Maria Tamara de Caldas Felipe

Species of Aspergillus section Flavi are recognized for their ability to produce metabolites, such as mycotoxins and organic acids. Kojic acid has gained widespread recognition in the cosmetics market for its efficacy in lightening skin blemishes. The importance of these species makes their correct identification and preservation essential. This study aimed to re-identify, taxonomically, Aspergillus section Flavi strains stored at the URM culture collection (WDCM 604) in Brazil and to investigate their potential for kojic acid production. Initially, 194 Aspergillus section Flavi strains were reactivated and authenticated based on DNA sequences ( CaM and BenA ). Furthermore, 99 strains were evaluated on synthetic solid medium to verify their ability to produce kojic acid. A representative strain from each species was selected to evaluate kojic acid production via submerged fermentation, using sugarcane molasses and corn steep liquor as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Quantitative analysis of kojic acid was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. In submerged fermentation, Aspergillus caelatus URM 4242 showed the highest production (10.65 ± 0.4 g/L with a yield of 0.54 g/g). Our results highlight the importance of culture collections, taxonomic re-identification, and assessment of the biotechnological potential of strains deposited in these biobanks.

Two strains of Scopulariopsis -like fungi were isolated from the dorsal region of a live bat ( Glossophaga soricina , nectarivore species) captured inside Gruta do Arnoud, a cave in the Caatinga biome of northeastern Brazil. These isolates presented unique morphological features, and achieving a consensus identification at the species level proved to be challenging. Phylogenetic analysis, based on nucleotide sequences from the internal transcribed spacer, large subunit ribosomal RNA gene, translation elongation factor 1-alpha ( tef1 ) and beta-tubulin ( tub2 ) genes, confirmed that these fungi represent previously undescribed species within the genus Microascus . The new species is named Microascus luziarum URM 9260. Phylogenetically, they grouped in a clade closely related to Microascus brunneosporus , Microascus micronesiensis and Microascus chinensis , but distinct differences were observed. Morphologically, the new species could be differentiated by their distinctive characteristics, such as reduced growth on oatmeal agar medium, reaching 15 mm after 14 days at 25 °C. Microscopically, it differs in the size of the conidiophores, which are shorter and broader compared to M. brunneosporus and M. micronesiensis . Additionally, it presents globose to subglobose conidia with diameters larger than those observed in closely related species. The use of a four-marker combination was an efficient approach to support the taxonomic novelty. This discovery enhances the understanding of Microascus diversity, particularly within cave ecosystems, and emphasizes the potential for discovering new fungal species in such specialized environments.

The study of the intersection between biodiversity and biotechnology has revealed a rich source of innovations. Fungi, with their vast range of morphologies and lifestyles, thrive in various habitats, including caves. With impressive metabolic characteristics, they play a key role in producing essential biotechnological compounds for various economic sectors. This paper aims to consolidate evidence on the biotechnological potential of fungi isolated from caves, highlighting the urgency of conserving and exploring these ecosystems. For this purpose, we conducted a comprehensive literature search using scientific databases (SciELO, Medline Complete, Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus (Elsevier), and Google Scholar). We adopted an interdisciplinary approach by collecting information from 22 papers published between 2013 and 2024. Based on these data, our survey revealed broad potential, including antimicrobial compounds, antioxidants, antitumor agents, enzymes, and organic acids. We emphasize that accurately identifying and depositing fungal isolates in reference collections are crucial for reliable research and effective industrial applications, driving metabolic bioactivity and the production of substances with the potential to inhibit pathogens. Conserving and protecting the cave environment is imperative, considering its continuous potential for discovery and contribution to scientific advancement.

In this study we describe a new species of Aspergillus in section Cremei deposited in the URM culture collection (Micoteca URM Profa. Maria Auxiliadora Cavalcanti) of the Departamento de Micologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil). Another strain was obtained from samples taken from pollen pots inside nests of Melipona scutellaris (stingless bee). Morphological and phylogenetic evidence based on sequencing of ITS rDNA, BenA, CaM and rpb2 markers supported the description of taxonomic novelty. Aspergillus capibaribensis sp. nov. is morphologically similar and phylogenetically close to A. flaschentraegeri - the distinctive features are uniseriate and hyaline conidiophores, short and smooth conidia and smaller vesicles compared to the micromorphological structures of A. flaschentraegeri. This record also expanded the knowledge of species in Aspergillus section Cremei in a tropical country such as Brazil.