Decolorization and degradation of xanthene dyes by a white rot fungus, Coriolus versicolor.

Itoh K, Yatome C.

Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya, Japan. kitoh@nmiri.city.nagoya.jp

Abstract

The decolorization of six xanthene dyes (conc. 100 microM) by a white rot fungus, Coriolus versicolor (C. versicolor), was investigated in liquid culture. The decolorization of Fluorescein, 4-Aminofluorescein, and 5-Aminofluorescein by the fungus was 85.0, 95.0, and 91.9% after 14 days incubation, respectively. However, no decolorization of Rhodamine B, Rhodamine 123 hydrate, and Rhodamine 6G was observed. The first three dyes also were decolorized with cell-free extracts from C. versicolor. The decolorization activity was 10.2, 6.7, and 7.2 microM min(-1)mg(-1), respectively. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) analyses indicated that degradation of Fluorescein was occurring with the detection of three degradation products.

PMID: 15478930 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15478930

Overproduction of recombinant laccase using a homologous expression system in Coriolus versicolor.

Kajita S, Sugawara S, Miyazaki Y, Nakamura M, Katayama Y, Shishido K, Iimura Y.

Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan.

Abstract

One of the major extracellular enzymes of the white-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor is laccase, which is involved in the degradation of lignin. We constructed a homologous system for the expression of a gene for laccase III (cvl3) in C. versicolor, using a chimeric laccase gene driven by the promoter of a gene for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd) from this fungus. We transformed C. versicolor successfully by introducing both a gene for hygromycin B phosphotransferase (hph) and the chimeric laccase gene. In three independent experiments, we recovered 47 hygromycin-resistant transformants at a transformation frequency of 13 transformants microg(-1) of plasmid DNA. We confirmed the introduction of the chimeric laccase gene into the mycelia of transformants by a polymerase chain reaction in nine randomly selected transformants. Overproduction of extracellular laccase by the transformants was revealed by a colorimetric assay for laccase activity. We examined the transformant (T2) that had the highest laccase activity and found that its activity was significantly higher than that of the wild type, particularly in the presence of copper (II). Our transformation system should contribute to the efficient production of the extracellular proteins of C. versicolor for the accelerated degradation of lignin and aromatic pollutants.

PMID: 15480638 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

The effect of nitrogen supplementation on the efficiency of colour and COD removal by Malaysian white-rot fungi in textile dyeing effluent.

Lee KK, Kassim AM, Lee HK.

Faculty of Applied Sciences, MARA University of Technology, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. lee766@salam.uitm.edu.my

Abstract

White-rot fungi, namely Coriolus versicolor and Schizophyllum commune, were studied for the biodecolorization of textile dyeing effluent in shaker-flask experiments. The results showed that C. versicolor was able to achieve 68% color removal after 5 days of treatment while that of S. commune was 88% in 9 days. Both fungi achieved the above results in non-sterile condition with diammonium hydrogen phosphate as the nutrient supplement. On the other hand, the best COD removal of 80% was obtained with C. versicolor in 9 days in sterile effluent with yeast extract as nutrient supplement, while S. commune was able to remove 85% COD within 8 days in non-sterile textile effluent supplemented with diammonium hydrogen phosphate.

PMID: 15497832 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15497832

Transgenic tobacco expressing fungal laccase promotes the detoxification of environmental pollutants.

Sonoki T, Kajita S, Ikeda S, Uesugi M, Tatsumi K, Katayama Y, Iimura Y.

Institute for Environmental Management Technology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0053, Japan.

Abstract

The phytoremediation of soils contaminated with organic pollutants offers a low-cost method for removal of such pollutants. We have attempted to enhance the environmental decontamination functions of plants by introducing appropriate enzymatic activities from microorganisms. In the present study, we introduced an extracellular fungal enzyme, the laccase of Coriolus versicolor, into tobacco plants. One transgenic plant, designated FL4, produced laccase that was secreted into the rhizosphere. FL4 was able to remove 20 micromol bisphenol A or pentachlorophenol per gram dry weight. The efficiency of this removal was apparently greater than that of control lines. Our results should stimulate efforts to develop plant-based technologies for the removal of environmental pollutants from contaminated environments.

PMID: 15549288 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15549288

Laboratory study of inocula production for composting processes.

Unidad de Microbiología, Departamento de Biología Aplicada, Universidad de Almería, 04120 Almería, España, Spain. mcvargas@ual.es

Abstract

Six ligno-cellulolytic fungi were tested regarding to examine their capability to grow on agricultural wastes and produce inocula for composting. Two residues were used: pepper plant wastes and almond shell residues. Results showed the latter as the most adequate substrate for growth of fungi tested. On the contrary, Trichoderma koningii, as well as HLC1 and HLC3, both fungi isolated from almond shell wastes, were able to persist in pepper plant wastes. Modifications of aeration and pH significantly influenced growth of Coriolus versicolor, HLC1 and Phanerochaete. flavido alba and P. flavido alba and Phlebia radiata, respectively, while P. flavido alba was the only microorganism whose growth was not significantly altered by temperature. In competitive assays, where fungi were growth together with other species, growth of both microorganisms isolated from almond shell residues, HLC1 and HLC3, were stimulated while T. koningii showed the better results in sterile conditions.

