Fermentation – Page 8

A New Exopolysaccharide from a Wood-Decaying Fungus Spongipellis borealis for a Wide Range of Biotechnological Applications

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Researchers isolated and studied a new polysaccharide from the wood-decaying mushroom Spongipellis borealis. This polysaccharide is composed mainly of glucose, galactose, and mannose sugars and acts as a natural stabilizer for important enzymes used in biotechnology. When this polysaccharide is added to enzyme preparations, it significantly improves their stability and performance under various conditions, making it promising for industrial and medical applications.

Polysorbate 80 Differentially Impacts Erinacine Production Profiles in Submerged Cultures of Hericium

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Lion’s mane mushroom and related Hericium species produce beneficial compounds called erinacines that may protect the brain and help with neurological conditions. This study tested how adding glucose and a substance called polysorbate 80 to mushroom cultures affects erinacine production. Interestingly, while polysorbate 80 helped mushrooms grow more, it reduced erinacine levels in most strains, though effects varied by species. The findings could help cultivators choose conditions to grow mushrooms enriched with specific beneficial compounds.

Biocontrol of Aflatoxigenic Maize Molds Using Lactobacillus spp.-Based Formulations

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This study shows that beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus, found in traditional fermented foods like fura and gapal, can effectively reduce dangerous mold toxins (aflatoxins) in maize. Researchers tested these bacteria on contaminated maize samples and found they could reduce fungal contamination by up to 68% and completely eliminate some toxins. This natural approach offers a safer, cheaper alternative to chemical treatments while preserving food quality and safety.

Fungal Innovations—Advancing Sustainable Materials, Genetics, and Applications for Industry

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Fungi can be engineered to create sustainable, eco-friendly materials that could replace traditional plastics and leather. Scientists are using advanced genetic tools to control how fungi grow and what they produce, enabling the creation of customized materials with specific properties. These fungal-based materials are biodegradable, require less water and energy to produce, and show promise for applications in packaging, clothing, and building materials. With improved manufacturing processes and genetic engineering, fungi could revolutionize how we make everyday products.

Cell walls of filamentous fungi – challenges and opportunities for biotechnology

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Filamentous fungi like Aspergillus and Trichoderma are workhorses of the biotechnology industry, producing enzymes and pharmaceuticals worth billions annually. The cell wall surrounding these fungal cells acts as both a barrier and a filter, affecting how well proteins can be secreted into the fermentation medium. By genetically modifying cell wall components, scientists can improve enzyme production efficiency. Additionally, the billions of tons of fungal biomass left over from fermentation contain valuable chitin and chitosan that could be extracted and reused, creating a more sustainable manufacturing process.

Advances in Fungal Natural Products: Insights into Bioactivity and Therapeutic Potential

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Medicinal mushrooms and fungi contain powerful natural chemicals that can boost immunity, reduce inflammation, fight cancer, and protect the brain. Scientists are now better able to identify and study these compounds using advanced techniques, and some are being tested as supplements or alongside traditional medicines. This research shows that mushrooms could become important tools in treating diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.

Optimized production and characterization of red dye from Talaromyces purpureogenus PH7 for application as a textile dye

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Scientists discovered that a natural fungus called Talaromyces purpureogenus can produce a bright red dye suitable for coloring textiles. Unlike harmful synthetic dyes that pollute water and soil, this fungal dye is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. The dyed fabrics resisted fading even after repeated washing and sunlight exposure, making it a viable alternative for the textile industry.

Bacterial Cellulose for Scalable and Sustainable Bio-Gels in the Circular Economy

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Bacterial cellulose is a naturally produced material that offers an eco-friendly alternative to plastics and synthetic fabrics. Scientists are developing efficient ways to produce it using waste products from food and agricultural industries through fermentation with special bacteria. This approach not only creates useful materials for textiles, packaging, and medical applications but also helps reduce environmental waste. The technology is advancing rapidly with genetic engineering techniques that can increase production yields and customize the material properties for different uses.

Unraveling the mycobiota of Daqu at the species level using metabarcoding of full-length ITS sequences

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Daqu is a special fermentation starter used to make Baijiu, a traditional Chinese alcohol. Researchers analyzed fungi in 296 Daqu samples from across China using advanced DNA sequencing technology. They identified 86 different fungal species and found that the types of fungi present depend on both the temperature during fermentation and the geographic region where the Daqu is made. These findings could help improve the quality and consistency of Baijiu production.

Filamentous fungal pellets as versatile platforms for cell immobilization: developments to date and future perspectives

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Filamentous fungi, commonly known as molds, can be grown into small spherical structures called pellets that act as excellent platforms for attaching and growing various types of cells. These fungal pellets are sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials and can support different cell types for applications ranging from producing cultivated meat to treating wastewater. The porous structure of fungal pellets allows cells to attach and grow while maintaining the ability to transfer nutrients and oxygen efficiently.

Research Keyword: Fermentation