Isolation and identification of keratinophilic fungi in soil samples from excavation area of ancient city of Stratonikeia, Turkey and determination of its enzyme potentials

Abstract

Aim: To isolate and identyfy keratinophilic fungi from soil samples excavated excavation area within the ancient city of Stratonikeia, Turkey and determination of their enzyme potentials. Stratonikeia, a city in the interior of Caria, located at Eskihisar Village, in the Yatagan district of Mugla province of Turkey. Methodology: Keratin bating technique was applied for isolating of dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi. Fungal isolate were identified by phenotyping and genotyping methods. Screening of protease, keratinase, cellulose, lipase and cutinase enzyme was carried at solid medium. Results: Non-dermatophyte species, viz., Aspergillus fumigatus, Engyodontium album, Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Lecanicillium lecani and Purpureocillium lilacinum were identified. Protease, keratinase and cellulase were determined at moderate and high levels, while lipase and cutinase were not recorded. Interpretation: Non-dermatophyte strains having high keratinase, cellulase and protease activities are not only involved in pathogenesis, but also have a great ecological significance due to keratin degrading potential.

Optimization of Conditions for Feather Waste Biodegradation by Geophilic Trichophyton ajelloi Fungal Strains towards Further Agricultural Use

“…In our preliminary experiments, the selected geophilic fungal strains of Trichophyton ajelloi showed better growth at 28 °C on Sabouraud medium rich in readily available C and energy than MEA medium, while they did not grow at 37 and 50 °C. Preliminary characterization of the hydrolytic properties of Trichophyton ajelloi fungi, expressed as the enzymatic index, has demonstrated that these fungi have a high protein degradation capacity, lower fat degradation capacity and a lack of amylolytic abilities, similar to other keratinolytic fungi from the dermatophyte group [ 48 ] and Chrysosporium keratinophilum [ 49 ]. Kunert [ 48 ] have reported, however, that while lipolytic abilities of keratinomycetes are common, there are exceptions with regard to amylolytic activity and some dermatophytes also show such abilities.…”

Fungal and Prokaryotic Communities in Soil Samples of the Aral Sea Dry Bottom in Uzbekistan

“…The lowest number of species (Paraengyodontium album, Penicillium expansum, P. chrysogenum and melanized Stachybotrys chartarum) was isolated from soil sample A1b (the depth of 50 cm). All of these species are known as cosmopolitan, occurring in variable soils [41,42]. According to Jaouani et al [43], the keratinophilic species Paraengyodontium album is halotolerant and able to grow in solid and liquid media with a salt concentration from 10% to 15% NaCl.…”

Keratinases Produced by Aspergillus stelliformis, Aspergillus sydowii, and Fusarium brachygibbosum Isolated from Human Hair: Yield and Activity

“…Keratinophilic fungi are commonly found from many habitats. They have been found in soils, from Antarctica to the tropics, as well as from agricultural soils [8]. Keratinases are usually extracellular inducible enzymes secreted by different fungal genera, such as Aspergillus, Chrysosporium, Trichophyton, and Microsporum [9][10][11].…”

“…Therefore, more research for suitable microorganisms is needed. Keratinases are active within a broad range of temperatures (40-70 • C) and pH values (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11) [1,6,12,[18][19][20][21][22]; thus, optimum conditions need to be studied for biotechnological solutions.…”