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Introduction: Food security and waste management represent the main challenges that need to be addressed in the near future. The use of bioformulations and bioactive compounds obtained from agricultural wastes could represent some of the solutions for the management of soil-borne pathogens. Methods: In the present study, Aureobasidium pullulans strain AP1, tested in oil dispersion (OD) formulation prototype and bio-extracts [hot water extract (HWE) and warm water extract (WWE)] derived from spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of Agaricus bisporus , was tested as sustainable strategies to manage Rhizoctonia solani of lettuce. Results: By in vitro assays, AP1OD at 600 mg L−1 displayed an inhibition by 57% of pathogen mycelial growth, and the SMS extract WWE (40°C) showed a growth stimulation of lettuce seedling by 27%. By In vivo assays, AP1OD formulation used against R. solani reduced by 66.6% the soil-borne pathogen incidence on lettuce plants, and both bio-extracts significantly stimulated lettuce leaves and roots growth (>200%). AP1OD formulation and HWE treatments increased the lettuce genes expression levels (ggps and hppd pdx1) mainly imputed to plant antioxidant potential, vitamin E, and vitamin B6 biosynthesis. Discussion: The present study reported the potential of a new formulation and two bio-extracts, derived from an agricultural waste, to use against R. solani of lettuce, respectively, with antifungal and biostimulant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aureobasidium pullulans is a ubiquitous polymorphic black yeast with industrial and agricultural applications. It has recently gained attention amongst cell biologists for its unconventional mode of proliferation in which multinucleate yeast cells make multiple buds within a single cell cycle. Here, we combine a chemical transformation method with genome-targeted homologous recombination to yield ∼60 transformants/μg of DNA in just 3 days. This protocol is simple, inexpensive, and requires no specialized equipment. We also describe vectors with codon-optimized green and red fluorescent proteins for A. pullulans and use these tools to explore novel cell biology. Quantitative imaging of a strain expressing cytosolic and nuclear markers showed that although the nuclear number varies considerably among cells of similar volume, total nuclear volume scales with cell volume over an impressive 70-fold size range. The protocols and tools described here expand the toolkit for A. pullulans biologists and will help researchers address the many other puzzles posed by this polyextremotolerant and morphologically plastic organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates airborne bacterial and fungal communities in south-eastern Italy and Albania using advanced DNA-based techniques and compositional data analysis (CoDa). We assess the significance of airborne microbial communities, detailing our methodologies for site selection, sample collection, DNA extraction, and data analysis. Our results reveal distinct differences in microbial composition between the two regions, driven by local environmental factors. Specifically, Albanian samples showed higher abundances of bacterial species such as Rubellimicrobium roseum and Sphingomonas cynarae, while Italian samples were characterized by a prevalence of Truepera radiovictrix and Rubrobacter radiotolerans. In terms of fungi, Albanian sites exhibited greater abundance of Mycosphaerella tassiana, Aureobasidium pullulans, and Ascochyta herbicola. Aitchison distance-based dendrograms and principal component analysis (PCA) biplots, utilizing singular value decomposition, clearly delineated a geographical separation of microbial communities, underscoring the impact of regional atmospheric conditions on microbial composition. In the discussion, we interpret these findings in the context of regional environmental factors, highlighting their implications for understanding regional differences in airborne microbial communities. The conclusion emphasizes the effectiveness of advanced DNA techniques and CoDa in environmental microbiology, offering insights into how local environmental conditions shape microbial communities and suggesting directions for future research and public health considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The present study explores the use of two different growth supports for the biocontrol yeasts Aureobasidium pullulans M13, C10, R34 and P17, by use of nutrient yeast glucose (NYDA) agar and hydrogel spheres as the support matrix, then evaluates their impact on the production of volatile compounds (VOCs) and the subsequent in vitro and in vivo antagonistic activity against Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum acutatum. RESULTS: For the in vitro assay, VOCs secreted by the isolates C10 and M13 encased in the hydrogel spheres showed greater inhibitory activity on the mycelial growth of B. cinerea (70.30%) and C. acutatum (52.35%), respectively, with respect to NYDA. For solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, VOCs produced by the selected yeasts immobilized in the hydrogel spheres or cultured in the agar were identified. VOCs were grouped as alcohols, ketones, alkane and aldehyde, with phenylethyl alcohol and 1‐propanol‐2‐methyl being the most prominently produced. The analysis revealed variations in both quantity and composition of VOCs among the growth supports, indicating the hydrogel spheres as enhancer distinct metabolic pathways and substrate utilization of the isolates, particularly in the M13 isolate. CONCLUSION: The antifungal activity of the VOCs produced in the hydrogel spheres by the isolates C10 and M13 was assessed on strawberries, demonstrating a significant reduction in disease incidences. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanin is a high value bioproduct generated through the fermentation of Aureobasidium pullulans, playing a crucial role in various fields, including food, medicine, environmental protection, and materials science. However, its high production costs and low synthetic yields significantly limit its applications. Therefore, it is essential to identify high-yield strains, reduce production costs, and optimize fermentation strategies. In this study, a high melanin-yielding Aureobasidium pullulans 53LC7 was screened and identified, and the fermentation process was optimized based on melanin yield, color value, and pullulan yield. The results indicated that the melanin yield peaked at an initial pH of 6.0, temperature of 27 °C, fermentation time of 6.5 d, and inoculation quantity of 2.5%, achieving a melanin yield of 16.33 g/L. Subsequently, huangjiu lees, a byproduct of huangjiu production, was incorporated into the fermentation medium, resulting in a melanin yield of 5.91 g/L. This suggests that the Aureobasidium pullulans was not effectively utilizing huangjiu lees. To address this, we employed an adaptive evolution strategy, which increased the melanin yield to 8.72 g/L. The enhanced production was correlated with the expression of key genes, including FKS, PKS, and Cmr1. Finally, cellulase was utilized to convert the crude fibers in huangjiu lees, which were difficult to utilize, into usable substrates, while pullulanase was employed to minimize byproduct formation in the fermentation system, resulting in a melanin yield of 19.07 g/L. This study not only provides promising strains for further research but also offers valuable insights for resource production technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic fungi can cause significant annual losses in the quality and quantity of fruits belonging to Rosaceae family during pre‐ and postharvest. Synthetic fungicides are considered the main method for controlling diseases in food crops; however, they pose a great risk to human health and to the environment. As a result, biological control methods, which are based on living microorganisms to reduce the population or to inhibit the growth of pathogens, have arisen as a safe alternative. In this review, we highlight the principal mechanisms (e.g., nutrition and space competition, mycoparasitism, induced resistance and growth enhancement, production of volatile organic compounds, and antibiosis) utilized by the most frequently reported non‐Saccharomyces biocontrol agents (BCAs) yeasts: Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Pichia membranifaciens, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Hanseniaspora uvarum, and Aureobasidium pullulans, against the common pathogenic fungi found within Rosaceae family: Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea, and Monilinia spp. Understanding BCAs' importance and mode of action is a necessary step in order to reduce the detrimental effect of spoilage fungi in the agriculture and food industry, by achieving a more sustainable and safer control of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the production of the fungal polysaccharide pullulan by mutants and natural isolates of Aureobasidium species using strain improvement. Pullulan is a neutral polysaccharide gum whose structure is a maltotriose-containing glucan. This polysaccharide gum has