Effects of polyamines on the early development of cystocarps,spore release,survival,and germination rate of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis

Three polyamines(PAs)(spermidine(Spd),spermine(Spm),and putrescine(Put))were used as growth regulators to the marine macroalgae Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis and to female gametophyte and reproductive tissues(cystocarps were constructed),which led to early maturation of cystocarps and spore release.Laboratory cultivation revealed that exogenous PA application accelerated the development of cystocarps,and the mean sporeling growth rate was 20%–50%/d during the initial week of cultivation.The spore count(SC),survival rate(SR),and germination rate(GR)of G.lemaneiformis showed different responses to PA(10-6 mol/L and 10-3 mol/L)treatments under different temperatures(18,26,and 34℃),light intensities(30,60,and 90μmol photons/(m^(2)·s)),salinities(25,30,and 35),and nutrient levels(25꞉2.5,50꞉5.0,and 75꞉7.5μmol/L NH4Cl꞉K2HPO4),and the optimal conditions were 26℃,light intensity of 60μmol/(m^(2)·s),salinity of 35,and nutrient level of 50꞉5.0μmol/L NH4Cl꞉K2HPO4.Under the optimum conditions,the SC per cystocarp increased by 82.38%,and the spore SR and GR increased by 33.07%and 46.44%,respectively.Each experiment lasted for 7 days,with the highest SC on Day 4 and plateauing on Day 7.The results indicate that PAs could promote the early maturation,spore release,survival,and germination of G.lemaneiformis under laboratory conditions.

Energy status regulated umami compound metabolism in harvested shiitake mushrooms(Lentinus edodes)with spores triggered to release

The molecular mechanisms of energy status related to the umami taste of postharvest shiitake mushrooms during spore release remain poorly understood.In this study,the variations of energy status and umami taste of mushrooms were measured at 25℃.At 24 h storage,slight spore prints of mushrooms were first pictured,respiration peaked.Significant ATP decrease and ADP increase were also observed as the initiation of postharvest senescence(P<0.05).Meanwhile,the activities of phosphohexose isomerase,succinate dehydrogenase,glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase and the contents of umami nucleotides and amino acids were maintained at higher levels in mushrooms with spore release.Notably,the equivalent umami concentration(EUC)was strongly correlated with energy levels(R=0.80).Fifteen related gene expression levels in the energy metabolism pathway were downregulated.LecpdP1 and LeAK were significantly expressed in the conversion of ATP into AMP and played key roles in connecting the energy state and umami level.These results provided valuable insights on the umami taste associated with energy metabolism mechanism during postharvest mushroom spore release.

The Overwintering Capability of Ulva prolifera Spores and Gametes in the Yellow Sea,China

Green tides caused by the bloom of Ulva prolifera have affected the Yellow Sea annually since 2007.To explore the intrinsic causes of successive blooms,field investigations and indoor simulation experiments were conducted using micro-propagules of U.prolifera.From January to February 2014,micro-propagules of various green algae,including U.prolifera,Ulva flexuosa,and Ulva linza,were prevalent in the coastal waters of Rudong,Lianyungang,and Qingdao.However,in March 2014,micro-propagules of U.prolifera were not detected in the coastal waters of Lianyungang and Qingdao.Neither the spores nor gametes of U.prolifera can germinate at temperatures below 5℃.At 2℃and 5℃,U.prolifera spores and gametes could survive for 1-3 months at a light intensity range of 0-30μmol m^(-2)s^(-1)and for less than 1 month if the light intensity exceeded 30μmol m^(-2)s^(-1).By integrating indoor experiments and field investigations,this study found that U.prolifera spores and gametes could overwinter in the Rudong coastal area,which is an important factor for the annual emergence of recurring green tides in the Yellow Sea.

