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The use of microorganisms for remediation and restoration of hydrocarbons contaminated soils is an effective and economic solution. The current study aims to find out efficient telluric filamentous fungi to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons pollutants. Six fungal strains were isolated from used engine (UE) oil contaminated soil. Fungi were screened for their ability to degrade crude oil, diesel and UE oil using 2.6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP). Two isolates were selected, identified and registered at NCBI as Aspergillus ustus HM3.aaa and Purpureocillium lilacinum HM4.aaa. Fungi were tested for their tolerance to different concentration of petroleum oils using radial growth diameter assay. Hydrocarbons removal percentage was evaluated gravimetrically. The degradation kinetic of crude oil was studied at a time interval of 10 days. A.ustus was the most tolerant fungi to high concentration of petroleum oils in solid medium. Quantitative analysis showed that crude oil was the most degraded oil by both isolate; P. lilacinium and A. ustus removed 44.55% and 30.43% of crude oil, respectively. The two fungi were able to degrade, respectively, 27.66 and 21.27% of diesel and 14.39 and 16.00% of UE oil. As compared to the controls, these fungi accumulated high biomass in liquid medium with all petroleum oils. Likewise, crude oil removal rate constant (K) and half-lives (t1/2) were 0.02 day−1, 34.66 day and 0.015 day−1, 46.21 day for P. lilacinium and A. ustus, respectively. The selected fungi appear interesting for petroleum oils biodegradation and their application for soil bioremediation require scale-up studies.

Two new sesterterpenoids, terretonins H ( 1 ) and I ( 2 ), together with two known compounds, strobilactone A ( 3 ) and cerebroside D ( 4 ), were isolated from the lipophilic extract of the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus ustus KMM 4664. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined based on spectroscopic methods and confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis of terretonin H. All compounds were tested for cytotoxic and embryotoxic effects using sperm and developing embryos of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius and human cancer cells.

Microscopic fungi were isolated from different materials including muscles, bones, skin and funeral clothes from the mummified human remains of three members of the Kuffner's family and from the surrounding air environments. Their hydrolytic abilities such as cellulolytic, lipolytic, and proteolytic-keratinolytic were also assessed. The most isolated fungi, from human remains, belonged mainly to the species of Aspergillus (Aspergillus candidus, Aspergillus calidoustus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus ustus, Aspergillus venenatus, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus westerdijkiae) and Penicillium (Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium commune, Penicillium crustosum, Penicillium griseofulvum, Penicillium hordei, Penicillium polonicum). Aspergilli and penicillia were the predominant actors also in the air samples, but also many strains belonging to the Rhizopus group were isolated as well. Several fungi exhibited different hydrolytic ability, the most active isolated from human remains belonged to the species A. candidus, A. westerdijkiae, Coprinellus xanthothrix, P. chrysogenum, P. commune, P. griseofulvum and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. The species recovered from the air displayed stronger deterioration characteristics as compared to human samples. This study can be considered one of few investigations focused on mummified human remains conserved in this kind of the environment.

Heat inactivated Aspergillus ustus (Asp), silicon dioxide-nano-powder (N―Si), and silicon dioxide nano-powder-combined-heat inactivated Aspergillus ustus (N―Si―Asp) were used to study the biosorption of Cd(II) from aqueous solutions via batch equilibrium technique. Surface characterization and immobilization of the fungal cells on silicon dioxide-nano-powder were examined and confirmed by using FT-IR and ESM analysis. Cadmium biosorption processes were investigated under the effect of pH, contact time, sorbent dosage and initial metal concentration. The three examined sorbents were found to exhibit maximum μmol g-1 capacity values in pH 7.0. The maximum determined cadmium capacity by silicon dioxide-nano-powder (N―Si) (600 μmol g− 1) was found higher than that exhibited by the heat inactivated fungal cells (Asp) (400 μmol g− 1). However, (N―Si―Asp) exhibited the highest sorption cadmium capacity (1000 μmol g− 1) as a combined behavior of both silicon dioxide nano-powder and Aspergillus ustus units. Sorption equilibria were established in 20 min and their data were well described by both Langmuir and Freundlich models. The potential applications of these sorbents for biosorptive removal of Cd(II) from real samples contaminated with cadmium, were successfully accomplished via a micro-column under constant flow rate.