applications in the fields of food, pharmaceuticals, biomedical and wastewater treatment. The strain improvement of Aureobasidium species has focused on the pullulan production process, including the isolation of strains exhibiting reduced pigmentation, polysaccharide overproduction, the production of pullulan with variable molecular weight, and increased osmotolerant strains promoting pullulan production at high carbon source concentrations and pullulan production on hemicellulosic substrates. The majority of studies have emphasized the isolation of reduced pigmentation and pullulan hyperproducer strains since the goal of large-scale commercial pullulan production is to synthesize non-pigmented polysaccharides. A promising area of strain improvement is the isolation of strains that synthesize authentic pullulan from hemicellulosic substrates. If strain improvement in this area is successful, the goal of commercially producing pullulan at a competitive cost will eventually be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pullulan is a microbial exopolysaccharide produced by Aureobasidium spp. with excellent physical and chemical properties, resulting in great application value. In this study, a novel strain RM1603 of Aureobasidium pullulans with high pullulan production of 51.0 ± 1.0 g·L− 1 isolated from rhizosphere soil was subjected to atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis, followed by selection of mutants to obtain pullulan high-producing strains. Finally, two mutants Mu0816 and Mu1519 were obtained, with polysaccharide productions of 58.7 ± 0.8 and 60.0 ± 0.8 g∙L− 1 after 72-h fermentation, representing 15.1 and 17.6% increases compared with the original strain, respectively. Transcriptome analysis of the two mutants and the original strain revealed that the high expression of α/β-hydrolase (ABHD), α-amylase (AMY1), and sugar porter family MFS transporters (SPF-MFS) in the mutants may be related to the synthesis and secretion of pullulan. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of ARTP mutagenesis in A. pullulans, providing a basis for the investigation of genes related to pullulan synthesis and secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental evolution was carried out to investigate the adaptive responses of extremotolerant fungi to a stressful environment. For 12 cultivation cycles, the halotolerant black yeasts Aureobasidium pullulans and Aureobasidium subglaciale were grown at high NaCl or glycerol concentrations, and the halophilic basidiomycete Wallemia ichthyophaga was grown close to its lower NaCl growth limit. All evolved Aureobasidium spp. accelerated their growth at low water activity. Whole genomes of the evolved strains were sequenced. No aneuploidies were detected in any of the genomes, contrary to previous studies on experimental evolution at high salinity with other species. However, several hundred single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were identified compared with the genomes of the progenitor strains. Two functional groups of genes were overrepresented among the genes presumably affected by single‐nucleotide polymorphisms: voltage‐gated potassium channels in A. pullulans at high NaCl concentration, and hydrophobins in W. ichthyophaga at low NaCl concentration. Both groups of genes were previously associated with adaptation to high salinity. Finally, most evolved Aureobasidium spp. strains were found to have increased intracellular and decreased extracellular glycerol concentrations at high salinity, suggesting that the strains have optimised their management of glycerol, their most important compatible solute. Experimental evolution therefore not only confirmed the role of potassium transport, glycerol management, and cell wall in survival at low water activity, but also demonstrated that fungi from extreme environments can further improve their growth rates under constant extreme conditions in a relatively short time and without large scale genomic rearrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pullulan is a biopolymer produced by various strains of the fungi Aureobasidium pullulans. It is made up of maltotriose units consisting of α-(1,6) and α-(1,4) glycosidic bonds. Pullulan was discovered by Bauer in 1938, characterized by Bernier in 1958 and named as 'pullulan' by Bender in 1959. Submerged fermentation is widely employed for pullulan production followed by downstream processing for recovery of pullulan. Factors such as nutrients, minerals, pH, temperature, surfactants, light intensity, and melanin intermediate affect its production. Various optimization methods such as Plackett Burman design, response surface methodology, and artificial neural networks have been utilised for enhancing the yield of pullulan. Pullulan yield as high as 62.52 g/L can be achieved using a 5 L fermenter under optimised conditions. It can be characterized by techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy. The biopolymer has remarkable properties which makes it an ideal candidate to be used in various applications such as the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors, cosmetics, food, and wastewater treatment. Pullulan's applications can be expanded by chemically modifying to obtain grafted pullulan, polymer blends, nanocomposites and hydrogels which have been gaining importance in recent years. Over the years, many patents using pullulan have been granted for different applications worldwide. This review sheds light on all these aspects of pullulan including its future scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White haze, an emerging disorder caused by extensive fungal growth on the apple surface, results in a compromised fruit quality and decreased marketability. The use of biological control agents could be an interesting tool to reduce its development. This work aimed to test the efficacy of two Aureobasidium pullulans strains (AP2 and PL5) in controlling white haze on stored apples. An in vivo trial was conducted by inoculating fruits with white haze causal agents (Entyloma belangeri, Golubevia pallescens, Tilletiopsis washingtonensis) and treating them with the antagonistic yeasts. Three commercial biofungicides were also included in the trial. Both A. pullulans strains, along with the Metschnikowia fructicola-based product, reduced white haze incidence after 110 days of storage at 1 ± 1 °C and after 7 days of shelf life. Furthermore, the effect of A. pullulans application on the fruit fungal microbiome was assessed. A significant impact of apple matrix and treatment on the mycobiome composition was observed. Analyses showed a good colonization of A. pullulans on the treated apples, both epiphytically and endophytically. A decrease in white haze-related fungi abundance was observed in the treated fruits. Additionally, a reduction of Ramularia spp. and modifications in the abundance of other fungal genera were detected after storage and shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives The ascomycotic yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium exhibits the natural ability to synthesize several secondary metabolites, like polymalic acid, pullulan, or polyol lipids, with potential biotechnological applications. Combined with its polyextremotolerance, these properties make Aureobasidium a promising production host candidate. Hence, plenty of genomes of Aureobasidia have been sequenced recently. Here, we provide the annotated draft genome sequence of the polyol lipid-producing strain A. pullulans NRRL 62042. Data description The genome of A. pullulans NRRL 62042 was sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq 6000. Genome assembly revealed a genome size of 24.2 Mb divided into 39 scaffolds with a GC content of 50.1%. Genome annotation using Genemark v4.68 and GenDBE yielded 9,596 genes.

Abstract Background Aureobasidium pullulans is a generalist polyextremotolerant black yeast fungus. It tolerates temperatures below 0 °C or salt concentrations up to 18%, among other stresses. A. pullulans genome sequencing revealed a high potential for producing bioactive metabolites. Only few molecular tools exist to edit the genome of A. pullulans, hence it is important to make full use of its potential. Two CRISPR/Cas9 methods have been proposed for the protoplast-based transformation of A. pullulans. These methods require the integration of a marker gene into the locus of the gene to be deleted, when the deletion of this gene does not yield a selectable phenotype. We present the adaptation of a plasmid-based CRISPR/Cas9 system developed in Aspergillus niger for A. pullulans to create deletion strains. Results The A. niger CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid led to efficient genomic deletions in A. pullulans. In this study, strains with deletions ranging from 30 to 862 bp were obtained by using an AMA1 plasmid-based genome editing strategy. Conclusion The CRISPR/Cas9 transformation system presented in this study provides new opportunities for strain engineering of A. pullulans. This system allows expression of Cas9 and antibiotic resistance while being easy to adapt. This strategy could open the path to intensive genomic engineering in A. pullulans.