Aqueous-soluble components of sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore powder promote ferroptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Objective: Ferroptosis is a novel cell death process which displays a promising role in cancer treatment.However, clinically available drugs targeting ferroptosis are rarely used, and yet there are no studies reporting on inducing ferroptosis via Chinese herbal extracts. Here we explored the tumor inhibition effects of Ganoderma lucidum(G. lucidum) on oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC). Specifically, we aimed to clarify the biological mechanism of components in the dietary, aqueous-soluble sporoderm-removed G. lucidum spore powder(A-GSP).Methods: Preliminary transcriptome analysis revealed the significant enrichment of the ferroptosis pathway.Cellular Fe2+, glutathione(GSH), malondialdehyde(MDA), reactive oxygen species(ROS) and lipid peroxide levels were measured to identify ferroptosis occurrence. Western blotting was used to measure ferroptosis-related proteins. Changes in mitochondria morphology and function were observed with transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and ATP detection assays. Ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 was then used to verify the anti-tumor effects of A-GSP. Finally, nude mice xenograft models of oral cancer confirmed that A-GSP inhibited tumor growth.Results: A-GSP promoted ferroptosis in oral cancer cells by inducing Fe2+influx, GSH depletion, as well as lipid peroxide and ROS accumulation. Ferroptosis-related proteins exhibited corresponding changes, particularly Acylco A synthetase long chain family member 4(ACSL4) increase and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) decrease. A-GSP considerably lowered mitochondrial volume and ridge number, while significantly decreasing ATP production. Ferrostatin-1 reversed all of these A-GSP-induced changes. In vivo, A-GSP exerted a ferroptosismediated tumor-suppressing effect without observable adverse reactions.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of A-GSP for treating patients with OSCC by targeting ferroptosis.

Single-cell analysis reveals microbial spore responses to microwave radiation

To determine the effects of microwave radiation at the molecular level as well as on the germination,growth and morphology of dry spores at the single-cell level.Dry Bacillus aryabhattai MCCC 1K02966 spores were microwave-treated at different powers and characterized using single-cell optical technology.As determined by laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy,the Ca^(2+)-dipicolinic acid content increased and nucleic acid denaturation occurred in response to microwave treatment.Livecell microscopy revealed that the germination and growth rates decreased as the microwave power increased.With respect to morphology,atomic force microscopy(AFM)demonstrated that spores became wrinkled and rough after microwave treatment.Furthermore,spores became smaller as the microwave power increased.Microwave treatment can damage DNA,and high-power microwaves can inhibit the germination of spores and reduce spore volumes.These results provide a new perspective on the responses of living single cells to microwave radiation and demonstrate the application of various new techniques for analyses of microorganisms at the single-cell level.

Sexual spores in edible mushroom: bioactive components, discharge mechanisms and effects on fruiting bodies quality

Edible mushroom sexual spores have been gaining more interest due to their bioactive components and functions.Spore discharge(SD)is an important factor affecting the quality of edible mushrooms.In this review,the bioactive nutrients of sexual spores of edible mushrooms were summarized,the SD mechanism was described,and the relationship between postharvest SD and the quality of edible mushrooms was analyzed.Spores contain various bioactive nutrients that are benefi cial to the human body.Mature mushrooms can actively discharge spores in a process affected by light,relative humidity,and temperature.During storage,the physiological metabolism of spore-bearing gill tissue is vigorous,promoting the release of postharvest spores and changing the nutritional value of fruiting bodies.The flavor of the fruiting bodies also varied signifi cantly during SD.Edible mushroom sexual spores have the potential to become new raw materials for functional food and medical resources.Research on the effect of the mechanism of SD on the quality of edible mushrooms and the development of SD regulation technology may be a new trend in the quality control of edible mushrooms,which will promote the development of the edible mushroom industry.

