Filippe Elias de Freitas Soares

• Ph.D. Biochemistry
• Professor (Associate) at Federal University of Lavras

Fungi are a significant part of the biopesticides market for the biological control of arthropods. Entomopathogenic fungi produce spores that can adhere to the cuticle of arthropods, germinate, penetrate the cuticle and cause infection. The process of penetration of the arthropod integument by the fungus occurs by the cuticle degradation due to the...

Nematophagous fungi are the most studied nematode-antagonistic organisms, and are efficient in controlling parasitic nematodes population on host. These fungi are prevalent in soil and the rhizosphere pathogens, saprophytes, or endophytes. From a biochemical point of view, enzymes play a fundamental role in the fungus-parasite interactive process....

The slow action of fungi is one of the biggest challenges in using entomopathogenic fungi. A promising alternative to reduce the time of action is to combine conidia with extracellular enzymes. This study aimed to characterize the production of Pr1 subtilisin protease and lipases by Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae in different culture...

Entomopathogenic fungus-based biopesticides are an excellent alternative to synthetic pesticides and are widely used in insect pest control. With the transformations of the agri-food system, it is important to consider the One Health approach, which recognizes that health threats are shared at the interface between people, animals, plants, and the...

Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has caused significant economic losses and food security challenges. Furthermore, its management may result in the overuse of synthetic pesticides. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the in vitro efficacy of extracellular enzymes and B. bassiana conidia against S. frugiperda pupae. The enzym...

Rhipicephalus microplus, commonly known as the cattle tick, is responsible for causing severe economic losses in livestock production in several countries. The utilization of entomopathogens in infested pastures may represent a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for tick control. This study evaluated the effectiveness of combining entomopatho...

Pleurotus djamor is an edible mushroom that produces proteases. However, the production of these enzymes needs to be optimized and applied in experimental models. This study aimed to optimize the production of proteases by Pleurotus djamor using agricultural waste and to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of proteases in vitro. Solid-state fermenta...

Bioremediation is a process of using living organisms, generally, microorganisms, to break down and remove or detoxify contaminants from the environment, degrading or transforming toxic substances into less harmful or non-toxic substances. It may be applied to a wide range of environmental pollutants, including hydrocarbons, pesticides, heavy metal...

The present study evaluated in vitro the action of the plant protease papain (EC 3.4.22.2) on intact eggs of Taenia solium and Taenia saginata. Two experimental groups were composed for each of the gastrointestinal helminths: control group (G1) and treated group (G2). In each replicate corresponding to the control group, 100 µL of the suspension co...

New alternatives for controlling resistant populations of gastrointestinal nematodes are being studied, including the use of plant compounds and biological control with nematophagous fungi. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effect of linalool and its association with the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans (isolated AC0...

The filtrate of the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans produces silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with nematicidal potential. However, there are currently no reports of its activity against Toxocara canis eggs. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential ovicidal activity of AgNPs–D. flagrans on T. canis eggs. T. canis eggs were obtai...

This study evaluated the nematicidal activity of the cell-free crude extract (CFCE) of Pleurotus djamor on Meloidogyne incognita under greenhouse conditions. The fungus was grown in a solid medium for 14 days in the dark. Distilled water was added to the medium, filtered, and centrifuged, and the proteolytic activity of the CFCE produced was measur...

Beauveria bassiana is an ecological biopesticide derived from fungi that has generated significant interest because of its capacity to produce a diverse array of enzymes and secondary metabolites, by causing white muscardine. The use of fungi as biopesticides does not lead to the accumulation of resistance in target pests and is not toxic to human...

Pest management in agriculture is facing a tough challenge due to the ineffectiveness of synthetic chemicals. Therefore, eco-friendly alternatives are urgently needed. One of the promising options is the utilization of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), especially those of the genus Metarhizium. These fungi use two primary mechanisms to target their hos...

The garlic peel (Allium sativum) is rich in protease-type enzymes, which have already demonstrated their anthelmintic activity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential use of proteases from garlic peel in the in vitro control of Moniezia expansa eggs and trichostrongylid. The prepared extract was precipitated and dialyzed,...

The presence of infective larvae (L3) of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites in pastures directly contributes to the constant recurrence of infections in ruminant herds. This study aimed to evaluate the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001) (proteolytic crude extract and/or conidia) in the in vitro control of GIN L3 in coprocultu...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the isolated and associated use of the nematophagous fungi Pochonia chlamydosporia (isolate VC4) as an ovicide and Duddingtonia flagrans (isolate AC001) as a predator in the control of Taenia saginata eggs. Viable T. saginata eggs were obtained by dissecting mature proglottids from a specimen. For the experimen...

Biological control using edible mushrooms as natural enemies is a sustainable alternative for pest management. Despite the well-established literature on toxins and secondary metabolites produced by these fungi in the biochemical control of nematodes, the nematicidal activity of proteases from different Pleurotus species is yet to be investigated....

Mushrooms of the genus Pleurotus have shown nematophagous activity as it produces many chemical compounds and enzymes affecting parasitic nematodes. This study aimed to extract the inhibitory activity of the five strains of the fungus Pleurotus spp. It was evaluated against eggs and larvae of Haemonchus contortus. The extract of P. ostreatus obtain...