Objectives: The ascomycotic yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium exhibits the natural ability to synthesize several secondary metabolites, like polymalic acid, pullulan, or polyol lipids, with potential biotechnological applications. Combined with its polyextremotolerance, these properties make Aureobasidium a promising production host candidate. Hence, plenty of genomes of Aureobasidia have been sequenced recently. Here, we provide the annotated draft genome sequence of the polyol lipid-producing strain A. pullulans NRRL 62042. Data description: The genome of A. pullulans NRRL 62042 was sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq 6000. Genome assembly revealed a genome size of 24.2 Mb divided into 39 scaffolds with a GC content of 50.1%. Genome annotation using Genemark v4.68 and GenDBE yielded 9,596 genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The paper aimed to screen the suitable reference genes and to analyze and verify the expression of photosynthesis-related genes in Chenopodium album responding to Aureobasidium pullulans PA-2.【Method】The leaves of C. album that were treated for 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 days under PA-2 infection and the root, stem and leave of normal growth C. album were used as materials, and qRT-RCR technology and Ct value were used to assess the expression stability of three candidate reference genes (GAPDH, β-ACTIN and β-TUBULIN) . The expression levels of photosynthesis-related genes (LFRN, MDH, PetC, psaA, CAB40, psaN, BHY and MO2) were quantitatively analyzed by the optimal selected reference genes.【Result】The results indicated that GAPDH was the optimal reference gene of C. album responding to A. pullulans PA-2, and can be used for analyzing the related genes expression level to photosynthesis pathway. Using GAPDH as internal reference, the expression levels of 8 photosynthesis-related genes showed varying degrees of down-regulation, except for MDH, which reached the lowest level at 5 days. Among them, PetC, psaN, CAB40, BHY and MO2 was down-regulated C. album infected 0-1 day, reaching a high level at 3 days, and increased in the later stage. The expression levels of pasA was firstly up-regulated and then down-regulated during the infection. The expression level of LFRN was down-regulated continuously after PA-2 infection. The expression level of MDH was significantly down-regulated at first, reached the lowest level at 3 days, and increased in the later stage. In different tissues infected with PA-2, 8 photosynthesis-related genes were highly expressed in leaves, among which MDH gene was highly expressed in stems, while PctC and CAB40 were the lowest expression levels in roots. Except for MDH gene, the expression levels of 7 photosynthesis-related genes in different tissues were ranked as: leaves＞stems＞roots.【Conclusion】The study provides foundation for the analysis of C. album genes by using qRT-RCR and the infection mechanism of A. pullulans PA-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liamocins are molecules with a polyol lipid structure produced by rare strains of Aureobasidium pullulans. In recent years, liamocins have attracted attention due to their antibacterial, anticancer and surface-active properties, and promising potential applications have been identified in the food, agriculture, medical and pharmaceutical industries. This study is the first to investigate the effects of different carbon and nitrogen sources on the growth and liamocin production kinetics of A. pullulans NBRC 100716 strain. This strain was selected among six different A. pullulans strains whose liamocin productions were tested by us for the first time. In fermentations carried out in shaking water baths, the carbon source that most supported the liamocin production of this strain was fructose, and the nitrogen source was peptone-yeast extract combination. In the medium containing fructose and the peptone-yeast extract mixture, A. pullulans NBRC 100716 produced 4.26 g liamocin L−1. The specific liamocin production rate (qp) of the strain in this medium was 0.0090 g liamocin/g mo.h. This study is also the first to produce liamocin with a fructophilic A. pullulans strain. Present findings in this research also demonstrated the excellent biosurfactant capacity of the liamocin produced by this strain. The obtained liamocin reduced the water surface tension to a degree that can compete with synthetic surfactants. Furthermore, this is the first report to reveal that the fatty acid profile of liamocin obtained from A. pullulans NBRC 100716 contains an appreciable amount of unsaturated fatty acids and is similar to the composition of vegetable oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The culturable yeast communities in temperate forest soils under the ornithogenic influence were studied in a seasonal dynamic. To investigate the intense ornithogenic influence, conventional and "live" feeders were used, which were attached to trees in the forest and constantly replenished throughout the year. It was found that the yeast abundance in the soil under strong ornithogenic influence reached the highest values in winter compared to the other seasons and amounted to 4.8 lg (cfu/g). This was almost an order of magnitude higher than the minimum value of yeast abundance in ornithogenic soils determined for summer. A total of 44 yeast species, 21 ascomycetes and 23 basidiomycetes, were detected in ornithogenic soil samples during the year. These included soil-related species (Barnettozyma californica, Cyberlindnera misumaiensis, Cutaneotrichosporon moniliiforme, Goffeauzyma gastrica, Holtermanniella festucosa, Leucosporidium creatinivorum, L. yakuticum, Naganishia adeliensis, N. albidosimilis, N. globosa, Tausonia pullulans, and Vanrija albida), eurybionts (yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa), inhabitants of plant substrates and litter (Cystofilobasidium capitatum, Cys. infirmominiatum, Cys. macerans, Filobasidium magnum, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, and Rh. babjevae) as well as a group of pathogenic and opportunistic yeast species (Arxiozyma bovina, Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, Clavispora lusitaniae, and Nakaseomyces glabratus). Under an ornithogenic influence, the diversity of soil yeasts was higher compared to the control, confirming the uneven distribution of yeasts in temperate forest soils and their dependence on natural hosts and vectors. Interestingly, the absolute dominant species in ornithogenic soils in winter (when the topsoil temperature was below zero) was the basidiomycetous psychrotolerant yeast T. pullulans. It is regularly observed in various soils in different geographical regions. Screening of the hydrolytic activity of 50 strains of this species at different temperatures (2, 4, 10, 15 and 20 °C) showed that the activity of esterases, lipases and proteases was significantly higher at the cultivation temperature. Ornithogenic soils could be a source for the relatively easy isolation of a large number of strains of the psychrotolerant yeast T. pullulans to test, study and optimize their potential for the production of cold-adapted enzymes for industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation was conducted to assess the antagonistic activity of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei M12, a novel strain, against the pathogenic agent Erwinia amylovora E22, which causes fire blight in fruit crops. The E. amylovora E22 strain was isolated from Golden Delicious floral colonization dynamics and specificity of Aureobasidium pullulans strains used to suppress fire blight in apple fruit. The L. paracasei M12 strain was collected from the phyllosphere of the garden cenosis in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. Identification of both isolates relied on morphological and biochemical tests as well as PCR analysis. Results indicated that the zone of pathogen growth inhibition due to the action of the L. paracasei M12 strain was 41.5 ± 1.5 mm. The maximum inhibitory activity of this antagonist was observed on the 7th day of fermentation. Lactic acid constituted the largest percentage in the cultural broth component composition (43.55%) and exhibited inhibitory effects against E. amylovora E22. Evaluation of various concentrations of the broth in vitro demonstrated that the use of the original broth (100%) resulted in complete inhibition of pathogen growth. A parallel outcome was observed in tests conducted on immature pear fruits, where those treated with 100% of M12 culture broth exhibited complete protection against fire blight infection, while 50% and 20% concentrations showed a slight appearance of the disease. Furthermore, the incorporation of TWEEN® 80 as an adhesive agent enhanced the antagonistic activity of the L. paracasei M12 strain in vitro. Consequently, the