmosphere. Therefore, it is essential to develop an economical and convenient process to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. In this study, we have proposed an economical and efficient adsorption method to minimize the environmental CO2. A fluidized bed adsorption column was used, fabricated using cast iron sheet. The low prize pyrolyzed biochar prepared from farming biomass (crushed fine powder) was used as an adsorbent to adsorb CO2 from the mixture of air and CO2 (99.5% air and 0.5% CO2). The experimental observation was taken for the % removal of CO2 from the mixture of air and CO2, development of adsorption isotherm and to study the effect of pressure and inlet gas flow rate on the amount of CO2 adsorbed per kg of biochar. The exhausted (CO2 adsorbed) biochar from the fluidized column was tested as a fertilizer for the wheat crop and it has given near about 10% increase in the height of wheat crop within the first 10 days after sowing the wheat seeds. On the basis of this experimentation, we have proposed a hypothetical method, using above mentioned fluidized bed column and biochar as adsorbent to reduce the CO2 concentration in the highly polluted regions.

Keratinophilic fungi from selected soils of Bahrain.

Eighty soil samples were collected from various sites of Bahrain and screened for presence of keratinophilic fungi using hair baiting techniques for isolation. Thirty-six isolates were recovered and identified. The cultures were identified using macro- and micromorphological features. Their identification was also confirmed by the BLAST search of sequences of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region against the NCBI/Gene bank data and compared with deposited sequences for confirmation. Eight species of five genera were isolated viz. Aphanoascus fulvuscence (8.75%), Aphanoascus punsolae (20.00%), Chrysosporium indicum (2.50%), Chrysosporium tropicum (2.50%), Chrysosporium zonatum (3.75%), Spiromastix warcupii (1.25%), Microsporum gypseum (3.75%), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (2.50%). In conclusion, our study indicates that keratinophilic fungi do occur in the various soils of Bahrain. Moreover, the narrow diversity and low density of keratinophilic fungi in the investigated soils is expected and is emblematic to other hot arid environments.

Keratinophilic fungi from the vicinity of meteorite crater soils of Lonar (India).

Thirty-two soil samples were collected from six sites in the vicinity of Lonar lake, a meteorite crater and screened for presence of keratinophilic fungi using hair baiting techniques for isolation. Seventeen isolates were recovered and identified. The cultures were identified by recognition of their macro- and micromorphological features. Their identification was also confirmed by the BLAST search of sequences of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region against the NCBI/Gene bank data and compared with deposited sequences for identification purpose. Seven species of four genera were isolated viz. Aphanoascus durus (9.38%), Aphanoascus punsolae (3.125%), Auxarthron kuehnii (3.125%), Chrysosporium indicum (25.00%), Chrysosporium tropicum (3.125%), Chrysosporium sp. (3.125%), Chrysosporium state of Ctenomyces serratus (6.25%).

Keratinophilic fungi on feathers of pigeon in Maharashtra, India.

Results of a preliminary survey of keratinophilic fungi associated with feathers of pigeon on high rise buildings in Thane district of Maharashtra (India) are reported. A total of 100 samples were examined, of which 67 samples were positive for keratinophilic fungi. Altogether 67 fungal strains belonging to 10 species of seven genera were isolated viz. Chrysosporium indicum (24%), Chrysosporium sp. (2%), Chr. tropicum (8%), Chrysosporium state of Arthroderma tuberculatum (3%), Chrysosporium state of Ctenomyces serratus (15%), Malbranchea pulchella (3%), Malbranchea sp. (1%), Microsporum gypseum (5%), Myriodontium keratinophilum (2%) and Trichophyton terrestre (4%).

Isolation of dermatophytes and other keratinophilic fungi from the vicinity of salt pan soils of Mumbai, India.