Marine endosymbiotic fungi Aspergillus ustus (MSF3) which produce high yield of biosurfactant was isolated from the marine sponge Fasciospongia cavernosa collected from the peninsular coast of India. Maximum production of biosurfactant was obtained in Sabouraud dextrose broth. The optimized bioprocess conditions for the maximum production was pH 7.0, temperature 20 degrees C, salt concentration 3%, glucose and yeast extract as carbon source and nitrogen sources respectively. The response surface methodology based analysis of carbon and nitrogen ratio revealed that the carbon source can increase the biosurfactant yield. The biosurfactant produced by MSF3 was partially characterized as glycolipoprotein based on the estimation of macromolecules and TLC analysis. The partially purified biosurfactant showed broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. The strain MSF3 can be used for the microbially enhanced oil recovery process.

Suppression of plant parasitic nematodes with nematode predators, parasites or antagonists is an eco-friendly approach than the toxic chemicals. In a study, soil borne fungi from the rhizosphere of major spice crops were collected from diverse cropping systems prevailing in three southern states of India. A series of in vitro studies were conducted using 73 freshly collected fungal isolates and 76 isolates obtained from other sources. Out of this 67 isolates were not parasitic on females of root-knot nematodes whereas 115 isolates, though colonized the egg masses, did not show any signs of parasitism on nematode eggs. Fifty-nine isolates showed 50-90% inhibition in egg hatch. Pochonia chlamydospora, Verticillium lecanii, Paecilomyces lilacinus, and few isolates of Trichoderma spp. showed >25% parasitism on root-knot nematode eggs. The most promising isolates in this study were one isolate each of Aspergillus (F.45), Fusarium (F.47), and Penicillium (F.59); three each isolates of Trichoderma (F.3, F.52, and F.60) and Pochonia (F.30 and Vc.3) Verticillium (Vl); and two isolates of fungi that could not be identified (F.28 and F.62). Parasitism by Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus ustus, Drechslera sp., Humicola sp., and Scopulariopsis sp. on root-knot nematode eggs or females, reported in the present study, are new reports.

Fourwing saltbush, Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt., is an ecologically important range plant in arid south-western U.S.A. rangelands. Native populations of this chenopodiacious shrub are more extensively colonized by melanized dark septate fungi (DS) than by conventional mycorrhizal fungi. Seedling radicles of A. canescens are colonized at germination by a DS fungus identified as Aspergillus ustus that cannot be removed by heat or sterilization. The association of A. canescens with A. ustus was evaluated by comparing naturally colonized control seedlings receiving no P (0P) or adequate plant available P (AAP) receiving 30 p.p.m. supplied as KH2PO4 in the root zone to seedlings whose roots were separated from plant unavailable P (as rock phosphate (RP) or tricalcium phosphate (TCP)) by a barrier that only allowed access by the fungus. A. ustus penetrated A. canescens roots with hyaline septate hyphae, formed melanized runner hyphae at the root surface, and extended through the root exclusion barrier into RP and TCP. In these treatments A. ustus obtained plant carbon, increased shoot and root biomass, and phosphorus use efficiency. A. ustus grew well in culture on RP and TCP and internally colonized in vitro Ri-T DNA D. carota roots. The mutualistic association of DS fungi in arid ecosystems is discussed.

The rhizospheric soil microfungi from a native forest (undisturbed and disturbed) were studied using soil dilution plate and soil washing methods. Fungi were isolated using slightly acid and alkaline culture media. 54 taxa were isolated: 49 from undisturbed forest soil and 37 from disturbed forest soil. Acremonium sp., Aspergillus ustus, Coemansia pectinata, Doratomyces stemonitis, Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, Gliocladium roseum, Humicola fusco-atra, Mortierella sp., Penicillium lilacinum, Trichoderma harzianum, and T. koningii, showed the highest frequency, in both, undisturbed and disturbed forests. In undisturbed soil forest the biodiversity index was 3.97 whereas in disturbed ones was 3.89., Instituto de Botánica "Dr. Carlos Spegazzini"

Three novel isoquinoline alkaloids, TMC-120A, B and C (1–3) have been isolated from a fermentation broth of Aspergillus ustus (Bain.) Thom & Church TC 1118, a fungus isolated from rhizosphere of grass. Their structures were determined through extensive spectroscopic analyses and chemical studies. TMC-120s (1–3) are found to be the first furo[3,2-h]isoquinoline-type alkaloids isolated from natural sources.

