zahra beagom mokhtari-hosseini

Ganoderma lucidum, with its medicinal characteristics, is one of the most beneficial fungi in traditional Asian medicine. This fungus low efficiency of ganoderic acid production has limited its use as a valuable secondary metabolite. Environmental stresses and elicitors such as microbial volatile organic compounds in co-cultures can increase ganoderic acid production. To investigate effects of variables of co-culture time and volume on Ganoderma lucidum growth and ganoderic acid production, Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger were aerially co-cultured with Ganoderma lucidum.

To investigate fungus growth and production of ganoderic acid using bubble column bioreactor, effects of independent variables of temperature, initial inoculation, length-to-diameter ratio (L: D) and aeration were investigated using Taguchi method. Then, effects of co-culture of Ganoderma lucidum with Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger under optimum conditions were investigated.

Optimizing effects of co-culture time and volume variables led to 2.9-fold increases in production of ganoderic acid, compared to the control sample. Optimization of biomass production in the bioreactor showed that biomass production increased significantly by increasing the initial inoculation percentage and temperature. These two variables significantly affected ganoderic acid production and its optimum production point was 10% of initial inoculation, temperature of 25.6 °C, L: D of 4:8 and aeration rate of 0.64 vvm. Gas holdup investigation for air-water and air-fermentation media systems showed that the presence of suspended solids and aeration rate affected gas holdup. Microbial volatile organic compounds in co-culture of microorganisms can increase ganoderic acid production by Ganoderma lucidum. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The adverse effects caused by the increase in nitrate concentration in drinking water have prompted researchers to find green and economical methods for nitrate removal. Mineral materials are suggested for this purpose due to their economic and environmental benefits. In this study, Iranian natural zeolite was used for this purpose. An organic surfactant, HDTMA-Br, was used to modify the natural zeolite. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified that the surfactant was loaded on the zeolite surface. The influence of various parameters on adsorption was studied using the Taguchi method. They were screened by Taguchi’s L8 array, and four significant variables were determined: mass of adsorbent, particle size, contact time, and competing anion concentration. The Taguchi L9 array was used to determine the optimum condition of these significant variables. Analysis of the results showed that the concentration of the competing anion was the most significant variable on the nitrate adsorption by the surfactant modified zeolite (SMZ). In the optimum conditions, SMZ removed about 90% of nitrate from the aqueous solution obtained at a 20 mg/L initial nitrate concentration, 10 min contact time, 15 g adsorbent, and without any competing anion. The study of the adsorption isotherms showed that the nitrate adsorption process by SMZ from the aqueous solution fits well with the Freundlich and linear models.

Lentinus edodes (Shiitake) is a rich source of secondary metabolites, including exopolysaccharides. These compounds strengthen the immune system and play essential roles in prevention and treatment of several diseases, in cluding cancers. A way to increase production of polysaccharides is the use of elicitors. Examples of these elicitors include microbial volatile organic compounds, which are produced in microo - rganism co - cultures. The objective of this study was to investi gate effects of these compounds on production of Shiitake exopolysaccharides.

To decrease cultivation time, Shiitake was cultured in four culture media, including (1) potato dextrose broth, (2) potato dextrose broth and D - glucose, (3) malt extract broth and (4) malt extract broth and D - glucose. After selecting appropriate culture media, fungal growth curve, kinetic growth of pellets and filamentous morphology were studied. Novel method of simultaneous aerial co - culture wa s used to increase production of Shiitake exopolysaccharides, which acted as an elicitor by inducing microbial volatile organic compounds of other microorganisms. Microbial volatile organic compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography - mass spectroscopy . Results and

Malt extract medium containing glucose was selected for submerged and solid cultures of Shiitake and the growth time decreased to 18 d. Shiitake biomass production included 11 g.l - 1 . Filamentous morphology included higher product ion rates due to higher surface - to - volume ratios, compared to that the pellet morphology did. Shiitake fungal biomass and exopolysaccharides in co - cultures with Aspergillus niger included 14 and 4 g.l - 1 , respectively . Furthermore, biomass and exopolysaccha rides included 11 and 4.7 g.l - 1 in co - cultures with Schizophyllum commune , respectively . Microbial volatile organic compounds produced by Aspergillus niger and Schizophyllum commune in co - cultures, as elicitors, increased biomass and exopolysaccharide productions in Shiitake. Therefore, it suggests that microorganism co - cultivation is a low - cost effective method for Shiitake exopolysaccharide production

Demand for degradable and biocompatible polymers is rapidly increasing, especially in the food packaging sector where it is highly encouraged by environmental management policies.

This study aimed to prepare zein/Montmorillonite (MMT) and zein/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films by a high power ultrasonic probe method for use as a food coating. The film was produced through solvent casting method. In all the films, glycerol and Polyethylene glycol were used to improve the fragility properties. The biodegradability, color characteristics and surface roughness of the films were evaluated.