Volatile Components and Antitumor Activity of Ganoderma lucidum Spore Oil and Its Molecular Distillation Components

[Objectives]To compare the effects of molecular distillation on the flavor and antitumor activity of Ganoderma lucidum spore oil.[Methods]G.lucidum spore oil was separated and purified by molecular distillation technology,and the volatile components of different components of molecular distillation were analyzed by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry(GC-IMS)technology.Human liver carcinoma cells(HepG2),human breast cancer cells(MCF-7),and human cervical cancer cells(Hela)were selected as the tumor cell lines to be tested,and the cell viability was detected by the MTT assay.[Results]Molecular distillation effectively reduced small molecular substances produced by oil oxidation in G.lucidum spore oil,such as heptanal,octanal,linalool,hexanal,E-2-octanal,3-ethylpyridine,etc.Among the heavy components,the content of esters was relatively high,mainly including ethyl levulinate,ethyl crotonate,and amyl butyrate.The MTT cytotoxicity test indicated that G.lucidum spore oil and its molecular distillation components had certain inhibitory effects on the growth of three tumor cells,and G.lucidum spore oil crude oil had the most significant antitumor activity.G.lucidum spore oil crude oil,heavy component,and light component had the most significant antitumor activity on HepG2 cells,followed by MCF-7 cells,and the weakest antitumor activity on Hela cells.The quality of G.lucidum spore oil became higher after molecular distillation,and the rancid smell was reduced,and molecular distillation had little effect on the antitumor activity of G.lucidum spores.[Conclusions]Molecular distillation technology can be applied to the refining of G.lucidum spore oil to improve product quality.

Mycorrhizal Fungi Spore Abundance in Old-Growth Forest Soil

Soil samples were collected from the base of Aplectrum hymale individuals to assess mycorrhizal spores abundance. The hypothesis that mycorrhizal spore abundance would increase with proximity to the plant was not supported;however, spores increased significantly with distance from the Aplectrum hymale plants up to one meter.

Role of the Putative Polysaccharide Deacetylase BA1836 from <i>B. anthracis</i>in Spore Development and Germination

Putative and known polysaccharide deacetylases (PDAs) from B. anthracis have key roles in resistance to host lysozyme, stabilization of the cell wall, biogenesis of peptidoglycan (PG) and for neutral polysaccharide modification and attachment to PG. Here we elucidated the physiological role of the putative PDA BA1836 from B. anthracis. The ba1836 gene was expressed upon entrance into the stationary phase of growth and enhanced during the early stages of sporulation. The Δba1836 knockout strain had normal growth rate, did not exhibit any significant alterations in PG pattern of stationary phase cells and was not sensitive to lysozyme, but showed a defect in cell separation. Strikingly, the Δba1836 mutant strain exhibited a severe delay in spore development although mature spores were ultimately developed and had normal morphology. Additionally, digestion of Δba1836 mutant spore PG with mutanolysin produced an almost identical muropeptide pattern compared to peptidoglycan from wild type spores, although the amount of all muropeptides was significantly reduced. Finally, knockout spores exhibited a lower germination rate. To our knowledge, BA1836 has a unique role, among the presently characterized PDAs from B. anthracis, in spore development and germination.

Cuticles and Spores in Situ of Coniopteris hymenophylloides from the Middle Jurassic in Gansu, Northwestern China

Coniopteris was a ubiquitous plant of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods and played an important role in the flora of the time. However, its anatomical structure is relatively poorly known. The specimens of Coniopteris hymenophylloides(Brongniart) Seward described here were collected from the Yaojie Formation in Gansu Province, northwestern China. The sterile fronds are characterized as being at least bipinnate with alternate arranged linear pinnae covered by thin cuticles. Fertile fronds are linear-lanceolate, with single sorus at the margin of each fertile pinnule. In situ spores are typically trilete, triangle to subcircular in polar view, cap-shaped in equatorial view, and 37 μm in average diameter. The trilete marking is straight and narrow, generally extends to 4/5 of the spore radius. The spore surface is smooth, and parts of the exine are granulated. The epidermal cells of cuticles are irregular in shape, approximately 40-60μm long and 10-20 μm wide. The elliptical stomatal complexes are paracytic,approximately 30 μm long and 19 μm wide,and irregularly distributed. On the basis of its epidermal structures and comparisons with extant ferns, we consider that Coniopteris displays combined features of the related extant genera.

