Aspergillus niger as a cell factory for the production of pyomelanin, a molecule with UV-C radiation shielding activity

0574278 - ÚPT 2024 RIV CH eng J - Článek v odborném periodiku
Koch, S. M. - Freidank-Pohl, C. - Siontas, O. - Cortesao, M. - Mota, A. - Runzheimer, K. - Jung, S. - Rebrošová, K. - Šiler, Martin - Moeller, R. - Meyer, V.
Aspergillus niger as a cell factory for the production of pyomelanin, a molecule with UV-C radiation shielding activity.
Frontiers in Microbiology. Roč. 14, 20 July (2023), č. článku 1233740. ISSN 1664-302X. E-ISSN 1664-302X
Grant CEP: GA MZd(CZ) NU21-05-00341
Institucionální podpora: RVO:68081731
Klíčová slova: Aspergillus niger * melanin * pyomelanin * radioprotection * cosmic radiation * space exploration
Obor OECD: Microbiology
Impakt faktor: 5.2, rok: 2022
Způsob publikování: Open access
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1233740/full

Melanins are complex pigments with various biological functions and potential applications in space exploration and biomedicine due to their radioprotective properties. Aspergillus niger, a fungus known for its high radiation resistance, is widely used in biotechnology and a candidate for melanin production. In this study, we investigated the production of fungal pyomelanin (PyoFun) in A. niger by inducing overproduction of the pigment using L-tyrosine in a recombinant ΔhmgA mutant strain (OS4.3). The PyoFun pigment was characterized using three spectroscopic methods, and its antioxidant properties were assessed using a DPPH-assay. Additionally, we evaluated the protective effect of PyoFun against non-ionizing radiation (monochromatic UV-C) and compared its efficacy to a synthetically produced control pyomelanin (PyoSyn). The results confirmed successful production of PyoFun in A. niger through inducible overproduction. Characterization using spectroscopic methods confirmed the presence of PyoFun, and the DPPH-assay demonstrated its strong antioxidant properties. Moreover, PyoFun exhibited a highly protective effect against radiation-induced stress, surpassing the protection provided by PyoSyn. The findings of this study suggest that PyoFun has significant potential as a biological shield against harmful radiation. Notably, PyoFun is synthesized extracellularly, differing it from other fungal melanins (such as L-DOPA- or DHN-melanin) that require cell lysis for pigment purification. This characteristic makes PyoFun a valuable resource for biotechnology, biomedicine, and the space industry. However, further research is needed to evaluate its protective effect in a dried form and against ionizing radiation.
Trvalý link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0344613