PMID: 15607193 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

World Renowned Chiropractor, Dr. Jim Sigafoose, Joins inLife LLC to Promote Their New Immune Boosting Product inForce Immune Builder to the Chiropractic Community

Irvine, California (Oct 04, 2010) inLife LLC distributors of science-based Health & Wellness products today announced that Dr. Jim Sigafoose is joining inLife LLC to promote the immunological benefits of their new product, inForce. Dr. Sigafoose has become a great believer of inForce’s main ingredient Coriolus versicolor after studying all the scientific data and seeing firsthand those whose lives have already benefitted.

Dr James M. Sigafoose is recognized worldwide for his inspirational Chiropractic philosophy and motivational teaching. A Featured Speaker at Dynamic Essentials (DE) for over 45 years and a Team Speaker at Parker Seminars for the past 15 years, Dr. Sigafoose is considered one of the top speakers in the Chiropractic profession and a recognized leader in the world of natural healing. Dr Sigafoose has spoken internationally in countries including: Japan, Australia and Spain. He has been honored as Chiropractor of the Year numerous times by various Chiropractic colleges and organizations.

About Coriolus Versicolor

The Coriolus Versicolor mushroom is one of the most widely studied supplements for its immune building properties. Worldwide, there have been over 400 animal and human studies on Coriolus versicolor with over a dozen placebo-based human trials conducted in the west. Traditionally, the Coriolus versicolor mushroom (known as Yun-zhi or cloud mushroom in China) has been used in China for several thousand years because of its immune boosting capabilities. In the 1980s, Dr. Yang conducted further studies and was able to isolate a much more potent strain using a different, alcohol-based extraction process. The result was Polysaccharopeptide or PSP. In the United States, top-ranked hospital and research institutes have reported that Coriolus versicolor helps boost the body’s immune systems with limited side effects and safety of daily oral doses for extended periods of time. In addition, Coriolus versicolor and its potential positive effects has been studied very closely by M.D. Anderson, University of Texas, Loma Linda University, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School) , The University of San Diego, Sloan-Kettering Center (New York), and Bastyr University (Kenmore, Washington) just to name a few.

inLife Immune Builder with PSP and PSK

inLife offers Coriolus versicolor as a Daily Dietary Supplement in capsule form to help maintain and stimulate the body’s immune system. Coriolus versicolor and its high-potency extracts, PSK and PSP are among the most widely studied supplements for their immune building properties. One would be hard-pressed to find another immune boosting product that has had more research completed or positive comments associated with it. The amount of worldwide comments and studies is compelling. InForce Immune Builder is a proprietary blend of both Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and Polysaccharopeptide (PSP). Both offer much needed immune building assistance and they can be taken on a daily basis. The products are bottled in the United States in an FDA registered bottling facility that is CGMP compliant (Current Good Manufacturing Practices).

About inLife LLC

Founded in 2007, inLife has been very successful in bringing to market products that have efficacies that are soundly based on scientific research. inLife products are now available in the U.S. as well as the U.K, Canada and Spain. For more information on inForce Immune Builder and the company, please review www.myinlife.com. For further details on inForce, journalists may contact Thomas Kiklas directly at 949-648-2525.

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Founded in 2007, inLife has been very successful in bringing to market products that have efficacies that are soundly based on scientific research. For further details on inForce, journalists may contact Thomas Kiklas directly at 949-648-2525.

Click here to download this press release.

The cell death process of the anticancer agent polysaccharide-peptide (PSP) in human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells.

Yang X, Sit WH, Chan DK, Wan JM.

Department of Zoology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfalum Road, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China.

Abstract

The polysaccharide peptide (PSP) isolated from the mycelia of Chinese Medicinal fungus Coriolus versicolor has proven benefits in clinical trials in China but the mechanism of action has not been elucidated. In this study, HL-60 cell line was used to investigate the anti-proliferation and cell death process of PSP. The cytotoxicity of PSP on normal human T-lymphocytes was also evaluated. We show that PSP induced apoptosis of human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells but not of normal human T-lymphocytes. The apoptotic machinery induced by PSP was associated with a decrease in Bcl-2/Bax ratio, drop in mitochondrial transmembrane potential, cytochrome c release, and activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9. Activation of the cellular apoptotic program is a current strategy for the treatment of human cancer, and the selectivity of PSP to induce apoptosis in cancerous and not on normal cells supports its development as a novel anticancer agent.

PMID: 15870943 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15870943