Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan Preparations Extracted from Ganoderma Lucidum Mushroom.

Two chitosan extracts were prepared by chemical and enzymatic treatment of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom, as an alternative source to crustacean shells. The molecular weight of the enzymatic extract was lower than that of the chemical one and of shrimp chitosan, as determined by viscosity measurements. Characteristic signals were identified in the H-NMR spectra and high deacetylation degree indicated good physico-chemical properties for both mushroom chitosan extracts.

Effects of Foliar Treatment with a Plant Biostimulant Consortium on L. Yield and Quality.

The influence of spore concentration on the ability of a consortium to colonize the phyllosphere was evaluated by determining the effects of foliar treatments with two spore concentrations, in two repeated treatments, on the morphological, physiological, and ultrastructural characteristics, and on the yield and quality of . The studied crop quality features were related to its nutraceutical use: the accumulation of polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and effects on mouse fibroblast L929 cells. The consortium consisted of two strains, T36b and Td50b, and the concentrations used were 10 colony forming units (cfu)/mL and 10 cfu/mL.

Bee Collected Pollen with Enhanced Health Benefits, Produced by Fermentation with a Kombucha Consortium.

The bioavailability of pollen bioactive compounds for humans is limited. In this study, our aim was to enhance the health-related benefits of pollen by fermentation with a Kombucha/SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts) consortium. We performed the fermentation of pollen suspended from the beginning with SCOBY on sweetened green tea or on Kombucha vinegar, by adding pollen after 20 days of Kombucha fermentation.