Faculty of Applied Sciences

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A metagenomic investigation of the faecal RNA virome structure of asymptomatic chickens obtained from a commercial farm in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024-06) Nwokorogu, Vivian C.; Pillai, Santhosh; San, James E.; Pillay, Charlene; Nyaga, Martin M.; Sabiu, Saheed
Virome studies on birds, including chickens are relatively scarce, particularly from the African continent. Despite the continuous evolution of RNA viruses and severe losses recorded in poultry from seasonal viral outbreaks, the information on RNA virome composition is even scantier as a result of their highly unstable nature, genetic diversity, and difficulties associated with characterization. Also, information on factors that may modulate the occurrence of some viruses in birds is limited, particularly for domesticated birds. Viral metagenomics through advancements in sequencing technologies, has enabled the characterization of the entire virome of diverse host species using various samples.
Methods
The complex RNA viral constituents present in 27 faecal samples of asymptomatic chickens from a South African farm collected at 3-time points from two independent seasons were determined, and the impact of the chicken's age and collection season on viral abundance and diversity was further investigated. The study utilized the non-invasive faecal sampling method, mRNA viral targeted enrichment steps, a whole transcriptome amplification strategy, Illumina sequencing, and bioinformatics tools.
Results
The results obtained revealed a total of 48 viral species spanning across 11 orders, 15 families and 21 genera. Viral RNA families such as Coronaviridae, Picornaviridae, Reoviridae, Astroviridae, Caliciviridae, Picorbirnaviridae and Retroviridae were abundant, among which picornaviruses, demonstrated a 100% prevalence across the three age groups (2, 4 and 7 weeks) and two seasons (summer and winter) of the 27 faecal samples investigated. A further probe into the extent of variation between the different chicken groups investigated indicated that viral diversity and abundance were significantly influenced by age (P = 0.01099) and season (P = 0.00099) between chicken groups, while there was no effect on viral shedding within samples in a group (alpha diversity) for age (P = 0.146) and season (P = 0.242).
Conclusion
The presence of an exceedingly varied chicken RNA virome, encompassing avian, mammalian, fungal, and dietary-associated viruses, underscores the complexities inherent in comprehending the causation, dynamics, and interspecies transmission of RNA viruses within the investigated chicken population. Hence, chickens, even in the absence of discernible symptoms, can harbour viruses that may exhibit opportunistic, commensal, or pathogenic characteristics.
Diversity, stability and applications of mycopigments
(Elsevier BV, 2023-10) Abel, Grace; Amobonye, Ayodeji; Bhagwat, Prashant; Pillai, Santhosh
The role of fungi as major pigment producers in the environments has endeared their application as sources of industrially important pigments. Compared to synthetic colorants, fungal pigments are rapidly becoming the preferred choice due to their biodegradability, eco-friendliness and versatility. Besides their uses as colourants, their functions as preservatives and/or bioactive agents have promoted their potential across numerous industries. In the past, more focus has been placed on enhancing the production levels of fungal pigments with little attention to the stabilization of the pigments and other important areas of concern. To this end, this review draws attention to the diverse classes of fungal pigments with emphasis on their existing and future applications, especially in the food and textile industries. Emphasis was also placed on the factors affecting fungal pigment stability and the techniques to efficiently circumvent the instability. Finally, the application of emerging technologies such as copigmentation, microencapsulation, metabolic engineering, and chemo-informatics tools in enhancing the mycopigment industry are highlighted.
Fungal mycelium as leather alternative : a sustainable biogenic material for the fashion industry
(Elsevier BV, 2023-09) Amobonye, Ayodeji; Lalung, Japareng; Awasthi, Mukesh Kumar; Pillai, Santhosh
The global leather industry has been at the receiving end of various environmental and ethical backlash as it mainly relies on animal agriculture which contributes to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and animal welfare concerns. In addition, the processing of animal hides into leather generates a huge amount of toxic chemicals, which ultimately get released into the environment. Thus, growing concern for environmental sustainability has led to the exploration of alternative materials to conventional animal- based leather. In this regard, the application of fungal leather alternatives in material technology is gaining traction because of its high biodegradability, biocompatibility, renewability, as well as its affordable and carbon-neutral growth processes. Fungal leather alternatives have been found to possess significant mechanical and physical properties, thanks to the interwoven hyphal network of the fungal mycelium, as well as antimicrobial activities which have been ascribed to their bioactive metabolites. Various fungal species, including those from the Agaricus, Fomes, Ganoderma, Phellinus, and Pleutorus genera, are currently being investigated for their potential in this area. This review, therefore, attempts to gain insights into the recent advances in scientific research and real-world applications of fungal-derived leather like materials. It makes a compelling case for this sustainable alternative and discusses the morphology-property relationship of the fungal mycelium driving this innovation. Additionally, the current processing methods and major players in the fungal leather substitute industry are presented. The paper also brings attention to the challenges facing the full deployment of fungal leather substitutes and proposes solutions with the aim of encouraging further research and resource mobilization for the acceptance of this renewable leather substitute.

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