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Bio‐nanocomposites based on starch are reinforced by different percentages of chitin nanofibers (ChNFs) and compatibilized by glycerol. Nanofibers are extracted from Mucor indicus fungus through different chemo‐mechanical pretreatments. The mechnical, chemo‐physical, and morphological properties of the nanocomposite starch films were evaluated and compared with the unfilled thermoplastic starch (TPS) film. Based on the obtained results, Young's modulus of the film at 5 wt.% ChNFs indicated 239% enhancement compared to the TPS film due to the existence of good interactions between starch and ChNFs. Moreover, the ultimate strength of the reinforced film at 5 wt.% ChNFs and the unreinforced counterpart are found to be 5.5 and 1.74 MPa, indicating 216% improvement; however, the elongation at break of the films decreases from 59.3% to 19.3% by adding 5 wt.% ChNFs. In addition, the moisture absorption of the film decreases after the incorporation of ChNFs. Based on the morphological study, ChNFs increase the roughness of the starch matrix with a homogenous morphology revealing the good dispersion of nanofibers in the TPS film. Finally, the nanocomposite film with 5 wt.% ChNFs show the best properties to employ for bio‐film applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: One of the most important species used to ferment Chinese turbid rice wine (CTRW) at an industrial‐scale level is Rhizopus oryzae, although the flavor of CTRW fermented by pure R. oryzae is inferior to that of traditional CTRW. RESULTS: Mucor indicus was used as a cooperative species to improve the flavor of CTRW presented by R. oryzae. The flavor compounds in different fermentation stages were determined by headspace solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography. It was noted that the M. indicus and R. oryzae co‐culture changed the profiles of flavor compounds in CTRW, including esters, higher alcohols, amino acids and organic acids, and also significantly enhanced the concentration of sweet amino acids, fruity and floral esters, and higher alcohols. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that the CTRW fermented by M. indicus and R. oryzae had a more intense aroma, harmonious taste, continuation and full body mouth‐feel because of more abundant flavor compounds. CONCLUSION: Mucor indicus is a promising species for co‐culture with R. oryzae to improve the flavor of CTRW. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Mucor indicus is a dimorphic fungus capable of producing ethanol, with numerous advantages compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. RESULTS Cellulose solvent- and organic solvent-based lignocellulosic fractionation ( COSLIF) enhanced the enzymatic hydrolysis yield and especially the initial hydrolysis rate. Effects of the fungal morphology on the major metabolites, i.e., ethanol and biomass ingredients (fatty acids and chitosan) were investigated. Purely yeast-like form yielded 78-92% of the maximum theoretical ethanol yield with 0.43-0.64 g L−1 h−1 productivity, whereas fermentation by purely filamentous form resulted in the yield and productivity of 48-66% and 0.3-0.4 g L−1 h−1, respectively. Beside ethanol, the fungus produced a large amount of chitin-chitosan (62-67% of the fungal alkali insoluble materials) in filamentous form, while the value was 41-45% for yeast-like form. Furthermore, yeast-like cells produced nutritionally valuable fatty acids at a rate higher than that by filamentous form (3.7 and 2.7%, respectively). Linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6, was the dominant fatty acid available in the biomass with both morphologies. CONCLUSIONS The fermentation products were significantly dependent on the fungus morphology but not on the lignocellulose type. Yeast-like cells exhibited better performance in ethanol and oil production, whereas the filamentous cells produced higher amounts of chitosan. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotizing fasciitis is a life‐threatening, rapidly progressing infection of fascia and subcutaneous cellular tissue typically caused by mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. We present a case report of an immunocompromised 4‐year‐old female with necrotizing fasciitis from a rare fungal organism, Mucor indicus. The patient underwent multiple debridements and was treated for 10 months, first on liposomal amphotericin B (2 months) then posaconazole (8 months). Mucor indicus is a rarely described pathogen with only nine other cases described. Identification of this organism remains a challenge, and the need for further understanding of risk factors and organism susceptibility testing to help guide treatment is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]