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Esterase and Peroxidase Are Involved in the Transformation of Chitosan Films by the Fungus Fusarium oxysporum Schltdl. IBPPM 543

Summary

Scientists discovered that a fungus called Fusarium oxysporum can safely modify chitosan films (a material made from shellfish shells) without breaking them apart. Instead of using destructive enzymes, the fungus produces special enzymes called esterase and peroxidase that reorganize the chitosan’s structure, making it stronger and more resistant. This discovery could lead to new medical materials, drug delivery systems, and water purification products with customized properties.

Background

Chitosan is a biogenic aminopolysaccharide with numerous biological activities and applications in biotechnology. Most fungal utilization studies focus on chitosanase production for hydrolytic cleavage, but non-destructive transformation approaches could create materials with novel functional properties. This study investigates Fusarium oxysporum’s ability to modify chitosan films without degrading their structural integrity.

Objective

To identify structural and physicochemical transformations of chitosan films following growth of F. oxysporum and to characterize the enzymatic mechanisms involved in this modification process. The study aimed to develop approaches for obtaining chitosan-based materials with new functional properties through fungal transformation.

Results

F. oxysporum successfully modified chitosan films without deforming them, increasing film porosity and crystallinity while decreasing solubility and mechanical strength. The transformation involved oxidation processes and crosslinking without breaking β-(1,4)-glycosidic bonds. Extracellular esterase and peroxidase activities were detected, along with biosurfactant production. Nitrogen content decreased in films, suggesting fungal incorporation of chitosan derivatives.

Conclusion

F. oxysporum transforms chitosan through a specific non-degradative mechanism involving esterase and peroxidase enzymes rather than chitosanase. This fungus and its extracellular enzymes show potential for creating chitosan-containing materials with tailored functional properties for biotechnological applications including pharmaceuticals, biomedical devices, and waste treatment.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11080565; PMID: 40863518
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