In the heart of Zhejiang Province, China, researchers are unlocking the secrets of a humble fungus that could revolutionize the way we produce one of nature’s most valuable pigments. Qiang Zheng, a scientist from Lishui University’s Modern Industrial College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health, has been delving into the world of Blakeslea trispora, a fungus with an extraordinary ability to produce β-carotene, a high-value natural pigment with a myriad of applications, including in the energy sector.
β-Carotene is a powerful antioxidant that gives carrots their distinctive orange color and is a precursor to vitamin A. It’s used in everything from food coloring to cosmetics and even in some types of solar cells, where it can help improve efficiency. But producing it on an industrial scale has been a challenge. That’s where Blakeslea trispora comes in. This fungus naturally produces β-carotene, and Zheng’s research is shedding new light on how to boost its production using light.
In a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, translated to English as ‘Frontiers in Microbiology’, Zheng and his team discovered that the fungus’s β-carotene synthesis is dependent on a specific photoreceptor protein, WC-2A. “We found that light wavelength, intensity, and duration all stimulate the transcription of photoreceptors and carotenoid structural genes in Blakeslea trispora,” Zheng explains. “But it’s the interaction between BTWC-1C and BTWC-2A that seems to be the key to photoinduced β-carotene synthesis.”
The team used a combination of gene expression analysis, bioinformatics, protein interaction studies, and RNA interference to unravel this complex process. They found that under blue light irradiation, the transcription of photoreceptor genes showed a significant correlation with carotenoid structural genes. But when they inhibited the expression of btwc-2a, β-carotene accumulation and the transcription of carotenoid structural genes were reduced under blue light, indicating that btwc-2a plays a crucial role in this process.
So, what does this mean for the future of β-carotene production? Well, it opens up the possibility of optimizing light conditions to boost β-carotene yield in Blakeslea trispora. This could make the production process more efficient and cost-effective, which is great news for industries that rely on this valuable pigment.
But the implications don’t stop at β-carotene. This research also provides valuable insights into the role of photoreceptors in filamentous fungi, which could have broader applications in the field of agritech. As Zheng puts it, “Understanding these mechanisms could help us develop new strategies for improving crop yields and stress resistance in plants.”
In the energy sector, β-carotene is used in dye-sensitized solar cells, a type of solar cell that mimics photosynthesis. Improving the efficiency of these cells could make solar power more accessible and affordable. And with the global market for β-carotene expected to reach $341.8 million by 2025, the commercial impacts of this research could be significant.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the humble Blakeslea trispora has a lot to offer. And with researchers like Qiang Zheng at the helm, we can expect to see some exciting developments in the field of agritech in the years to come. So, keep an eye on this space—literally and figuratively. The future of β-carotene production is looking bright.