L. paracasei strain M12 emerges as a promising candidate for the development of a novel biopesticide targeting fire blight. It was shown that the biological efficacy of L. paracasei M12 against fire blight during double treatment of Aport and Starkrimson fruit trees was 80.3% and 80.7%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antagonism against Botrytis cinerea is often carried out using yeast as direct antagonists. Aureobasidium pullulans strain AP1 was tested in two different formulations: wettable powder (WP) and oil dispersion (OD). By in vitro assays, the viability of the strain cells was constantly evaluated for seven months and the OD formulation ensured the highest cells viability. The efficacy of the formulations was assayed by evaluating the production of volatile and non-volatile metabolites. Results showed that the formulation affected the non-volatile less than the volatile metabolites. Both AP1 WP and AP1 OD non-volatile metabolites displayed almost 50% of mycelial pathogen inhibition. Comparing the two products, the lowest EC50 value (518.15 mg L− 1) was detected for the AP1 OD formulation that was thus chosen for postharvest in vivo assays. The preventative treatments (200, 400, 800 mg L− 1) were active in reducing the pathogen incidence on table grape on average by 52%. Instead, in the curative application assay, the highest concentration (800 mg L− 1) reduced grey mold incidence by 86%. The present study reported the potential of two new formulations to use against the postharvest grey mold of table grape for a possible further commercial product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aureobasidium pullulans, formulated commercially as Blossom Protect, has become a highly successful biological material for fire blight suppression in apple and pear. This material, which is composed of viable spores of two strains of A. pullulans, attained this status with minimal prior knowledge that yeasts could be used effectively for this purpose. In early orchard trials, it was observed that mixing A. pullulans in spray tanks with a low pH buffer enhanced disease suppression from very good to outstanding. Prevention of fire blight by Blossom Protect requires that A. pullulans colonizes most of the flowers on a tree with populations that exceed 1 × 104 CFU/flower. A. pullulans colonizes floral stigmas similar to bacteria used to suppress fire blight biologically; however, unlike these bacteria, the yeast also colonizes the hypanthial surface within the floral cup, which is where the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora infects the host. In combination with the buffer, colonization activity by A. pullulans on the hypanthium reduces pH of the floral cup and strongly induces host defense genes in hypanthial tissue. A specific risk from use of A. pullulans for fire blight control is a potential to contribute to 'russeting' of developing fruitlets. Russeting risk from use of Blossom Protect has been lessened by reformulation of the companion buffer and by use of conventional or organically-approved fungicides in late and post-bloom periods. In large-scale apple production, particularly organic orchards, the use of Blossom Protect requires integration with other sprays that are required for managing crop load and suppression of fungal diseases such as apple scab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing organic acreage and scrutiny of antibiotics use, alternatives to antibiotics for the control of Erwinia amylovora are of interest to stakeholders. At the same time failures of minimally tested, newly marketed products have resulted in severe infections leading to costly tree and orchard removal. We evaluated antibiotic alternatives in 8 Washington, 3 Oregon, 3 New York and 2 Pennsylvania field experiments conducted 2013 to 2022. Antibiotic alternatives included essential oils (thyme and cinnamon extracts), mineral compounds (potassium aluminum sulfate), oxidizers (peracetic acid-peroxide), soluble coppers (copper octanoate, copper hydroxide, copper sulfate pentahydrate), and biological controls (Aureobasidium pullulans, Bacillus subtilis, bacteriophage). Studies were conducted in 'Bartlett' and 'dAnjou' pear, 'Gala', 'Cameo,' and 'Red Delicious' apple with 4 to 6 single-tree replicates arranged in a randomized complete block inoculated with E. amylovora at 80–100% bloom. In summary analysis of 8 Washington trials Alum (potassium aluminum sulfate), Blossom Protect (A. pullulans) and several copper products (Previsto, Mastercop, Instill) provided good disease suppression of 70–73% similar to antibiotic checks. Several essential oil, copper, and peracetic acid-peroxide and biological products (Serenade Opti, Cueva, Oxidate 5.0, Jet Ag, Thyme Guard and Thymox) provided intermediate disease suppression between 45 and 62% significantly better than the water-treated control. In multistate trials Alum with 2–3 applications provided good control in most experiments (means 2019: WA 79%, NY 77%, PA 57%; 2020: OR 86%, NY 65%, WA 28%; 2021: NY 87%, WA 50%). Essential oils with 3–4 applications provided intermediate control NY 2021 81% control 23% thyme oil, 70–85% control NY 2020, 2021 60% cinnamon oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi are widely known as fungi that infect internal tissues of host plants for all or part of their life cycles, without causing visible symptoms of disease. The present study was carried out to identify and investigate the pathogenicity of endophytic fungi residing in husks, silks, and kernels of corn. Endophytic fungi were isolated from surface-sterilised silks, kernels, and husks of healthy corn plants and identified using sequencing of multiple markers comprising TEF-1α, β-tubulin, calmodulin, ITS, LSU, and ACT. A total of 56 isolates of endophytic fungi belonging to 17 species, namely Fusarium pseudocircinatum (n = 8), F. verticillioides (n = 2), F. andiyazi (n = 4), F. sacchari (n = 1), F. mangiferae (n = 1), F. fujikuroi (n = 1), F. proliferatum (n = 3), F. incarnatum (n = 2), Penicillium oxalicum (n = 2), P. polonicum (n = 2), P. citrinum (n = 11), Aspergillus flavus (n = 10), A. tubingensis (n = 1), Cladosporium tenuissimum (n = 3), Aureobasidium pullulans (n = 3), Curvularia lunata (n = 1), and Epicoccum sorghinum (n = 1) were identified. Pathogenicity test showed that all endophytic fungi induced varying severities of disease symptoms on corn plants such as leaf chlorosis and necrosis, stem malformation, wilt, and stunted growth with F. verticillioides being the most virulent. The study revealed that corn tissues harbour diverse genera of endophytic fungi that can infect corn plants and may cause harmful effects to the host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aureobasidium pullulans LB83 is a versatile biocatalyst that produces a plethora of bioactive products thriving on a variety of feedstocks under the varying culture conditions. In our last study using this microorganism, we found cellulase activity (FPase, 2.27 U/ml; CMCase, 7.42 U/ml) and other plant cell wall degrading enzyme activities grown on sugarcane bagasse and soybean meal as carbon source and nitrogen, respectively. In the present study, we provide insights on the secretome analysis of this enzymatic cocktail. The secretome analysis of A. pullulans LB83 by Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) revealed 38 classes of Carbohydrate Active enZymes (CAZymes) of a total of 464 identified proteins. These CAZymes consisted of 21 glycoside hydrolases (55.26%), 12 glycoside hydrolases harboring carbohydrate-binding module (31.58%), 4 carbohydrate esterases (10.53%) and one glycosyl transferase (2.63%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the secretome analysis of A. pullulans LB83. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to optimize the fermentation parameters by using response surface methodology for increasing pullulan production of Aureobasidium pullulans AZ-6 in synthetic fermentation medium. The optimum conditions were determined as follows: the initial sucrose concentration (X1): 100 g/L; the initial peptone concentration (X2): 11.31 g/L; the initial pH (X3): 6.48; and the temperature (X4): 24.2 °C. In the optimum conditions, the maximum exopolysaccharide (EPS) concentration (Y1), the maximum pullulan concentration (Y2), the specific growth rate (Y3), the maximum specific pullulan formation rate (Y4), and the pullulan yield (Y5) were expected to be obtained as 37.078 and 35.372 g/L, 0.062 h−1, 0.021 [g pullulan/(g mo.h)], and 53.681%, respectively. The observed values of Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, and Y5 were 36.950 g/L, 35.470 g/L, 0.064 h−1, 0.036 [g pullulan/(g mo.sa)], and 54.480%, respectively, as a result of validation experiments. EPS samples were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope analyses. The optimization process caused more than a 50% increase in EPS and pullulan concentrations. This study showed that the color-variant A. pullulans AZ-6 strain could become a significant industrial strain if it is explored further in the future to produce pullulan on a larger scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Bivalves are known to be infected by filamentous fungi, many of which have pathogenic and toxicogenic properties, and may represent a risk to human health. The present study investigated the mycological characteristics of Perna perna obtained from Guanabara Bay, Brazil. The mussels were sealed individually in sterile bags, weighed and measured, and the internal organs were examined. The organs were grown in different culture media. All but one of the 31 mussels (96.7%) examined contained fungi, and a total of 84 fungal colonies were isolated. The genera identified were Aspergillus (40.5%), Didymella (35.7%), Penicillium (10.7%), Aureobasidium (1.2%), Cladosporium (1.2%) and Phaeoisaria (1.2%). The molecular sequences obtained 99.8 and 100% identity with Didymella sp., Phaeoisaria sp. and Aureobasidium pullulans, and were deposited in GenBank. This is the first record of Didymella and Phaeoisaria in a bivalve. The digestive gland was the organ with the greatest diversity of fungi genera. A number of the fungi identified here, as Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus japonicus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillusversicolor and Aspergillus sydowii, are known to produce mycotoxins and others are opportunistic forms, which reinforces the need for the systematic monitoring of the study area to guarantee the safe exploitation of these bivalves for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by yeasts can positively affect crops, acting as antifungals or biostimulants. In this study, Aureobasidium pullulans and Metschnikowia pulcherrima were evaluated as potential antagonists of Trichoderma spp., common fungal pathogen in mushroom cultivation. To assess the biocontrol ability and biostimulant properties of the selected yeast species, in vitro co-culture and VOCs exposure assays were conducted. In both assays, VOCs produced by Aureobasidium spp. showed the stronger antifungal activity with a growth inhibition up to 30 %. This result was further confirmed by the higher volatilome alcohol content revealed by solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME/GC–MS). Overall, Aureobasidium strains can be potentially used as biocontrol agent in Pleorotus ostreatus and Cyclocybe cylindracea mycelial growth, without affecting their development as demonstrated by VOCs exposure assay and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Conversely, M. pulcherrima was characterized by a lower or absent antifungal properties and by a volatilome composition rich in isobutyl acetate, an ester often recognized as plant growth promoter. As confirmed by FT-IR, Lentinula mycelia exposed to M. pulcherrima VOCs showed a higher content of proteins and lipids, suggesting an improvement of some biochemical properties. Our study emphasizes that VOCs produced by specific yeast strains are potentially powerful alternative to synthetic fungicide in the vegetative growth of mushroom-forming fungi and also able to modify their biochemical composition. • Yeasts VOCs are characterized by different antifungal and biostimulant properties. • Aureobasidium spp. VOC have the stronger antifungal activity against Trichoderma spp. • M. pulcherrima VOCs improve mushrooms growth and nutritional characteristics. • FT-IR spectra suggested M. pulcherrima VOCs as biostimulant of Lentinula edodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-harvest decay of fresh agricultural produce is a major threat to food security globally. Synthetic fungicides, commonly used in practice for managing the post-harvest losses, have negative impacts on consumers' health. Studies have reported the effectiveness of fungal isolates from plants as biocontrol agents of post-harvest diseases, although this is still poorly established in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Jasmine). In this study, 800 endophytic fungi were isolated from mature green and ripe untreated and fungicide-treated tomato fruits grown in open soil and hydroponics systems. Of these, five isolates (Aureobasidium pullulans SUG4.1, Coprinellus micaceus SUG4.3, Epicoccum nigrum SGT8.6, Fusarium oxysporum HTR8.4, Preussia africana SUG3.1) showed antagonistic properties against selected post-harvest pathogens of tomatoes (Alternaria alternata , Fusarium solani , Fusarium oxysporum , Geotrichum candidum , Rhizopus stolonifera, Rhizoctonia solani), with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as a positive control. P. africana SUG3.1 and C. micaceus SUG4.3 significantly inhibited growth of all the pathogens, with antagonistic capabilities comparable to that exhibited by L. plantarum. Furthermore, the isolates produced an array of enzymes, including among others, amylase, cellulose and protease; and were able to utilize several carbohydrates (glucose, lactose, maltose, mannitol, sucrose). In conclusion, P. africana SUG3.1 and C. micaceus SUG4.3 may complement L. plantarum as biocontrol agents against post-harvest pathogens of tomatoes. • 800 endophytic fungi were isolated from mature green and ripe tomatoes. • Some exhibited antagonistic activity against post-harvest pathogens of tomatoes. • Preussia africana SUG3.1 and Coprinellus micaceus SUG4.4 suppress post-harvest fungal infections. • Antibiosis and competition for nutrients appears to be the main mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arab Journal of Plant Protection is the property of Arab Society for Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Due to its unique physicochemical properties, Pullulan is an exopolysaccharide with many applications in the food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries. Aiming to reduce its production cost, an interesting alternative is to consider other possibilities of raw materials, including the production of this biopolymer in a lignocellulosic biorefinery concept. Xylose is the main sugar of hemicellulosic hydrolysates obtained from different biomasses, and it is a sugar still not extensively exploited regarding its potential for pullulan production. This study aimed to evaluate the production of pullulan from sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate by cultivating Aureobasidium pullulans ATCC 42023 in a bubble column reactor. The hemicellulosic hydrolysate was obtained through dilute acid treatment carried out in a stirred tank reactor before being detoxified to remove microbial growth inhibitors. The maximum concentration of 28.62 ± 1.43 g/L of pullulan was obtained after 120 h of fermentation in a bubble column reactor in batch mode. Analysis of spectroscopic properties through FTIR of the obtained pullulan revealed α-(1→6)-linked maltosyl units, similar to those of commercial samples of the biopolymer. XRD analysis showed that the prepared pullulan is amorphous, and a homogeneous morphology with a smooth surface of the pullulan was observed in SEM analysis. This study showed the potential of the production of pullulan from sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate in a bubble column bioreactor, an alternative strategy for the industrial production of this biopolymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionFood security and waste management represent the main challenges that need to be addressed in the near future. The use of bioformulations and bioactive compounds obtained from agricultural wastes could represent some of the solutions for the management of soil-borne pathogens.MethodsIn the present study, Aureobasidium pullulans strain AP1, tested in oil dispersion (OD) formulation prototype and bio-extracts [hot water extract (HWE) and warm water extract (WWE)] derived from spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of Agaricus bisporus, was tested as sustainable strategies to manage Rhizoctonia solani of lettuce.ResultsBy in vitro assays, AP1OD at 600 mg L−1 displayed an inhibition by 57% of pathogen mycelial growth, and the SMS extract WWE (40°C) showed a growth stimulation of lettuce seedling by 27%. By In vivo assays, AP1OD formulation used against R. solani reduced by 66.6% the soil-borne pathogen incidence on lettuce plants, and both bio-extracts significantly stimulated lettuce leaves and roots growth (>200%). AP1OD formulation and HWE treatments increased the lettuce genes expression levels (ggps and hppd pdx1) mainly imputed to plant antioxidant potential, vitamin E, and vitamin B6 biosynthesis.DiscussionThe present study reported the potential of a new formulation and two bio-extracts, derived from an agricultural waste, to use against R. solani of lettuce, respectively, with antifungal and biostimulant properties.