Effect of Ganoderma lucidum spore on expression of insulin-like growth factor-1, nuclear factor-kappa B, and neuronal apoptosis in the epileptic rat brain

BACKGROUND：It has been reported that Ganoderma lucidum spore powder, a very well known Chinese traditional medicine, can affect immunoregulation, free radical scavenging, and anti-hypoxia responses. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder on expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1）, nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） and neuronal apoptosis in rats with pentylenetetrazol （PTZ）-induced epilepsy. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cellular and molecular biology experiment with randomized controlled study design was performed at the Central Laboratory of Basic Medical College of Jiamusi University from June to August 2005. MATERIALS： Thirty healthy, adult, male, Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups （10 rats per group）： control, epilepsy model, and Ganoderma lucidum spore powder. A sub-eclampsia PTZ dose （35 mg/kg） was intraperitoneally injected to induce epilepsy in the latter two groups. Wild Ganoderma lucidum spore powder （30 g/L） was provided by the wild Ganoderma lucidum plant nursery at Jiamusi, China. Immunohistochemical detection and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediate dUTP nick end-labeling （TUNEL） kits were purchased from Wuhan Boster Biological Technology Co., Ltd., China. METHODS： Ganoderma lucidum spore powder was intragastrically administered at a dose of 10.0 mL/kg, once a day for 28 days. In the epilepsy and control groups, an equivalent volume of normal saline was intragastrically administered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Immunoreactivity for IGF-1 and NF-κB/P65 were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Neuronal apoptosis was detected using TUNEL methods. RESULTS： The hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats with PTZ-induced epilepsy exhibited a higher number of apoptotic cells at high magnification （×400）, compared with the control group. Expression of IGF-1 and NF-κB were higher in the epilepsy group, compared with the control group （P 〈 0.01）. In Ganoderma lucidum spore-treated rats, fewer apoptotic cells were observed in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, expression of NF-κB/P65 was lower, and immunoreactivity to IGF-1 increased more distinctly, compared with the epilepsy group. In addition, seizure latency was longer on 17, 21, and 25 days post-PTZ treatment in the Ganoderma lucidum spore powder group, compared with the epilepsy group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. CONCLUSION： Ganoderma lucidum spore powder down-regulated expression of NF-κB in brain tissues of rats with PTZ-induced epilepsy, increased immunoreactivity to IGF-1, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. These results indicated that Ganoderma lucidum spore powder has a neuroprotective effect.

Influence of Ganoderma lucidum spores on the levels of neuropeptide Y and somatostatin in brains of seizure rats