Based on the results of the statistical analysis, the clay dispersion method a, Montmorillonite (MMT) and poly (vinyl alcohol) content significantly affected the mechanical and properties of the composite films. The results showed that mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were improved in the presence of small amounts (up to 3%) of MMT, while increased montmorillonite percentage in the micro composite films weakened the mechanical properties of these films. It was also found that the addition of montmorillonite and poly (vinyl alcohol) increased the porosity of the film. Therefore, the use of high power sonication is a suitable method for producing protein-based nanocomposites with an exfoliated structure.

as the nanocomposite films of zein, zein-polyvinyl alcohol and zein-montmorillonite are highly biodegradable, ntural and non-toxic, they are highly efficient in this field and can be used in food packaging.

Ganoderma lucidum is one of the medicinal fungi frequently used as supplement. The intracellular polysaccharides of this fungus include high molecular weights and help strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, these polysaccharides act as antioxidants by inhibiting free radicals and enhancing activity of the enzymes. Addition of various elicitors to the fungi submerged culture media affects the cell growth and metabolite production. Fungal extracts are one of these elicitors.

In this study, Ganoderma lucidum was first cultured in various culture media to investigate the base media. Using three various methods (soaking the fruit body in water, disintegrating the fruit body with a blender and boiling the fruit body), Agaricus bisporus fruit body extract was prepared as elicitor and the extract with the highest sugar content was used. For the optimization of growth and antioxidant activity of the intracellular polysaccharides, effects of six independent factors were investigated using Placket-Burman method, including Agaricus bisporus extract, peptone, maltose, pH, vitamin B1 and CaCl2. Response surface method was used to optimize three factors of vitamin B1, Agaricus bisporus extract and maltose. Then, stirred tank bioreactor was used to culture Ganoderma lucidum.

The YPG culture medium was selected as the base medium based on mycelial growth and antioxidant activity of the intracellular polysaccharides (IC50). Sugar content of the Agaricus bisporus extract was 30.66 μg.ml-1. Placket-Burman method revealed that the extracts of Agaricus bisporus, maltose and vitamin B1 significantly increased antioxidant activity of the intracellular polysaccharides. After optimizing these factors using RSM, the IC50 was reported as 1.047 mg.ml-1. Ganoderma lucidum cultivation in bioreactor significantly increased the cell growth (5.29 g.l-1). Intracellular polysaccharides included an IC50 of 1.14 mg.ml-1, which was significantly higher than that the intracellular polysaccharides included in YPG culture media.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Considering the nutritional value of fungi in traditional medicine and the history of their use in the treatment of various cancers, modern methods of treating cancer were studied using fungal products, especially polysaccharides. The antitumor activity of fungal polysaccharides is directly related to the stimulation of the immune system. These polysaccharides damage the free radicals and inhibit the growth of cancer cells by altering the function of macrophages, stimulating the production of anti-cancer antibodies and increasing nitric oxide and cytokines production. Despite extensive research on the therapeutic effects of fungal polysaccharides, further research is needed to identify their chemical structure, especially in purification methods. Fungal polysaccharides, in features such as linkage type, the degree of branching, molecular weight and solubility are different. The growth conditions of the fungal species, including the compositions of the culture medium, temperature, pH and type of bioreactor, affect the yield of polysaccharide and its monosaccharide composition. Polysaccharide extraction methods, drying, purification, and chemical modification can change the structural properties of polysaccharide, including linkage type, the degree of branching, uronic acid content, protein content, and solubility. Structural differences in fungal polysaccharides have been shown to lead to differences in antioxidant activity, anti-proliferation, and immune stimulation. Therefore, by investigating the chemical structure of fungal polysaccharides, it can be targeted to the production of polysaccharides for the treatment of cancer.

 One of the medicinal fungi that has been used in traditional medicine for a long time is the Basidiomycete fungus Fomes fomentarius, which is widely distributed in Iran. Polysaccharides as one of the metabolites of this fungus have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.

   Optimization of independent variables of MgSO4.7H2O concentration, initial pH, yeast extract, and inoculum percentage to increase biomass and polysaccharide production of F. fomentarius was investigated using the Taguchi method. Then, the biological properties of the produced polysaccharide including antibacterial activity was investigated by bacterial colony counting method, antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical, and antiproliferative effect on 5 cancer cell lines MKN-45, AGS, A549, KYSE-30 and 5637 using MTS test.

   The concentration of MgSO4.7H2O and initial pH had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the production of F. fomentarius polysaccharide and in optimal conditions polysaccharide production reaches 5.410 g/L. The polysaccharide of this fungus inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria by 50% and 25%, respectively. The antioxidant activity of this polysaccharide in the DPPH test is 16.11%. The antiproliferative effect of this polysaccharide on cancer cells is different (KYSE-30> A549 5637> AGS> MKN-45). This effect increases with increasing concentration. In KYSE-30 cell line treatment with 200 g/mL polysaccharide, cell viability reaches 40% after 72 hours.

