therapeutic action: environmental detoxification

Enhanced biodegradation of fluorinated pharmaceutical by Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans biofilms: kinetics and mechanisms

Two types of fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans, can effectively break down pharmaceutical pollutants commonly found in wastewater, such as antidepressants and antibiotics. When grown as biofilms on foam carriers, these fungi removed over 90% of the target pharmaceuticals very quickly. The fungi accomplish this primarily through enzymatic breakdown rather than absorption, making them promising candidates for cleaning wastewater at treatment plants.

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In Vitro and Computational Response of Differential Catalysis by Phlebia brevispora BAFC 633 Laccase in Interaction with 2,4-D and Chlorpyrifos

Scientists studied how a special enzyme called laccase from a white rot fungus can break down two common pesticides: 2,4-D (a herbicide) and chlorpyrifos (an insecticide). Using both laboratory tests and computer simulations, they found that the enzyme works better at room temperature and in acidic conditions, and that it can break down chlorpyrifos more effectively than 2,4-D. This research suggests these enzymes could be useful tools for cleaning up soil and water contaminated by pesticides.

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Mycoremediation of azole antifungal agents using in vitro cultures of Lentinula edodes

This research shows that shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) can help clean up antifungal medications that contaminate water and soil. When the mushroom mycelium was exposed to two common antifungal drugs used in creams and treatments, it absorbed and broke down these compounds. The mushrooms degraded about one-third of the drugs by targeting their chemical structure, particularly the imidazole ring. This suggests mushrooms could be used as a natural, cost-effective solution for removing pharmaceutical pollution from the environment.

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Enhanced biodegradation of fluorinated pharmaceutical by Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans biofilms: kinetics and mechanisms

This study demonstrates that two types of fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans, can effectively remove persistent pharmaceutical pollution from wastewater when grown as biofilms on foam carriers. The fungi achieved removal rates of 92-98% for three common medications (atorvastatin, ciprofloxacin, and fluoxetine) much faster than previously reported methods. Unlike traditional fungal treatments that depend on lignin, these fungi can work in diverse environments, making them practical for wastewater treatment plants and offering a sustainable biological solution to pharmaceutical pollution.

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