• Fungal biodeteriogens of a cultural heritage church are isolated and identified. • P. chartarum and B. pseudobassiana are described first as fungal biodeteriogens. • Antifungal proteins (NFAP and NFAP2) inhibit the growth of biodeterioration fungi. • Application of NFAP and NFAP2 on wall model reduces the fungus-infected area. • The protective effect of NFAP and NFAP2 is maintained in long-term. Fungi are able to permanently damage cultural heritage buildings and stone monuments. Protection against these biodeteriogen fungi is challenging because it may require the use of drastic techniques to remove fungal colonies and chemicals, which can cause further damage, especially on mural paintings. Natural biocides are less damaging, greener, and safer and mainly include essential oils and plant-derived substances. Studies on the applicability of purified antifungal proteins in the conservation of cultural heritage buildings are lacking. In this study, we isolated mold mycoflora from the biodeteriorated inner walls of the Calvinist church of Kézdialbis (Kézdialbis, Romania) and investigated the in vitro antifungal efficacy of Neosartorya (Aspergillus) fischeri antifungal proteins, NFAP and NFAP2 against them. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed that these proteins inhibited the growth of the most commonly isolated indoor biodeteriogen fungi from the site (Aspergillus creber, Aureobasidium pullulans, Cladosporium sp. , Penicillium chrysogenum, and Parengyodontium album) and not common ones (Mucor hiemalis, Sarocladium kiliense) with different spectra and efficacies. A phytopathogen and an entomopathogen species (Pseudopithomyces chartarum and Beauveria pseudobassiana , respectively) were also isolated and described first as fungal biodeteriogens of the inner walls. Among them, P. chartarum was susceptible to NFAP2. Next, we tested the applicability of NFAP and NFAP2 in protecting cultural heritage buildings in a wall model experiment against A. creber. Topical application of both antifungal proteins significantly decreased the area infected by fungi. Scanning electron microscopy of the wall models showed that A. creber had reduced growth and conidiation in the presence of NFAP and NFAP2. This inhibitory activity was maintained for a long time. Strong UV irradiation decreased the protective effect of both proteins in the wall model. Taking into account these results, the high stability of NFAP and NFAP2 in harsh environments, and their bulk recombinant producibility, we suggest that both can be used in the protection and posttreatment of painted walls of cultural heritage buildings to clean up mural painting or to inhibit mold recolonization after mechanical, physical, or chemical decontamination. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aureobasidium pullulans NCYC 4012 was used to produce gluconic acid (GA) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) from sugarcane molasses (ScM). For the first time, three types of bioreactors operating at different conditions of oxygenation—a stirred tank reactor (STR) operating under atmospheric pressure varying stirring rate, a pressurized STR under increased air pressure up to 4 bar of air, and an airlift reactor under atmospheric pressure varying aeration rate—were employed for GA and FOS biosynthesis by A. pullulans. The highest oxygenation conditions favored GA production in the three bioreactors, whereas the synthesis of FOS was not favored by high oxygen availability. GA yields close to 1 g·g−1 (grams of GA produced per grams of glucose consumed) were achieved in bioreactors under atmospheric pressure, and the highest titer of GA of 75 g·L−1 was obtained in the airlift bioreactor. In this last, the highest concentration of total FOS of 65 g·L−1 and yield of FOS of 0.58 g·g−1 were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylanases are mainly utilized in bakery industry for the hydrolysis of dietary fiber–based fractions. Their applications in gluten‐free products have not been considered before. In the present study, the xylanase produced by Aureobasidium pullulans NRRL Y‐2311‐1 was utilized in a mulberry and rice flours–based gluten‐free cookie formulation for the first time. Effects of various xylanase concentrations on gluten‐free dough rheology and cookie characteristics were elucidated. Only rice flour–based cookie and only wheat flour–based cookie formulations were also prepared as comparison. Incorporation of xylanase into all cookie recipes resulted in softer cookie doughs with lower absolute stickiness. The hardness and absolute stickiness of the cookie doughs prepared by the mixture of mulberry and rice flours decreased by the addition of the enzyme into the formulation in a concentration‐dependent manner. Enzyme concentrations above 100 U/100 g flour did not provide statistically significant further changes on gluten‐free cookie doughs. Incorporation of xylanase into the cookie recipes resulted in increased baking loss and spread ratio in an enzyme concentration–dependent manner for all cookie types. Hardness values of both types of gluten‐free cookies decreased by xylanase incorporation. Different effects on fracturability were observed depending on the cookie type and enzyme concentration. Enzyme concentration of 100 U/100 g flour provided mulberry and rice flours–based cookies with a more flexible and softer structure. No significant effects on color parameters of cookies were observed by xylanase incorporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-yielding microbial polysaccharide-producing strain, named RM1603, was isolated from rhizosphere soil and identified by morphological and phylogenetic analysis. The extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) were identified by thin-layer chromatography and infrared spectroscopy. The fermentation conditions were optimized by single factor experiments in shake flasks and a 5-L fermentor. The results of morphological and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that RM1603 was a strain of Aureobasidium pullulans. Its microbial polysaccharide was identified as pullulan, and the EPS production capacity reached 33.07 ± 1.03 g L−1 in shake flasks. The fermentation conditions were optimized in a 5-L fermentor, and were found to encompass an initial pH of 6.5, aeration rate of 2 vvm, rotor speed of 600 rpm, and inoculum size of 2 %. Under these conditions, the pullulan yield of RM1603 reached 62.52 ± 0.24 g L−1. Thus, this study contributes RM1603 as a new isolation with high-yielding pullulan and potential application value in biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofinish is an innovative wood protection system inspired by biological processes. It enhances the hydrophobicity of wood through oil treatment, resulting in improved dimensional stability. Living cells of the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans effectively protect wood from deterioration caused by other decaying fungi. The melanin pigment produced by the fungus provides an appealing dark surface and additionally protects the wood substrate against UV radiation. The significant advantage of Biofinish is its remarkable self-healing ability, which distinguishes it from conventional wood protection methods. This research aimed to explore fungal species colonising surfaces exposed to natural weathering and assess the survival of A. pullulans on wood surfaces coated with Biofinish during its in-service period. This study was performed on a facade composed of European larch wood (Larix decidua) treated with linseed oil and coated with Biofinish at the InnoRenew CoE building in Izola, Slovenia, following a 9-month exposure period. The majority of the detected species belonged to the genera Aureobasidium. The results indicated the survival and effective antagonistic action of A. pullulans, the living and active ingredient of the coating, against other wood-decaying fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental concerns are gradually reducing the global yield capacity of agricultural systems, with climate change representing the most significant challenge. Globally, Potatoes are the most essential non-cereal crop. Therefore, understanding the potential impacts of climate change on potato production is crucial for maintaining future global food security. This study aims to explore the roles played by PGPMs in two distinct regions, which are characterized by different climatic conditions, to assess their influence on two potato varieties, namely Siena and Bellini. Inoculation with these strains, particularly the Aureobasidium pullulans strains Ach1-1 and Ach1-2, resulted in significant improvements in growth and yield. In 2018, impressive yields of 194.1 kg/0.05 ha and 186.6 kg/0.05 ha were recorded for the two strains, with the Ain Taoujdate site achieving yields of 157.1 kg/0.05 ha and 151.1 kg/0.05 ha for each of the two strains. Additionally, further observations revealed that the Siena variety is more susceptible to rot than the Bellini variety. However, Ach1-1 and Ach1-2 strains had a significant effect on this rot, showcasing their potential to mitigate this negative issue in the Bellini variety. These promising results underscore the potential of PGPMs to enhance potato production in the Fez–Meknes region of Morocco, contributing to global food security amid climate change.

