genotoxicity – mycolab.ai

Enhancing the Substrate Adaptability of Laccase through Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction for Applications in Mycotoxin Detoxification

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Researchers used evolutionary analysis to redesign a fungal enzyme called laccase to better detoxify harmful mold toxins found in grains. The new engineered enzyme (LacANC278) can break down both aflatoxin and zearalenone toxins much more effectively than the original enzyme, and converts them into less harmful substances. This enzyme works without expensive helper chemicals and works well at room temperature, making it practical for treating contaminated corn and other grains.

Fungal biodegradation of chlorinated herbicides: an overview with an emphasis on 2,4-D in Argentina

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Fungi can effectively break down and remove harmful herbicides like 2,4-D, which is widely used in Argentine agriculture but poses health and environmental risks. Through their powerful enzymatic machinery, certain fungal species can degrade these toxic chemicals into less harmful substances. This review examines how these fungal degradation processes work and discusses how such fungi might be safely introduced into contaminated environments to clean them up, following Argentina’s regulatory requirements.

Environmental Impacts and Strategies for Bioremediation of Dye-Containing Wastewater

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Textile factories release large amounts of dyes into water, creating serious pollution problems. Scientists have discovered that tiny living organisms like bacteria, fungi, and algae can eat and break down these dyes into harmless substances. This biological approach is cheaper, safer, and more environmentally friendly than traditional chemical methods used to clean wastewater, making it a promising solution for industries worldwide.

Pleurotus eryngii Culture Filtrate and Aqueous Extracts Alleviate Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis

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This research demonstrates that extracts from oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii) can effectively prevent the production of aflatoxin B1, a highly toxic and cancer-causing substance produced by certain molds that contaminate crops like corn and wheat. The mushroom extracts work by inhibiting the toxin production by up to 94%, offering a natural, environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. The study suggests that compounds in mushrooms, including special sugars and enzymes, may help protect food supplies from this dangerous contamination, which is becoming increasingly important as climate change creates more favorable conditions for mold growth.

Patulin Biodegradation by Rhodosporidiobolus ruineniae and Meyerozyma guilliermondii Isolated From Fruits

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Patulin is a dangerous toxin produced by molds that grow on apples and peaches, posing serious health risks to consumers. Researchers isolated two yeast species from fruits that can effectively break down patulin into a less toxic compound called (E)-ascladiol. The yeasts work by using enzymes inside their cells to degrade the toxin, and this biological approach could be used to safely remove patulin from contaminated fruits and fruit products.

Pharmaceutical waste management through microbial bioremediation

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Medicines we take are ending up in our water supplies and harming ecosystems. Instead of using expensive chemical treatments, scientists are using microorganisms like fungi and bacteria to break down pharmaceutical waste into harmless substances. This biological approach is cheaper and more environmentally friendly, though challenges remain in scaling up the technology. Additionally, designing medicines that naturally degrade after leaving the body could prevent pollution at its source.

Innovative Approaches and Evolving Strategies in Heavy Metal Bioremediation: Current Limitations and Future Opportunities

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Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic accumulate in soil and water, harming both ecosystems and human health. Traditional cleanup methods are expensive and harmful to the environment. Scientists are developing biological solutions using microorganisms and special plants that can absorb or break down these toxic metals, combined with genetic engineering and nanotechnology to make the process faster and more effective.

Transcriptome analysis of Ochratoxin A (OTA) producing Aspergillus westerdijkiae fc-1 under varying osmotic pressure

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Researchers studied how salt levels affect the production of Ochratoxin A (OTA), a harmful toxin made by a fungus commonly found in foods like coffee and dried meats. Using genetic analysis techniques, they found that different salt concentrations trigger different genes in the fungus, affecting how much toxin it produces. This research helps explain why OTA contamination is worse in high-salt foods and could lead to better ways to prevent food poisoning from this fungus.

Two new species of Penicillium (Eurotiales, Aspergillaceae) from China based on morphological and molecular analyses

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Scientists in China discovered and formally described two new species of Penicillium fungi: P. lentum and P. tibetense. These fungi were identified using a combination of physical characteristics and genetic analysis. P. lentum grows slowly with dense colonies and produces a specific branching pattern, while P. tibetense grows rapidly with a different branching structure. This discovery adds to our understanding of fungal diversity in China and demonstrates the importance of using modern molecular methods alongside traditional microscopy in identifying new fungal species.

Determination of Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 concentrations in cheese puffs made from corn flour in Iran

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Researchers tested 27 cheese puff snack packages from three popular Iranian brands to check for aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxins are harmful toxins produced by mold that can contaminate corn-based foods. All samples showed detectable aflatoxin levels, but fortunately, none exceeded the safe limits set by Iran or the European Union. However, experts recommend continuous monitoring of these products because even low-level aflatoxin exposure over time could harm health, especially in children who consume these snacks frequently.

Disease: genotoxicity