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In this study, we identified culturable microscopic fungi in soil from areas frequented by people (parks, allotments, and other green areas) in the city of Wrocław (Poland). In addition to general species analysis, attention was focused on keratin-degrading fungi. From 60 soil samples (12 study sites), we obtained 75 isolates of keratinophilic and keratinolytic fungi using the hair bait method, and 54 isolates of fungi were isolated on PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium. Based on morphological and molecular analyses, a total of 37 strains were identified, classified into 2 phyla, 11 families, 17 genera, and 30 filamentous species. The mean values of the Shannon Diversity Index for both experimental variants ranged from 0.074 to 0.117. The most common species was the Penicillium genus, which accounted for 33.33% of all fungal species obtained in these studies. These fungi are common in both indoor and outdoor environments. However, particularly noteworthy in this study are the species belonging to the group of dermatophytes (Arthroderma uncinatum, Keratinophyton wagnerii, Nannizzia gypsea, and Paraphyton cookei), which may pose a real biological threat to humans and animals due to their well-known potential to cause dermatomycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we identified culturable microscopic fungi in soil from areas frequented by people (parks, allotments, and other green areas) in the city of Wrocław (Poland). In addition to general species analysis, attention was focused on keratin-degrading fungi. From 60 soil samples (12 study sites), we obtained 75 isolates of keratinophilic and keratinolytic fungi using the hair bait method, and 54 isolates of fungi were isolated on PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium. Based on morphological and molecular analyses, a total of 37 strains were identified, classified into 2 phyla, 11 families, 17 genera, and 30 filamentous species. The mean values of the Shannon Diversity Index for both experimental variants ranged from 0.074 to 0.117. The most common species was the Penicillium genus, which accounted for 33.33% of all fungal species obtained in these studies. These fungi are common in both indoor and outdoor environments. However, particularly noteworthy in this study are the species belonging to the group of dermatophytes (Arthroderma uncinatum, Keratinophyton wagnerii, Nannizzia gypsea, and Paraphyton cookei), which may pose a real biological threat to humans and animals due to their well-known potential to cause dermatomycosis.

Microorganisms are widely used to obtain biostimulants that can facilitate the assimilation of nutrients, ensuring high crop yield and quality. A particular category of biostimulants are protein hydrolyzates (PH), obtained from microbial cultures grown on a nutrient medium. In the present study, Paecilomyces lilacinus 112, an endophytic fungus isolated from soil, was tested to determine its effect on the growth promotion of tomato seedlings in greenhouse conditions. Additionally, other beneficial features of the P.lilacinus isolate were evaluated via several tests: antagonism against plant pathogenic fungi, production of secondary useful metabolites, and solubilization of vital micronutrients. Out of the tested pathogens, P.lilacinus exhibited the highest antifungal activity against a Cladosporium isolate (inhibition of 66.3%), followed by Rhizoctonia. solani (52.53%), and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (50.23%). Paecilomyceslilacinus 112 was able to secrete hydrolytic enzymes and siderophores, and solubilize zinc and phosphorus. In the tomato treatment, the application of PH obtained from fungal cultivation on a feather medium led to the following increases in plant growth parameters: 3.54-fold in plant biomass; 3.26-fold in plant height, 1.28-fold in plant diameter; 1.5-fold in the number of branches/plant; and 1.43-fold in the number of leaves/plant, as compared to water treatment. The application of this isolate can be of benefit to bioeconomy because keratin wastes are valorized and returned, in agriculture, contributing to renewable natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms are widely used to obtain biostimulants that can facilitate the assimilation of nutrients, ensuring high crop yield and quality. A particular category of biostimulants are protein hydrolyzates (PH), obtained from microbial cultures grown on a nutrient medium. In the present study, Paecilomyces lilacinus 112, an endophytic fungus isolated from soil, was tested to determine its effect on the growth promotion of tomato seedlings in greenhouse conditions. Additionally, other beneficial features of the P.lilacinus isolate were evaluated via several tests: antagonism against plant pathogenic fungi, production of secondary useful metabolites, and solubilization of vital micronutrients. Out of the tested pathogens, P.lilacinus exhibited the highest antifungal activity against a Cladosporium isolate (inhibition of 66.3%), followed by Rhizoctonia. solani (52.53%), and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (50.23%). Paecilomyceslilacinus 112 was able to secrete hydrolytic enzymes and siderophores, and solubilize zinc and phosphorus. In the tomato treatment, the application of PH obtained from fungal cultivation on a feather medium led to the following increases in plant growth parameters: 3.54-fold in plant biomass; 3.26-fold in plant height, 1.28-fold in plant diameter; 1.5-fold in the number of branches/plant; and 1.43-fold in the number of leaves/plant, as compared to water treatment. The application of this isolate can be of benefit to bioeconomy because keratin wastes are valorized and returned, in agriculture, contributing to renewable natural resources.