Melanin is a high value bioproduct generated through the fermentation of Aureobasidium pullulans, playing a crucial role in various fields, including food, medicine, environmental protection, and materials science. However, its high production costs and low synthetic yields significantly limit its applications. Therefore, it is essential to identify high-yield strains, reduce production costs, and optimize fermentation strategies. In this study, a high melanin-yielding Aureobasidium pullulans 53LC7 was screened and identified, and the fermentation process was optimized based on melanin yield, color value, and pullulan yield. The results indicated that the melanin yield peaked at an initial pH of 6.0, temperature of 27 °C, fermentation time of 6.5 d, and inoculation quantity of 2.5%, achieving a melanin yield of 16.33 g/L. Subsequently, huangjiu lees, a byproduct of huangjiu production, was incorporated into the fermentation medium, resulting in a melanin yield of 5.91 g/L. This suggests that the Aureobasidium pullulans was not effectively utilizing huangjiu lees. To address this, we employed an adaptive evolution strategy, which increased the melanin yield to 8.72 g/L. The enhanced production was correlated with the expression of key genes, including FKS, PKS, and Cmr1. Finally, cellulase was utilized to convert the crude fibers in huangjiu lees, which were difficult to utilize, into usable substrates, while pullulanase was employed to minimize byproduct formation in the fermentation system, resulting in a melanin yield of 19.07 g/L. This study not only provides promising strains for further research but also offers valuable insights for resource production technologies.

Aureobasidium is omnipresent and can be isolated from air, water bodies, soil, wood, and other plant materials, as well as inorganic materials such as rocks and marble. A total of 32 species of this fungal genus have been identified at the level of DNA, of which Aureobasidium pullulans is best known. Aureobasidium is of interest for a sustainable economy because it can be used to produce a wide variety of compounds, including enzymes, polysaccharides, and biosurfactants. Moreover, it can be used to promote plant growth and protect wood and crops. To this end, Aureobasidium cells adhere to wood or plants by producing extracellular polysaccharides, thereby forming a biofilm. This biofilm provides a sustainable alternative to petrol-based coatings and toxic chemicals. This and the fact that Aureobasidium biofilms have the potential of self-repair make them a potential engineered living material avant la lettre. Key points: •Aureobasidium produces products of interest to the industry •Aureobasidium can stimulate plant growth and protect crops •Biofinish of A. pullulans is a sustainable alternative to petrol-based coatings •Aureobasidium biofilms have the potential to function as engineered living materials [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verticillium wilt of olive (VWO) caused by Verticillium dahliae is considered a major olive (Olea europaea) disease in Mediterranean-type climate regions. The lack of effective chemical products against VWO makes it necessary to search for alternatives such as biological control. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of six Streptomyces spp. strains as biological control agents (BCAs) against VWO. All of them were molecularly characterized by sequencing 16S or 23S rRNA genes and via phylogenetic analysis. Their effect was evaluated in vitro on the mycelial growth of V. dahliae (isolates V004 and V323) and on microsclerotia (MS) viability using naturally infested soils. Bioassays in olive plants inoculated with V. dahliae were also conducted to evaluate their effect against disease progress. In all the experiments, the reference BCAs Fusarium oxysporum FO12 and Aureobasidium pullulans AP08 were included for comparative purposes. The six strains were identified as Streptomyces spp., and they were considered as potential new species. All the BCAs, including Streptomyces strains, showed a significant effect on mycelial growth inhibition for both V. dahliae isolates compared to the positive control, with FO12 being the most effective, followed by AP08, while the Streptomyces spp. strains showed an intermediate effect. All the BCAs tested also showed a significant effect on the inhibition of germination of V. dahliae MS compared to the untreated control, with FO12 being the most effective treatment. Irrigation treatments with Streptomyces strain CBQ-EBa-21 or FO12 were significantly more effective in reducing disease severity and disease progress in olive plants inoculated with V. dahliae compared to the remaining treatments. This study represents the first approach to elucidating the potential effect of Streptomyces strains against VWO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different preventive strategies are needed to minimize the intake risks of mycotoxins, including zearalenone (ZEN). The aim of this study was to determine the ZEN adsorption ability of an autolyzed biomass preparation of polymorphic yeast Aureobasidium pullulans A.p.-3. The evaluation of the antitoxic properties of the preparation was also performed in relation to Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (ATCC 2366, ATCC 7090 and ATCC 9763) used as a model cell exposed to a toxic ZEN dose. The preparation at a dose of 5 mg/mL showed the adsorption of ZEN present in model systems at concentrations between 1 μg/mL to 100 μg/mL. The highest degree of adsorption was established for ZEN concentrations of 1 μg/mL and 5 μg/mL, becoming limited at higher doses of the toxin. Based on the Langmuir model of adsorption isotherms, the predicted maximum ZEN adsorption was approx. 190 µg/mL, regardless of pH. The growth of three strains of S. cerevisiae yeast cells in the medium with ZEN at concentrations within the range of 1.56 μg/mL–100 μg/mL was analyzed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The growth of all tested strains was especially limited by high doses of ZEN, i.e., 50 and 100 μg/mL. The protective effect of the tested preparation was noted in relation to yeast cells exposed to toxic 100 μg/mL ZEN doses. The highest yeast cell growth (app. 36% percentage) was noted for a S. cerevisiae ATCC 9763 strain compared to the medium with ZEN but without preparation. More detailed tests determining the antitoxic mechanisms of the A. pullulans preparation are planned in the future, including cell culture bioassays and animal digestive tract models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-harvest decay of fresh table grapes causes considerable annual production losses. The main fungal agents of decay both in pre- and post-harvest are B. cinerea, Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., and Cladosporium spp. To date, the use of agrochemicals and SO2 are the main methods to control grape molds in pre- and postharvest, respectively. Significant improvements, however, have already been made in to apply innovative and more environmentally sustainable control strategies, such as Biological Control Agents (BCAs), which can reduce disease severity in both pre- and post-harvest. In this study, 31 new non-Saccharomyces yeast strains, isolated from berries of native Apulian table grape genotypes, were tested for their in vivo effectiveness against grey mold of table grapes, resulting in two St. bacillaris ('N22_I1' and 'S13_I3'), one S. diversa ('N22_I3'), one A. pullulans ('OLB_9.1_VL') and one H. uvarum ('OLB_9.1_BR') yeast strains that were marked as efficient and good BCAs. Their mechanisms of action were characterized through in vitro assays, and additional characteristics were evaluated to assess the economic feasibility and viability for future technological employment. Their effectiveness was tested by reducing the working concentration, their antagonistic effect on a wide range of fungal pathogens, their ability to survive in formulations with long shelf life, and their safety to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the production enhancement of pullulan, an extracellular polysaccharide with various applications. Pullulan is primarily produced by Aureobasidium pullulans (A. pullulans), and