Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Lipid Index Determination by Liquid Fluorescence Recovery in the Fungal Pathogen Ustilago Maydis
Published on: April 3, 2018
Increase in lipid portion of Phycomyces blakesleeanus biomass induced by vanadate uptake and accumulation
Jovana M Lukičić1, Milena Dimitrijević2, Milan Žižić2
1Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia.
Abstract:
Fungi are ubiquitous micro-organisms involved in various environmental processes, with a particularly important role in the transformation of metals and minerals, bioremediation and biomining. Filamentous fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus is an interesting model for investigating the interaction of fungi with various ecological factors, such as heavy metals, due to the ease of its cultivation and fast growth. The present study deals with the interaction of increasing vanadate [V(V)] concentrations with the mycelium of P. blakesleeanus in three distinct growth phases: mid-exponential, late exponential and stationary phase. Mid- and late-exponential phase mycelium had a V content of nearly 1% after 24 h incubation with 10 mM V(V), and the uptake of V(V) was accompanied by increased phosphorus uptake with both 5 and 10 mM V(V). Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy showed the increase of lipid portion in biomass compared to proteins and carbohydrates mainly with ageing, but also with vanadate treatment. P. blakesleeanus is tolerant to high V(V) concentrations, and this study suggests its potential as V accumulator. In addition, the increase in lipid content calls for a closer examination of lipid content and fatty acid composition after V(V) treatment and determination of their potential industrial utilization.
Insights
Phycomyces blakesleeanus efficiently accumulates vanadate (V(V)), a toxic heavy metal. This fungus shows potential for bioremediation and industrial applications due to its tolerance and increased lipid content.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Mycology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Fungi play crucial roles in metal transformation, bioremediation, and biomining.
- Phycomyces blakesleeanus is a well-suited model organism for studying fungal interactions with environmental factors like heavy metals due to its rapid growth and ease of cultivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction of increasing vanadate (V(V)) concentrations with P. blakesleeanus mycelium across different growth phases.
- To assess the V(V) accumulation capacity and physiological responses of P. blakesleeanus to vanadate exposure.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of P. blakesleeanus and exposure to varying concentrations of vanadate (V(V)) during mid-exponential, late exponential, and stationary growth phases.
- Quantification of vanadium (V) and phosphorus uptake in mycelium.
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to analyze changes in biomass composition (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates).
Main Results:
- P. blakesleeanus mycelium accumulated significant amounts of V(V) (nearly 1% by dry weight) after 24h incubation with 10 mM V(V), particularly in mid- and late-exponential phases.
- Vanadate uptake was correlated with increased phosphorus uptake at 5 and 10 mM V(V).
- FTIR analysis revealed an increased proportion of lipids in the biomass, especially with age and vanadate treatment, compared to proteins and carbohydrates.
Conclusions:
- Phycomyces blakesleeanus demonstrates high tolerance to vanadate and exhibits potential as a vanadium accumulator.
- Vanadate treatment influences the lipid content of P. blakesleeanus biomass, suggesting potential for industrial applications.
- Further research into lipid content and fatty acid profiles after vanadate exposure is warranted for exploring industrial utilization.