The paper describes the method for determining the initial presence of wool products in the burial rite of several cultures of the Bronze Age and the Middle Ages. The method is based on the analysis of the number of keratinolytic fungi in soils. Keratin is a proteinaceous biopolymer, which is a part of wool, leather, feather, and other materials. Its decomposition in soil occurs with the participation of a small group of soil fungi with keratinolytic activity. The ingress of wool and other keratin-containing substrates in the soil of archaeological monuments in antiquity provoked the sharp increase in the number of keratinolytic fungi. After the entire keratin-containing substrate was utilized, these fungi became dormant forms (cysts and spores), and in this state they could persist up to nowadays. The presence of keratinolytic microorganisms has been determined using the plate method – by direct counting of colony-forming units in media with wool brought into the substrate as the sole source of nutrients for soil microorganisms. The experiments’ object is represented with the samples of ashes of beddings, the cover over the burials, the under-skeleton soil from burials of the Bronze Age, as well as the soils from medieval burials with cremations. The analysis of under-skeleton soil of the Bronze Age burials shows that the samples taken under the knees and under the feet were characterized by a high content of keratinolytic fungi, which may indicate the initial presence of the shoes made of wool or leather. A high number of keratinolytic fungi in some burials has been revealed at a considerable distance from the skeleton, which indicates the presence of items made of wool in the decoration of the burial bed. In medieval cremation burials, traces of leather or woolen containers with cremated remains have been found.

Introduction: For sustainable agriculture, an attempt has been made to reduce the use of fertilizers and agrochemicals, replacing them instead with biostimulants as viable alternatives [...]

Fungi that decompose keratinized animal remains are an important component of the arable soil microbiome. The aim of the study is to characterize the communities of keratinophilic and co-inhabiting (non-keratinophilic) fungi in four cultivated soils that differ in physico-chemical properties, with particular emphasis on granulometric fractions, which have so far been omitted from studies concerning the ecology of these micromycetes. Fungi were isolated using the keratin-baiting method. Fungal species identification was carried out on the basis of their macro- and micromorphological features. The Simpson diversity index and Marczewski–Steinhaus similarity index were calculated for precise determination of the relationships between fungal communities. In the studied soils, Trichophyton ajelloi and Ctenomyces serratus dominated among keratinophilic fungi, while Purpureocillium lilacinum and Metacordyceps chlamydosporia, from the orders Eurotiales and Hypocreales, were dominant among non-keratinophilic fungi. The frequency of keratinophilic fungi was significantly positively correlated with pH and the content of two granulometric fractions, as opposed to non-keratinophilic fungi. This was reflected in the higher growth rates of keratinomycetes in loamy soil, chernozem, and rendzina, i.e., soils with a higher content of silt and clay fractions compared to sandy soil characterized by a high content of sand fractions. The species composition of both groups of fungi was most similar between loamy soil and chernozem, whereas the greatest differences were found for sandy soil and rendzina. Chernozem was characterized by the highest diversity of fungal species from both groups of fungi. The study, in addition to providing information about ecological factors, provided a collection of keratinomycete strains that can be used as a starting material for subsequent research stages regarding keratinolytic activity of these fungi and their potential use in agricultural practices.