genetic modification is commonly used to increase its yield. However, there is a need for a more efficient and safer method. To achieve this, we designed a high-throughput screening system utilizing a unique fluorescent protein specific to pullulan. Ultraviolet (UV) mutagenesis was applied to create a pool of mutant strains, and flow cytometry allowed for single-cell screening. Our approach yielded strain M1-B3, which exhibited a substantial increase in pullulan production from 26.5 g/L to 76.88 g/L. Additionally, the molecular weight of the produced pullulan significantly increased, expanding its potential commercial application. This study demonstrates an efficient and safe method to enhance pullulan production in A. pullulans. The UV mutagenesis and flow cytometry based on screening not only increased yield but also improved pullulan's molecular weight. The adaptability of this method to other polysaccharides and its potential for genomic analysis and broader applications make it a valuable tool in bioproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of an experiment named "Test" on survival and variability of microorganisms in open space near the International Space Station are presented. It was found after two-years exposure, spore-forming bacteria of the species Bacillus subtilis, fungi of the species Aureobasidium pullulans and archaea of the species Methanosarcina mazei S-6T, deposited on cotton wool, are able to survive, and their numbers decreased equally, regardless of whether the microorganisms belong to different taxonomic groups. The main factors for the long-term survival could be the result of their dehydration and partial lyophilization in the vacuum of near-Earth space. For the first time, after being in outer space, cyst-like cells of the archaea strain M. mazeiS-6T and a 14-day delay in their growth were detected when cultured on a nutrient medium compared to the ground-based control strain. In 30% of fungi species strains A. pullulans, isolated after a two-year stay in outer space, the resistance to γ—radiation increased compared to the control strain. It was found that the reaction to the action of various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and 1% chlorine in the surviving strains of the fungus A. pullulans on the ISS is less pronounced than in the control strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile industries are growing rapidly due to increased demand for textile products worldwide. The discharge of textile effluent containing synthetic dyes, chlorides, pigments, aromatic compounds, and heavy metals contributes substantially to water pollution due to its toxicity and chemical composition. This work is focused on the potential usage of treated Aureobasidium pullulans biomass (TAPB) to remove the toxic chemical pollutant, Methylene Blue (MB), from an aqueous solution. Experimental results found that maximum MB removal of 76.5% was observed using TAPB dosage of 3 g/L, initial pH 8.0, temperature 30 (C, and initial MB concentration of 50 mg/L. The maximum biosorption capacity of TAPB was found to be 113.75 mg/g using the Langmuir non-linear approach. Successive biosorption and desorption experiments showed better regeneration capacity of TAPB until the fourth trial. These results demonstrated that maximum MB removal (%) could be possible with a small quantity of biomass, consequently offering a minimum size of the contactor and less capital cost requirement for biosorption. It also showed a greater regeneration capacity biosorbent for removing MB. Hence, the feedstock consumption for MB removal could be considerably decreased in large-scale processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Detergent & Cosmetics is the property of Detergent & Cosmetics Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The zoonotic pathogens Salmonella spp. infection disrupted intestinal epithelial barrier function and induced local gastroenteritis and systemic inflammation in humans and animals. Sophy β-glucan, a water-soluble β-1,3/1,6-glucan synthesized from the black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans, was reported with immune-regulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infective properties. Here, we investigated the protective role of sophy β-glucan on Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (SE)-challenged Caco-2 cells monolayer and explored underlying action mechanisms. The results showed that pretreatment with sophy β-glucan blocked the adhesion and invasion of SE onto Caco-2 cells along with alleviating SE-induced epithelial barrier injury, as evidenced by increased trans-epithelial electrical resistance, decreased fluorescently-labeled dextran 4 flux permeability, and an enhanced Claudin-4 protein level in the SE-stimulated Caco-2 cell monolayer. Moreover, treatment with β-glucan down-regulated pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α) while up-regulating anti-inflammatory factors IL-10 at mRNA and protein levels in SE-infected Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, sophy β-glucan strengthened the anti-oxidative capacity of Caco-2 monolayers cells by elevating T-AOC and SOD activity and inhibiting MDA production defending SE. Together, our data showed that sophy β-glucan could prevent intestinal epithelial injury induced by SE, possibly by exerting anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it might be helpful for controlling SE infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental concerns are gradually reducing the global yield capacity of agricultural systems, with climate change representing the most significant challenge. Globally, Potatoes are the most essential non-cereal crop. Therefore, understanding the potential impacts of climate change on potato production is crucial for maintaining future global food security. This study aims to explore the roles played by PGPMs in two distinct regions, which are characterized by different climatic conditions, to assess their influence on two potato varieties, namely Siena and Bellini. Inoculation with these strains, particularly the Aureobasidium pullulans strains Ach1-1 and Ach1-2, resulted in significant improvements in growth and yield. In 2018, impressive yields of 194.1 kg/0.05 ha and 186.6 kg/0.05 ha were recorded for the two strains, with the Ain Taoujdate site achieving yields of 157.1 kg/0.05 ha and 151.1 kg/0.05 ha for each of the two strains. Additionally, further observations revealed that the Siena variety is more susceptible to rot than the Bellini variety. However, Ach1-1 and Ach1-2 strains had a significant effect on this rot, showcasing their potential to mitigate this negative issue in the Bellini variety. These promising results underscore the potential of PGPMs to enhance potato production in the Fez–Meknes region of Morocco, contributing to global food security amid climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyol lipids (a.k.a. liamocins) produced by the polyextremotolerant, yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans are amphiphilic molecules with high potential to serve as biosurfactants. So far, cultivations of A. pullulans have been performed in media with complex components, which complicates further process optimization due to their undefined composition. In this study, we developed and optimized a minimal medium, focusing on biosurfactant production. Firstly, we replaced yeast extract and peptone in the best-performing polyol lipid production medium to date with a vitamin solution, a trace-element solution, and a nitrogen source. We employed a design of experiments approach with a factor screening using a two-level-factorial design, followed by a central composite design. The polyol lipid titer was increased by 56% to 48 g L−1, and the space-time yield from 0.13 to 0.20 g L−1 h−1 in microtiter plate cultivations. This was followed by a successful transfer to a 1 L bioreactor, reaching a polyol lipid concentration of 41 g L−1. The final minimal medium allows the investigation of alternative carbon sources and the metabolic pathways involved, to pinpoint targets for genetic modifications. The results are discussed in the context of the industrial applicability of this robust and versatile fungus.