  Optimizing the culture medium of the medicinal fungus Fomes fomentarius increases the production of polysaccharides up to 5.410 g/L. Optimization increases the biological activity of polysaccharides. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli is 50% and 25%, respectively. The antioxidant activity of polysaccharides is 16.11% and the viability of KYSE-30 cancer cells reaches 40% after 72 hours.

Diabetes mellitus is the fifth leading cause of death in the world. Damaging effects of diabetes include advanced metabolic complications and various organ lesions. More than 90% of diabetic cases belong to type 2 diabetes. For decades, medicinal fungi such as Trametes versicolorhave been considered as treatments for diabetes. The fungi exopolysaccharides show α-glucosidase activity in the intestinal membrane.

In this study, Iranian Trametes versicolorwas cultured in various media based on soy milk, cow milk and soy protein extraction. After selecting appropriate culture media for biomass and exopolysaccharide production, response surface method with Box-Behnken design was used to investigate effects of independent variables of glucose (g l-1), soy milk (v v-1) and pH on biomass and exopolysaccharide production and optimization of these products. An animal (rat) model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was used to investigate effects of exopolysaccharides on diabetes.Rats were treated with exopolysaccharides for 21 days.

Results showed that the culture media containing soy milk was appropriate for the growth and production of fungal products. Productions of biomass and exopolysaccharides increased to 2.87 gl-1 and 1.37 g l-1 respectively. Based on the analysis of response surface method, pH with p-value of 0.0004 and pH and soybean interaction with p-value of 0.0129 included significant effects on exopolysaccharide production. In optimum condition of the culture media with pH 4.67, 13.01 g l-1 glucose and 75% v v-1 soybean milk, biomass and exopolysaccharides reached 21.80 g l-1 and 9.6 g l-1. In diabetic rat model treated with exopolysaccharides, a 50.38% decrease in blood glucose was seen while triglycerides, cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins included 89, 20 and 21.67%, respectively. Furthermore, high-density lipoproteins increased by nearly 5.12%.

Disposal of storage tanks’ sludges due to the high concentration of hydrocarbon involved in them and environmental hazards are a major concerns in oil depots. In this study, reducing concentration of hydrocarbon in petroleum sludge by applying a low cost absorption was investigated. For this purpose, natural zeolite of Semnan zone was applied. In the first stage, modification of the zeolite surface was performed by different acids and the modified zeolites efficiencies were studied. According to obtained results, modification of zeolite surface improves hydrocarbon adsorption, so that HCl-modified zeolite provides maximum adsorption. In the second stage, the influence of physical and chemical parameters on the process was studied using Taguchi methods at two levels. The results show that contact time, the amount of adsorption and temperature are effective on the adsorption process. In the last stage, adsorption isotherm of process was examined, and it was found that the hydrocarbon adsorption on the modified zeolite follows the Temkin isotherm. Finally, the results of this study show that hydrocarbon concentration of sludge can be reduced to 83% using just 0.28 gr of low cost zeolite per 1 gr of sludge.

The pollution of water environments is a challenging issue especially in developing countries. Contamination of drinking water with heavy metals has been reported in many parts of the world. Arsenic, chromium and lead are dangerous heavy metals and also common contaminants of drinking water. In this study, the capacity and performance of the surfactant-modified Sabzevar natural nanozeolite (SMSNZ) on the removal of heavy metals from an aqueous solution was investigated. Initially, the appropriate concentration of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide HDTMA-Br solution for modification was investigated; it was found that it must be higher than the critical concentration micelle (CMC). Then, the removal of As (V), Cr (VI), and Pb(II) from an aqueous solution was studied using SMSNZ. The results indicated that the removal efficiency was very high in different initial concentrations of heavy metals. The Linear, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to investigate the adsorption equilibrium of the surfactant-modified natural zeolite for heavy metals adsorption. The results showed that the Linear isotherm is a better fit for the three studied heavy metals.

After the onset of the industrial revolution, the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increased rapidly. Global warming is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide emissions are the most important cause of global warming. Now, there are several methods to remove carbon dioxide from gas streams. One of the proposed methods is the use of zeolites as the adsorbent which can separate CO2 using molecular sieve method. In this study, CO2 removal from Sabzevar Cement plant flue gas by Sabzevar zeolite was investigated.For this purpose, a laboratory - scale column was made and the effect of three factors including the size of zeolite, height-to-diameter ratio of the column (L/D), and gas inlet pressure were investigated in three levels using Taguchi method. ANOVA results showed that in the range of variables, the size of zeolite is the most important factor on the adsorption process. Also, L/D factor had a significant effect on the adsorption process. Under the obtained optimum conditions that involved the size of zeolite 2-2.36 mm, L/D 10.8,gas inlet pressure 90-98 kPa, about 80% of CO2 was removed from the flue-gas after 10 minutes and more than 60% of it was also removed after one hour by the zeolite column.