Background: The hydrolysis of keratin wastes by microorganisms is considered a biotechnological alternative for recycling and valorization through keratinolytic microorganisms. Despite their resistant structure, keratin wastes can be efficiently degraded by various microorganisms through the secretion of keratinases, which are promising enzymes for several applications, including detergents, fertilizers, and leather and textile industry. In an attempt to isolate keratinolytic microorganisms that can reach commercial exploitation as keratinase producers, the current work assesses the dynamics of keratin biodegradation by several keratinolytic fungal strains isolated from soil. The activity of fungal strains to degrade keratin substrates was evaluated by SEM, FTRIR-ATR spectra and TGA analysis. Results: SEM observations offered relevant information on interactions between microorganism and structural elements of hair strands. FTIR spectra of the bands at 1035–1075 cm-1 assigned to sulfoxide bond appeared because of S–S bond breaking, which demonstrated the initiation of keratin biodegradation. According to TGA, in the second zone of thermal denaturation, where keratin degradation occurs, the highest weight loss of 71.10% was obtained for sample incubated with Fusarium sp. 1A. Conclusions: Among the tested strains, Fusarium sp. 1A was the most active organism in the degradation process with the strongest denaturation of polypeptide chains. Because keratinolytic microorganisms and their enzymes keratinases represent a subject of scientific and economic interest because of their capability to hydrolyze keratin, Fusarium sp. 1A was selected for further studies.

One hundred samples of carpet dusts (50 samples from residential houses and 50 samples from mosques) were collected from different sites in Duhok province during the year 2014 to 2015 for the objective of the study of the occurrence of keratinolytic and other potentially pathogenic fungi using hair baiting method. A total of 24 fungal species (17 species from house dust) and (12 species from mosque dust) in addition to non-sporulating mycelia and yeasts were isolated and identified. The keratinolytic species Arthroderma cuniculi, Chrysosporium tropicum and Gymnoascus ressii were detected. Potentially pathogenic fungi in the genera Aspergillus, Arthrographis,Geomyces, Microascus,Scopulariopsis and Neoscytalidium were also able to colonize and grow on baited hairs.