Soil samples from twenty salt pans and their vicinity around Mumbai and Thane were screened for the occurrence of keratinophilic fungi and related dermatophytes. Ten species classified in six genera were recovered using horse hair as bait. The isolated species were reported in the following order of dominance: Chrysosporium indicum (12.0%), Microsporum gypseum complex (7.2%), C. tropicum (5.6%), C. state of Ctenomyces serratus (4.0%), Trichophyton terrestre (3.2%), Malbranchea aurantiaca (2.4%), C. fluviale (1.6%), Uncinocarpus reesii (1.6%), Malbranchea sp. (0.8%), and T. mentagrophytes (0.8%).

The maintenance and preservation of keratinophilic fungi and related dermatophytes.

A total of 239 fungi belonging to nine genera and 23 species were maintained on agar slopes in a refrigerator at +8 +/- 1 degrees C and in sterile distilled water, under liquid paraffin, dried on silica gel, in sterile soil at room temperature. A limited number has been stored by freeze-drying between 1985 and 1998. It is recommended that each isolate should be maintained by at least two of these methods. The choice of the method will depend to a large extent on the equipment and facilities available in the laboratory. It is reported that simple methods can be used for preservation of keratinophilic fungi and related dermatophytes.

Isolation of dermatophytes and other keratinophilic fungi from soils of Jammu, India.

A total of 112 soil samples collected from various areas of Jammu, India, were screened for the prevalence of keratinophilic fungi and related dermatophytes. From 65 positive samples (58.1%), a total of six genera with 13 species were isolated.

Incidence of keratinophilic fungi from selected soils of Kerala state (India).

One hundred and fifty-eight soil samples were collected from various areas of four districts of Kerala and screened for prevalence of keratinophilic fungi and related dermatophytes. From the positive samples (60.75%), a total of eight genera with 15 species were isolated viz., Arthroderma simii (0.63%), Chrysosporium indicum (20.25%), C. keratinophilum (6.96%). C. lobatum (1.26%), C. pannicola (1.26%), C. tropicum (5.06%), Chrysosporium state of Arthroderma cuniculi (1.26%), Chrysosporium state of Ctenomyces serratus (2.53%), Gymnascella hyalinospora (1.26%), Malbranchea aurantiaca (0.63%) M. fulva (1.26%), Microsporum gypseum complex (12.65%), Pseudogymnoascus roseus (1.26%), Trichophyton mentragrophytes (1.26%), and T. terrestre (3.16%).

Isolation of dermatophytes and other keratinophilic fungi from soils of Mysore India.

In Mysore, India, 88 soil samples were collected from various areas and habitats and screened for the presence of dermatophytes and related keratinophilic fungi.

Keratinophilic fungi isolated from soils of Mumbai, India.

Eighty-seven soil samples were collected from various areas of Mumbai and its vicinity to determine the prevalence of keratinophilic fungi. From the 55 positive samples (63.21%), a total of four genera with nine species were isolated viz. Chrysosporium indicum (28.73%),C. lobatum (2.29 %), C. sp.I (1.14%), C. sp. II (1.14%),C. tropicum (1.14%),C. zonatum (2.29%),Ctenomyces serratus (2.29%)Malbranchea aurantiaca (2.29%) andMicrosporum gypseum complex (21.83%).

Arthrichitin. A New Cell Wall Active Metabolite from Arthrinium phaeospermum.

Arthrichitin (1), C(33)H(46)N(4)O(9), is a new cell wall active depsipeptide isolated from the fermentation broth of Arthrinium phaeospermum (HIL Y-903022). Its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical degradation studies. Arthrichitin consists of serine, beta-keto tryptophan, glutamic acid, and 2,4-dimethyl-3-hydroxydodecanoic acid units.

Chrysosporium gourii Jain, Deshmukh & Agrawal sp. nov.

A new keratinophilic species, Chrysosporium gourii, an isolate of cattle farm soil of Sagar, India, is described and illustrated. The differences between this and other similar keratinophilic species of Chrysosporium are discussed.