BACKGROUND： Previous research has revealed that somatostatin can induce epilepsy, and that the levels of neuropeptide Y may increase and become more active in brain areas with epileptic seizures. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of Ganoderma luciclum spore powder on the neuropeptide Y and somatostatin content in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal regions of seizure rats induced by pentylenetetrazol （PTZ）. Furthermore, to verify any effect of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder on inhibition of epileptic seizures. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized group animal study was performed in August 2007 in the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiamusi University （Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China）. MATERIALS： Thirty healthy, male, Wistar rats, aged 12 weeks and weighing 180-220 g, were taken as the experimental animals. PTZ （Sigma Company, United States） was used to induce epilepsy. Ganoderma lucidum spores （Leyss, ex Fr variety） were purchased from Jiamusi City Wild Growing Case of the Ganoderma Lucidum （China）. Rabbit anti-somatostatin antibodies and secondary antibodies were purchased from Wuhan Boster Company （China）. Neuropeptide Y radioimmunoassay kit was purchased from Beijing Furui Biotechnology Company （China）. METHODS： Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups： a control group, an epilepsy model group and a Ganoderma lucidum spore-treated group. Each group contained 10 animals. Rats in the epilepsy model group were treated with intraperitoneal injections of PTZ and gastric perfusion of physiologic saline. In the Ganoderma lucidum spore-treated group, intraperitoneal injection of PTZ and gastric perfusion of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder were administered. The blank control group was only administered with the physiological saline by intraperitoneal injection and gastric perfusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Immunohistochemical staining and radioimmunoassay methods were used to observe the changes of somatostatin and neuropeptide Y content in brain tissue of epileptic rats, as well as the morphology of neurons. RESULTS： All 30 rats were involved in the result analysis, without any loss. The number of somatostatin immunoreacted positive cells in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus was significantly increased in the epilepsy model group compared to the blank control group （P 〈 0.01）. The number of somatostatin immunoreacted positive cells in cerebral cortex and hippocampus was significantly decreased in the Ganoderma lucidum spore-treated group compared to the epilepsy model group （P 〈 0.01）. The contents of neuropeptide Y in cerebral cortex and hippocampus were significantly increased in the epilepsy model group compared to the blank control group （P 〈 0.01）. The contents of neuropeptide Y in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were significantly decreased in the Ganoderma lucidum spore-treated group compared to the epilepsy model group （P 〈 0.05）. The epilepsy seizures in the Ganoderma lucidum spore-treated group were obviously reduced compared to the epilepsy model group. CONCLUSION： Ganoderma lucidum spore powder was able to reduce the somatostatin and neuropeptide Y content in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus effectively, so as to achieve an anti-epileptic function and protect neurons from being damaged.

Ganoderma lucidum spore powder modulates Bcl-2 and Bax expression in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex,and improves learning and memory in pentylenetetrazole-kindled rats

We studied the effects of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder on Bax and Bcl-2 expression and neuronal apoptosis in pentylenetetrazole-kindled epileptic rats. Sixty adult rats were randomly divided into a control group, an epileptic group （kindled） and three medication groups （150,300 450 mg/kg given to kindled rats）. Bax and Bcl-2 immunohistochemistry and TUNEL labeling showed that the number of Bax- and TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex decreased significantly in the high-dose medication group, while the number of Bcl-2 immunoreactive cells increased. The Morris water maze test showed that high-dose treatment significantly shortened escape latency and increased spatial probe trial performance. Our findings indicate that a high dose of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder upregulates the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, inhibits proapoptotic Bax expression, and decreases seizure-induced neuronal apoptosis. Further, Ganoderma lucidum appears to protect against epilepsy-related learning and memory impairments.

Effects of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder on astrocyte expression and glutamine synthetase activity in the hippocampal region of epileptic rats

BACKGROUND： Recent studies have demonstrated that astrocyte dysfunction plays a central role in inhibiting epileptic seizures and that regulation of astrocyte function may be a new target for treatment of epilepsy. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder （GLSP） on astrocyte morphology and glutamine synthetase （COS） activity in the hippocampal region of epileptic rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled animal experiment was performed at the Function Laboratory, College of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University between October and December 2006. MATERIALS： A total of 30 Sprague Dawley （SD） rats were randomized to three groups （n = 10）： control, model, and GLSP. GLSP was sourced from Jiamusi Wild Ganoderma Lucidum Planting Base and prepared to 30 g/L with physiological saline before use. Pentylenetetrazol （PTZ） （10 g/L） was provided by Sigma Company, USA. METHODS： The control group received intraperitoneal （i.p.） and intragastric （i.g.） physiological saline. Following epilepsy induction by i.p. administration of PTZ （35 mg/kg）, rats from the mode/and GLSP groups were ig injected with physiological saline and GLSP （300 mg/kg）, respectively. Each compound was administered once per day, for a total of 28 successive days. Epileptic seizure convulsions were graded 0-5. A higher grade indicated more severe epilepsy. Only those rats showing stage 2 or higher convulsions at least 5 times successively were included in further experiments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Immediately alter injection, seizure activity was monitored for 30 minutes to determine the latent period and seizure duration; simultaneously, astrocyte numbers and GS activity in the hippocampal region of rats with epilepsy were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS： All 30 rats were included in the final analysis. On day 28, following PTZ administration epileptic seizures were not found in the control group. In the GLSP group, rats exhibited rhythmic head nodding or facial spasms, and the latent period was significantly longer than that of the model group （P 〈 0.05）. In the model group, the majority of rats exhibited myoclonus or generalized convulsions, and epileptic seizure duration was slightly （but not significantly） longer than that in the GLSP group （P 〉 0.05）. Within 2-3 minutes of PTZ injection, the model group exhibited grade 4 or 5 epileptic seizures, and the GLSP group mostly showed grade 2 or 3, and occasionally grade 4 or 5, epileptic seizures. All rats recovered within 30 minutes. The model group exhibited significantly increased astrocytes （P 〈 0.05）, with thicker cellular processes and a higher number of cellular processes, and significantly decreased GS activity （P 〈 0.05） tban the control group. The astrocyte count was significantly decreased but GS activity was significantly increased in the GLSP group when compared with the model group （P 〈 0.05）; however, astrocyte appearance was similar in both groups （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： GLSP can effectively inhibit astrocyte numbers and elevate GS activity in the hippocampal region of rats with epilepsy, thereby reducing epileptic seizures.