Two biomaterials obtained fromZingiber officinalewere tested in order to reveal their antioxidant and antifungal properties: bioproduct 1 obtained by rhizomes hydrodistilation and bioproduct 2 obtained by pressing rhizomes. Chemiluminescence studies, showed that the bioproduct 1 posseses a strong antioxidant activity, which ranged between 97÷99% while the bioproduct 2, has an antioxidant activity which range between 45.21%÷12.55%. The best antifungal activity were obtain againstFusarium oxysporum(DL50 = 1139 µL·L−1),Fusarium graminearum(DL50 = 1199 µL·L−1),Tricoderma viride(DL50 = 1323 µL·L−1)Aspergillus ochraceus(DL50 = 1529 µL·L−1),Sclerotinia sclerotiorum(DL50 = 1650 µL·L−1), andBotrytis alii(DL50 = 1905 µL·L−1). The most resistant strains against wereAspergillus oryzae(DL50 = 2971 µL·L−1) andAspergillus terreus(DL50 = 5788 µL·L−1). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A hair-baiting method was used in laboratory study of the influence on the composition of the keratinolytic and non-keratinolytic mycobiota in sewage of adding the ammonium nitrogen sources, peptone, ammonia water and urea. It was demonstrated that, independent of the nitrogen source, the ammonium nitrogen concentration was the critical factor affecting the fungal composition. Ammonium prevented or markedly inhibited the growth of Trichophyton terrestre, with its teleomorph Arthroderma quadrifidum; other geophilic dermatophytes and non-keratinolytic fungi. It also favoured growth of Chrysosporium keratinophilum and some other species, mainly in the genus Chrysosporium. The composition of the keratinolytic mycobiota can be an indicator of sludge organic matter stabilization, and used in relation to sewage sludge at wastewater treatment plants and in reclamation practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fungi that decompose keratinized animal remains are an important component of the arable soil microbiome. The aim of the study is to characterize the communities of keratinophilic and co-inhabiting (non-keratinophilic) fungi in four cultivated soils that differ in physico-chemical properties, with particular emphasis on granulometric fractions, which have so far been omitted from studies concerning the ecology of these micromycetes. Fungi were isolated using the keratin-baiting method. Fungal species identification was carried out on the basis of their macro- and micromorphological features. The Simpson diversity index and Marczewski–Steinhaus similarity index were calculated for precise determination of the relationships between fungal communities. In the studied soils, Trichophyton ajelloi and Ctenomyces serratus dominated among keratinophilic fungi, while Purpureocillium lilacinum and Metacordyceps chlamydosporia, from the orders Eurotiales and Hypocreales, were dominant among non-keratinophilic fungi. The frequency of keratinophilic fungi was significantly positively correlated with pH and the content of two granulometric fractions, as opposed to non-keratinophilic fungi. This was reflected in the higher growth rates of keratinomycetes in loamy soil, chernozem, and rendzina, i.e., soils with a higher content of silt and clay fractions compared to sandy soil characterized by a high content of sand fractions. The species composition of both groups of fungi was most similar between loamy soil and chernozem, whereas the greatest differences were found for sandy soil and rendzina. Chernozem was characterized by the highest diversity of fungal species from both groups of fungi. The study, in addition to providing information about ecological factors, provided a collection of keratinomycete strains that can be used as a starting material for subsequent research stages regarding keratinolytic activity of these fungi and their potential use in agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediments from eight river mouths along the Catalonian coast (Spain) were surveyed for keratinolytic fungi and related Onygenales. The actidione plating technique was employed. Of 532 actidione-treated sediment samples, 268 (50.3%) were positive for the fungi. Altogether, 384 fungal strains from 35 species were isolated from the samples. Narasimhella marginospora, Aphanoascus fulvescens, Neoarachnotheca keratinophila with its anamorph Myriodontium keratinophilum, Narasimhella hyalinospora, Beauveria alba, Sporothrix schenckii, Chrysosporium lobatum and Gymnoascus littoralis were the predominant species in sediments. Abundance of N. marginospora was clearly correlated with the degree of water pollution with sewage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sewage sludge from the Upper Silesia Region of Poland were surveyed for keratinolytic fungi. Out of 100 Petri dishes examined, 89 were positive for these micro-organisms. Altogether, 185 fungal appearances belonging to 10 species were observed. Trichophyton terrestre with its teleomorph Arthroderma quadrifidum, T. ajelloi with A. uncinatum, Microsporum gypseum with Arthroderma sp., and Chrysosporium keratinophilum with Aphanoascus keratinophilus prevailed in the sludges. The sewage treatment technologies together with the sludge structure, humidity and pH were found to be critical factors determining the occurrence of keratinolytic fungi in the sludge environment. The qualitative and quantitative composition of keratinolytic fungi could be a useful tool in evaluation of sludge treatment processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the study of fungal succesion in the coal mine dump in Brzezinka (Poland), soil samples were examined for keratinolytic fungi. These micro-organisms were rather poorly represented in the area studied. Out of 300 soil samples examined, only 48 (16%) were positive for keratinolytic fungi. Trichophyton ajelloi and Arthroderma curreyi were the prevailing species. These species occurred practically at two locations, i.e. on the naked carbon rocks inhabited by algae crops (chiefly by Cyanophyta) and in the pine litter. It can be supposed that the occurrence of keratinolytic fungi was more dependent on the favourable general conditions such as increasing organic matter content, microflora, and humidity than on the presence of keratin remains in the soil. Because of the lack of potentially pathogenic fungi, the coal mine dump examined cannot be considered as an important source of fungal infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]