A fungus biosensor based on an oxygen electrode and Aspergillus ustus immobilized in poly(vinyl alcohol) was developed to determine tannic acid in a batch system. The optimum temperature was 30.0°C and the optimum pH was 7.0 in 0.10 M phosphate buffer. The regression equation of the calibration curve between 0.0250 and 1.025 mM was (x ln y ) (−0.72724− x 0.53 /54) + C ( x ln y ) (−0.21891− x 0.08 /2) = A + B/x ( r ≥ 0.99985). The sensor had a life of at least 2 weeks; it yielded a negligible response to the compounds commonly coexisting with vegetable tannins.

(−)-Phenylahistin is a fungal diketopiperazine metabolite consisting of L -phenylalanine and isoprenylated dehydrohistidine, and it showed an inhibitory activity on the cell cycle progression of P388 cells in the G2/M phase.

Summary 14 species belonging to 11 genera were identified from biodeteriorated paint film. The most fungi were Aspergillus ustus, A. niger, Chaetomium globosum, Cochliobolus spicifer and Curvularia lunata . All isolated fungi have endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) and cellobiohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.91) activity. 10 −2 M of Ca +2 , Hg +2 and Cu +2 inhibited these activities.

The structure, stereochemistry, solution conformation and nematocidal activity of Ophiobolin K (1a) and 6-epiophiobolin K (1b) isolated from Aspergillus ustus has been described. The molecular structure of these compounds were deduced from extensive use of 2D NMR spectroscopy. The stereochemistry and solution conformation was determined in CDCl3 by the application of extensive 1H-1H NOE difference spectroscopy. Significant difference in the conformation of A/B cis 1a and its A/B trans isomer 1b was observed including the folding of the side chain. Ophiobolin K showed a unique boat like conformation whereas the B ring of 6- epiophiobolin K must exist in at least two different conformations. Ophiobolin K exhibited nematocidal activity (ED50 10 μg/mL) against the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans , but the A/B trans isomer 1b was found to be inactive.

We describe the second case of primary cutaneous Aspergillus ustus infection in an immunocompromised patient. Cutaneous aspergillosis was confirmed both by culture and positive fluorescent antibody staining. Few species of Aspergillus are pathogenic in human beings, and fewer still cause primary cutaneous disease. The only other reported case of aspergillosis from Aspergillus ustus occurred in an immunosuppressed patient who was temporally and geographically separated from ours. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:797-8.)

Cellulase [see 1,4-(1,3;1,4)-β- d -glucan 4-glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.4], β- d -glucosidase (β- d -glucoside glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.21) and d -xylanase (1,4-β- d -xylan xylanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.8) production by Aspergillus ustus, Sporotrichum pulverulentum, Trichoderma sp. (a), Trichoderma sp. (b) and Botrytis sp. in solid state fermentation on different compounded media containing wheat bran (WB), rice straw (RS) and minerals was studied. Toyama's mineral solution mixed with RS was found to be a better substrate for cellulase and d -xylanase while with WB it induced higher β- d -glucosidase production. A ratio of substrate to mineral solution (w/v) of 1:4 or 1:5 supported high d -xylanase and cellulase production whereas a ratio of 1:2 gave the highest β- d -glucosidase activity. Among the fungal isolates , Aspergillus ustus gave the highest β- d -glucosidase activity of 60 U g −1 WB and the highest d -xylanase activity of 740 U g −1 was obtained with RS. A mixture of seven parts of RS and three of WB, mixed with 40 parts of Toyama's mineral solution yielded 6 U filter paper activity, 40 U β- d -glucosidase, 12 U carboxymethylcellulase and 650 U d -xylanase g −1 substrate .

The mutants Aspergillus ustus M35 and Trichoderma harzianum M5 were selected for their ability to grow faster on crystalline cellulose as sole carbon source and to excrete higher cellulase yields, particularly exo-cellobiohydrolase (1,4-β- d -glucan cellobiohydrolase EC 3.2.1.91), than the wild types. At optimum pH and temperature of enzyme activity the respective yields of exo-cellobiohydrolase, endo-1,4-β- d -glucanase [1,4-(1,3;1,4)-β- d -glucan 4-glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.4] and β- d -glucosidase (β- d -glucoside glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.21) were 1.0, 69.0 and 19.2 U ml −1 culture fluid for A. ustus M35 and 1.0, 33.5 and 2.5 U ml −1 culture fluid for T. harzianum M5. The exo-cellobiohydrolase yields were among, if not the highest reported in the literature .

