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Gewählte Publikation:

Mesquita, N; Portugal, A; Pinar, G; Loureiro, J; Coutinho, AP; Trovao, J; Nunes, I; Botelho, ML; Freitas, H.
(2013): Flow cytometry as a tool to assess the effects of gamma radiation on the viability, growth and metabolic activity of fungal spores
INT BIODETER BIODEGR. 2013; 84: 250-257. FullText FullText_BOKU

Abstract:
Flow cytometry is often used for viability and vitality assessment in bacteria and yeasts. However, its application to the study of fungal spore development is uncommon, probably due to the difficulties in successfully staining these cells. In the current study, we used flow cytometry for the first time to assess the effects of a disinfection treatment on the survival, growth and metabolic activity of fungal spores (Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus niger) submitted to gamma radiation (0-15 kGy). The Forward and Side-Scatter parameters of the cytometer were used to assess the differences in size and complexity of particles. Furthermore, two fluorescent dyes were used: Propidium Iodide to assess the membrane integrity and spore viability, in a culture-independent procedure: and Dihydroethidium to measure the changes in metabolic activity of irradiated spores in their first 10 h of growth in a liquid culture medium. Our results support that flow cytometry is a valuable tool in assessing different biological parameters and biocide effects, as it allowed accurate determination of the viability, growth and metabolic activity of gamma-irradiated spores. The fluorescence of Propidium Iodide was 5-7x more intense in unviable spores. The Dihydroethidium fluorescence increase was associated with faster growth. Control and low radiation doses allowed the germination and growth of spores, while higher doses led to growth inhibition and lower fluorescence. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Autor*innen der BOKU Wien:
Pinar Guadalupe

Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
Flow cytometry
Spore viability
Fungal viability
Metabolic activity
Spore growth
Filamentous fungi
Gamma radiation
Dihydroethidium
Reactive oxygen species
ROS


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