Enhanced Spore Production of <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>Grown in a Chemically Defined Medium

Spores of Bacillus subtilis are being used as probiotics and competitive exclusion agents for animal consumption. Commercial production media often include relatively expensive components of animal origin that are a potential source for the presence of adventious agents, therefore undesirable for use in production scale. In this study a new animal-free component, chemically defined medium, was tested for B. subtilis spore production. Medium composition was optimized with respect to vitamin composition, carbon, nitrogen and calcium concentrations. A fed-batch bioprocess was developed, being the effect on sporulation of the carbon to nitrogen ratio at the end of the exponential growth phase studied. The developed strategy consisted of an initial and a final batch phase and an intermediate fed-batch phase with the addition of a feeding solution containing glucose and calcium and the addition of a feeding solution of ammonium sulphate, using an exponential and a constant feeding profile, respectively. Using the fed-batch strategy, it was possible to achieve a maximum spore production of 3.6 × 1010 spores/mL, corresponding to a 5 folds increase when compared to the preliminary batch experiments.

Characteristics of Bacillus cereus Spore Counts in Soils w ith Underlying Gold Mineralization in Northwestern Sichuan, China: Results from a Pilot Study

A pilot survey on a microbial mineral exploration method based on so il Bacillus cereus spore counts was carried out across three different gold mi ning regions, which vary in soil type, climate condition and geological setting in northwestern Sichuan, China. B horizon soils from these sites were analyzed for B. cereus spores, Au, Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn. The results show that the numbe rs of B. cereus spores generally increased in soils overlying gold mineraliz ation. Specifically, elevated spore counts were found in samples slightly offset from the outcrops of orebodies, whereas soils directly above the outcrops of or ebodies usually contained low spore counts. However, the background counts of B. cereus spores varied from place to place and were complicated by environmen tal and pedological factors, but the relative ratios of spore counts still were indicative of the underlying gold mineralization.

Modified Green Tea Polyphenols, EGCG-S and LTP, Inhibit Endospore in Three <i>Bacillus</i>spp.

