Hyphal growth of Penicillium rubens in changing relative humidity

When considering mold prevention strategies, the environmental conditions in which fungi grow need to be taken into consideration. This environment is often characterized by a time-dependent relative humidity, and porous substrate. Growth has mainly been investigated in steady-state experiments. The...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied microbiology and biotechnology 2021-06, Vol.105 (12), p.5159-5171
Main Authors: Ruijten, Philip, Huinink, Hendrik P., Adan, Olaf C. G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied Microbial and Cell Physiology
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biotechnology
Chambers
Dehydration
Desiccation
Environmental aspects
Environmental conditions
Fluctuations
Fungi
Germination
Growth
Gypsum
Humidity
Hyphae
Life Sciences
Microbial Genetics and Genomics
Microbiology
Nutrients
Penicillium
Regrowth
Relative humidity
Spores
Substrates
Time dependence
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Summary:When considering mold prevention strategies, the environmental conditions in which fungi grow need to be taken into consideration. This environment is often characterized by a time-dependent relative humidity, and porous substrate. Growth has mainly been investigated in steady-state experiments. Therefore, the goal of this study is to understand the hyphal growth of Penicillium rubens on porous gypsum, under dynamic humidity conditions. Spores of P. rubens were inoculated on porous gypsum containing nutrients, and placed in a small incubation chamber, allowing for microscopic hyphal observation. The relative humidity in this chamber varied multiple times between a high (close to 100%) and low value (35%, 55%, or 75%). The hyphae reacted to a lowered relative humidity by an immediate growth stop and dehydration. When the relative humidity was increased again, the hyphae re-hydrated and three responses were found: regrowing after approximately 4 h, after a time equal to the germination time, or no regrowth at all. No substantial regrowth was found for fluctuations faster than 4 h. This time-scale was found for multiple decreases in relative humidity, and has been reported for the first time. Key points • Hyphae restart growth after a characteristic time of approximately 4 h. • Relative humidity fluctuations of 3 h can suppress hyphal growth. • Hyphae do not regrow after a severe desiccation and short periods of high humidity.
ISSN:0175-7598
1432-0614
DOI:10.1007/s00253-021-11343-6