Mechanical and Air Permeability Performance of Novel Biobased Materials from Fungal Hyphae and Cellulose Fibers

Novel biobased materials from fungal hyphae and cellulose fibers have been proposed to address the increasing demand for natural materials in personal protective equipment (PPE). Materials containing commercially available kraft fibers (KF), laboratory-made highly fibrillated hemp fibers (HF) and fungal fibers (FF) obtained from fruiting bodies of lignicolous basidiomycetes growing in nature were prepared using paper production techniques and evaluated for their mechanical and air permeability properties. SEM and microscopy revealed the network structure of materials. The tensile index of materials was in the range of 8–60 Nm/g and air permeability ranged from 32–23,990 mL/min, depending on the composition of materials. HF was the key component for strength; however, the addition of FF to compositions resulted in higher air permeability. Chemical composition analysis (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) revealed the presence of natural polysaccharides, mainly cellulose and chitin, as well as the appropriate elemental distribution of components C, H and N. Biodegradation potential was proven by a 30-day-long composting in substrate, which resulted in an 8–62% drop in the C/N ratio. Conclusions were drawn about the appropriateness of fungal hyphae for use in papermaking-like technologies together with cellulose fibers. Developed materials can be considered as an alternative to synthetic melt and spun-blown materials for PPE.     

Memory,anticipation, action – working with Troy D. Zars

Abstract

We present here our reflections on the scientific work of the late Troy D. Zars (1967 – 2018), on what it was like to work with him, and what it means to us. A common theme running through his work is that memory systems are not for replaying the past. Rather, they are forward-looking systems, providing whatever guidance past experience has to offer for anticipating the outcome of future actions. And in situations where no such guidance is available trying things out is the best option. Working with Troy was inspiring precisely because of the optimism inherent in this concept and that he himself embodied. Our reflections highlight what this means to us as his former mentors, colleagues, and mentees, respectively, and what it might mean for the future of neurogenetics.     

Metal Concentrations of Wild Edible Mushrooms from Turkey

In the present study, the contents of Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, Al, Ca, Mg, and K in Agaricus campestris, Agrocybe cylindracea, Collybia dryophila, Helvella leucopus, Russula delica, Tricholoma auratum, Amanita ovoidea, Melanoleuca excissa, Rhizopogon roseolus, Russula chloroides, Volvoriella gloiocephala, Lyophyllum decastes, Morcella angusticeps, Morchella esculenta and Morcella eximia collected from Isparta, Mugla, and Osmaniye provinces (Turkey) were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after microwave digestion. The intake of heavy metals (Pb, Cd) and other metals (Fe, Cu, Zn) by consumption of 30 g dry weight of mushrooms daily poses no risk at all except in A. cylindracea and H. leucopus (for Cd) for the consumer.     

Effect of Lactarius piperatus fruiting body maturity stage on antioxidant activity measured by several biochemical assays.

The effects of fruiting body maturity on antioxidant activity and antioxidants production of the wild mushroom, Lactarius piperatus, were evaluated. Several biochemical assays were used to screen the antioxidant properties: reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity, inhibition of erythrocytes hemolysis mediated by peroxyl radicals and inhibition of lipid peroxidation using the beta-carotene linoleate model system. The amounts of phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene and lycopene present in the immature, mature and degraded fruiting bodies were also determined. The highest antioxidant contents and the lowest EC(50) values for antioxidant activity were obtained in the mature stage with immature spores.     

Aqueous-ethanolic extract of morel mushroom mycelium Morchella esculenta, protects cisplatin and gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in mice

Morchella esculenta (L) Pers. is an excellently edible and delicious morel mushroom found growing in the temperate forests. The mycelium of this mushroom is widely used as a flavouring agent. The current investigation was undertaken to explore the protective effect of the aqueous-ethanol extract of cultured mycelium of M. esculenta against cisplatin and gentamicin induced acute renal toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Cisplatin and gentamicin when administered induced a marked renal failure, characterized by a significant increase in serum urea and creatinine concentrations. Treatment with the extract at 250 and 500mg/kg body weight decreased the cisplatin and gentamicin induced increase in serum creatinine and urea levels. Treatment with the extract also restored the depleted antioxidant defense system. The decreased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the kidneys consequent to cisplatin and gentamicin administration was significantly elevated. The enhanced renal antioxidant defense system also prevented the tissue lipid peroxidation. The experimental results suggest that aqueous-ethanol extract of morel mushroom, M. esculenta mycelium protected cisplatin and gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity possibly by enhancing renal antioxidant system. The findings thus suggest the potential therapeutic use of morel mushroom mycelium as a novel nephroprotective agent.     

蘑菇片治疗人体高血脂的效果观察

采用蘑菇片剂对摄取一般膳食和高营养膳食的高血脂患者进行降血脂效果观察,治疗期为3个月。结果表明,血清胆固醇和甘油三酯浓度平均值明显下降,摄取一般膳食的高血脂患者,血清胆固醇浓度平均下降59.5mg％(P<0.05),甘油三酯浓度平均下降175.5mg％(P<0.05)。降血脂的有效率为90.0％。摄取高营养膳食患者,血清胆固醇浓度下降42.4mg％(P<0.01),甘油三酯浓度下降15.4mg％,血清HDL-C/LDL-C比值从0.46升高至0.59,TC/HDL-C比值从4.12下降到3.57。治疗三个月后,总的治愈率为64.7％。     

麦麸酶解产品清除自由基的体外实验研究

目的:以体外实验研究麦麸酶解产品(EHWB)清除自由基、保护DNA氧化损伤的效果。方法:采用黑曲霉发酵生产混合酶制剂水解去淀粉麦麸(DSWB)获得EHWB,并设计不同反应体系,探讨在离体条件下其对自由基的清除作用和防止羟自由基对DNA的损伤作用。结果:EHWB对二苯代苦味酰自由基(DPPH)、超氧阴离子自由基(O2)、羟自由基(·OH)等都有很好的清除·?能力。另外它还可有效地保护DNA免受·OH的损伤。结论:麦麸酶解产品有清除自由基的作用。     

正交试验法优选麸炒白术工艺研究

目的探讨麸炒白术的最佳炮制工艺。方法以水溶性浸出物含量、醇溶性浸出物含量、挥发油含量为指标,选择辅料用量、加热温度、加热时间3个因素,用L9(34)正交设计表,采用综合加权评分法,对上述三因素进行炮制工艺的优选。结果麸炒白术最佳炮制工艺为:辅料用量10%,加热温度150℃,加热时间5min。结论为进一步制定麸炒白术饮片的质量标准提供了参考依据。