The growth of eight fungi is reduced as atmospheric oxygen concentration is reduced. In seven cases growth reduction is most severe on a defined medium, less so on a medium containing potato extract. Potato extract allowed three fungi, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium solani and Rhizopus sp., to grow appreciably at a lower oxygen concentration (0.01 %, v/v) than other fungi tested. Yeast and liver extracts and egg yolk emulsion could replace potato extract. A vitamin mixture provided a partial replacement but no other group of compounds had an effect when used alone. Carbon dioxide, up to 4 % (v/v), was generally stimulatory to fungi growing at 0.1 % oxygen and never inhibitory. Stimulation was only marked in the cases of Aspergillus ustus and F. solani where carbon dioxide accelerated spore germination.

Enzymic saccharification of alkali-treated sugar-cane bagasse was improved when a mixture of cellulases obtained from Aspergillus ustus and Trichoderma viride was used. Ninety per cent conversion was achieved when the substrate concentration was 8% suspended in 0.1 m citrate buffer and the enzyme dose was 1.0 U ml−1. The optimum reaction temperature was 50°C and the period of hydrolysis was 72 h. Glucose and xylose were the main products of hydrolysis and they were found in the ratio of 3 : 1. No cellobiose was detected in the hydrolysate.

Sclerotia of Phymatotrichum omnivorum were buried in nylon bags at a depth of 45 cm in Houston black clay at three sites in Temple, Texas. The crop history at each site was native prairie; agricultural rotation of cotton, corn and sorghum; or continuous cotton. Sclerotia were retrieved monthly and assessed for viability and associated fungi by washing, surface disinfesting, and then plating onto minimal salt agar, P. omnivorum sclerotium agar, or moistened filter paper. Total number of species and species diversity were significantly higher at the rotation site than at the prairie or cotton site. Percentage germination of sclerotia recovered from the cotton site was significantly greater than from the other two sites. Fusarium solani, Penicillium crustosum and P. purpurogenum were most frequently isolated from the rotation site, Gliocladium roseum and Trichoderma pseudokoningii from the prairie site and Aspergillus ustus from the continuous cotton site. Isolation medium did not significantly influence the total number of fungi isolated.

Evidence is presented which confirms the structures of the five metabolites as shown in 1–5. The absolute configuration of compounds 1 and 2 was established; for compound 5 the absolute configuration was established at position 12 only.

Different aldolase activities were demonstrated in cell-free extracts of Aspergillus ustus grown on d-glucose or d-gluconate as the only source of carbon. Pyruvic, oxalacetic, or glycolic acids were used as substrates for enzymatic condensation with different aldehydes. 2-Keto-3-deoxy arabonic acid (KDA) or 2-keto-3-deoxy gluconic acid (KDG) was the product of such condensation. No activity could be detected when glycolic acid, formaldehyde, or acetaldehyde was used as substrate. Maximum pH and temperature were found to be 7.5 and 50°C for KDA aldolase, and 7.0 and 50°C for KDG adolase. Decreased activity was obtained when d-glucose replaced d-gluconate in the fermentation medium. Thermal stability behavior of KDG aldolase indicates that temperature has a stimulating effect on enzyme activity at 50°C. HgCl2, para-mercurychlorobenzoate, ZnSO4, and CuSO4 were potent inhibitors of this enzyme. The Km values were determined for pyruvate and glyceraldehyde and were found to be 4.1 × 10−3 and 7.1 × 10−3m, respectively.

Nine genera of fungi were isolated from more than 200 insects representing eight species of corn pests. They are Beauveria, Metarrhizium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Paecilomyces, Rhizopus, Scopulariopsis , and Mycoderma . The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), was used as a test animal for pathogenicity tests with the fungus organisms. Beauveria bassiana and Metarrhizium anisopliae were the most pathogenic strains recovered. Aspergillus ustus, Fusarium neoceras, paecilomyces varioti, Penicillium decumbens, P. puberulum , and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis had not previously been reported from insects.