Endospores have the ability to withstand extreme temperature, desiccation, ultraviolet radiation and chemicals which make them a threat to the food and healthcare industry. Green tea polyphenols (GTP), contain anti-microbial and anti-spore properties but not stable. In this study, two modified lipophilic green tea polyphenols, epigallocatechin-3-gallate-sterate (EGCG-S) and crude lipophilic green tea polyphenols (LTP), were used to compare their anti-spore effect with EGCG and crude GTP. Purified endospores from Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), B. megaterium and B. subtilis were treated with 1% or 5% of four tea polyphenols. Log reduction showed colony forming units (CFU) reduced significantly in all treated samples, ranging from 1.27 to 4.31 with no survivals (CFU = 0) in four samples (P < 0.05). Average percentage of inhibition for these poly-phenols treatment ranged from 91.68% to 100%. The EGCG-S and LTP have equal or better anti-spore activities compared with EGCG and GTP. EGCG-S and LTP were further used to carry out time course study on B. cereus. The results indicated that 15 min of treatment of 1% and 5% LTP and EGCG-S are able to inhibit 98.7% to 100% of germination. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy studies showed that EGCG-S caused surface disruption and damaged spores structural integrity. EGCG-S and LTP are stable anti-spore agents may aid in preventing food and beverage spoilage caused by spore-forming bacteria as well as preventing contamination in the medical industry.

A rapid approach for isolating a single fungal spore from rice blast diseased leaves

Single spore isolation is a fundamental approach in plant pathology and mycology to isolate and identify plant fungal pathogens from diseased samples.However,routine single spore isolation procedure is time-consuming and has a high risk of contamination by other microorganisms.In this study,we developed a rapid approach for isolating a single spore of the fungal pathogen,Pyricularia oryzae,from rice blast diseased leaves in the paddy field with low potential of contamination.First,rice blast leaves with single lesions were selected in the paddy field,and a single lesion was cut out and pressed and dragged gently across the surface of water agar.Next,a germinated single spore with a barely visible piece of agar was cut out of water agar with a dissecting needle under a stereomicroscope at approximately 120-fold magnification.Last,the germinated single spore with water agar was transferred onto oatmeal tomato agar for growth and preservation.Based on our experience,a skilled technician or student can successfully isolate single spore from over 150 independent diseased samples with nearly no contaminations in a single working day.This approach is also suitable for isolating single spore from other fungal disease samples that produce abundant aerial conidia.

Ganoderma lucidum spore oil(GLSO),a novel antioxidant,extends the average life span in Drosophila melanogaster

In ancient China,Ganoderma lucidum was believed to be a medical fungus that could increase lifespan.Recently,pharmacologic studies have found that polysaccharide peptides and triterpenoids extracted from Ganoderma lucidum have various physiological effects as active compounds.However,the effects of spore oil isolated from Ganoderma lucidum remains unknown.In this study,the biological effects of Ganoderma lucidum spore oil(GLSO)were evaluated using a Drosophila melanogaster model.Compared with untreated groups,groups treated with GLSO had significantly longer average and maximum lifespan in both normal conditions and under oxidative stress.The activities of various antioxidant enzymes were measured to determine the antioxidant effect of GLSO.GLSO treatment markedly enhanced total superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)activity and decreased levels of malondialdehyde(MDA).Further,we found dose-dependent increases in the mRNA expression of Cu,Zn-SOD,Mn-SOD,and CAT in GLSO-treated groups.These results suggest that GLSO may effectively eliminate free radicals and extend lifespan in Drosophila.Future work should investigate the value of GLSO as a functional food for the prevention of aging in larger animal models.

Breaking and Characteristics of Ganoderma Lucidum Spores by High Speed Entrifugai Shearing Pulverizer

The spores of Ganoderma lucidum were ground and broken to ultrafine particles by high speed centrifugal shearing（HSCS） pulverizer. The characteristics of Ganoderma lucidum spores were analyzed by scanning electron microscope （SEM）, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry （FTIR）. Ultraviolet-visible pectrophotometer was used to determine the extraction ratio of aqueous solubility polysaccharide between the raw and broken spores. The immunological function on the mice before and after the breaking of spores wan investigated. The experimental results show that after being ground, the sporoderm-broken ratio reachs 100%, the original active ingredients of ganoderma lucidum spores do not change, and the extraction ratio of aqueous solubility polysaccharide is greatly increased by 40.08%. The broken spores show much higher immunological activity comparing with original spores of Ganoderma lucidum.