Honey is a product derived from the action of bees using flower nectar. It consists of a mixture rich in biomolecules such as proteins and sugars, as well as some organic acids and other minor components responsible for the organoleptic properties and characteristics. Over the years, honey has been used in food and medicine. Modern research has con...

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar diferentes concentrações de conídios do fungo Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001) e hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl) a 5% (v/v) sob a eclosão de ovos de nematódeos gastrintestinais de equinos. Foram formados cinco grupos experimentais: Grupo 1 (3 x 106 conídios de AC001 + 20 g de fezes), Grupo 2 (6 x 106 conídios d...

Os hemoparasitos são importantes agentes de doenças em felinos domésticos. Contudo, não existem relatos da ocorrência de Babesia spp. em felinos no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar o levantamento da ocorrência dos principais hemoparasitos que ocorrem nas cidades de Serra, Vitória e Vila Vel...

We evaluated the efficacy of Bioverm®, a commercial product containing Duddingtonia flagrans, on the control of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) gastrointestinal nematodes. We randomly divided 12 buffaloes into two groups of six animals. In the treated group, each animal received a Bioverm®ˋs single dose of 1g (105 chlamydospores of D. flagrans) to 10 kg...

The use of water for human consumption, as well as for industrial and agricultural activities, reached an important position on the agenda of global concerns. Urban densification and economic activities overload water treatment systems causing the need to expand the operations involved in the process. Moreover, excessive use of inputs is needed, wh...

Purpose: Eimeria bovis is a protozoan that causes coccidiosis, a disease with a great impact on the world cattle industry. However, its control has not been fully efficient and, therefore, the search for alternative measures of parasitic and or even environmental control of the infecting forms (sporulated oocysts) is welcome. Thus, the aim of this...

Plant proteases are well known for their various industrial applications. Papain, present in papaya latex (Carica papaya) and pineapple bromelain (Ananas comosus), is undoubtedly the most studied and widely used vegetable protease in the food and pharmaceutical industry worldwide. However, its potential as a biopesticide has been little explored. T...

The control of gastrointestinal parasites in animals has become more challenging every year due to parasite resistance to conventional chemical control, which has been observed worldwide. Ovicidal or opportunistic fungi do not form traps to capture larvae. Their mechanism of action is based on a mechanical/enzymatic process, which enables the penet...

In Brazil, there is a great cultural and social diversity, which leads to the use of several natural products due to their ethnopharmacological properties, incluing honey. Honey is a nutrient-rich food that has several beneficial activities, such as: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and nematicidal actions. However, there are no studie...

Cattle parasitic otitis caused by the nematode Rhabditis spp. is a serious health problem in Brazil, a situation which is confounded by lack of effective control measures. In vitro studies associating biological and chemical control as an alternative method showed promising results. The objective was to evaluate the combined use of Duddingtonia fla...

The aim of the present study was to perform the histopathological and enzymatic evaluation of the intestines of Swiss mice infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis after oral administration of the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001). Twenty mice were used, all previously dewormed and kept in individual cages with granulated feed and drinking wate...

In this review, we supply a framework for the importance of nematophagous fungi (nematophagous fungi [NF]) and their role in agricultural ecosystems.We characterize the taxonomy, diversity, ecology, and type of NF, depending on their interaction with plant- parasitic nematodes (PPNs). We described potential mechanisms of NF in the control of PPNs,...

The mushroom Lentinula edodes, known as shiitake, has the potential to control plant diseases. However, there is no work that mentions the nematicidal activity of the SMC from shiitake. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the nematicidal potential of L. edodes spent mushroom compost (SMC) on Panagrellus spp. SMC action on Panagrellus spp. l...

The article's abstract is not available.

Cattle parasitic otitis caused by the nematode Rhabditis spp. is a serious health problem in Brazil, since it does not have an effective control. In vitro studies associating biological control and chemical control as an alternative method showed promising results. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the combined use of the fungus Du...

Climate change is causing detrimental changes in living organisms, including pathogens. This review aimed to determine how climate change has impacted livestock system management, and consequently, what factors influenced the gastrointestinal nematodes epidemiology in small ruminants under tropical conditions. The latter is orientated to find out t...

Recently, the production process of a nanoparticle with nematicidal activity from a nematophagous fungus was developed. Thus, a new strategy to control parasites has been discovered. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNP’s) biosynthesized from Duddingtonia flagrans filtrate on the control o...

Nutritional factors exert significant influence on the growth of entomopathogenic fungi, one of the main agents employed commercially in the biological control of arthropods. Thus, the objective of this work is to optimize the culture medium and solid fermentation time for production of proteases and conidia of Metarhizium robertsii ARSEF 2575 and...

Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini 1888) causes severe economic losses to the cattle industry in Brazil. Products alternative to chemical acaricides have been investigated for tick control, and the use of plantderived products may be a promising approach. In the current study, we investigated the activity of the latex of Carica papaya L. fruit on...

The aim of this study was to test nematicidal activity of the Euphorbia trigona latex on Meloidogyne incognita juveniles and to partially purify and characterize three proteases present in this latex. Three distinct proteases were partially purificated from E. trigona latex. They were named here trigonin 1, 2 and 3. Their molecular weights were est...

Biofilm is an interesting niche for fungi and essential for growth, pathogenicity, and resistance that form high challenges both in current trends and in the future in the management of fungal diseases. Fungi cause many problems for different organisms in several fields such as in agriculture, livestock, and public health. Fungicides are widely uti...

The present paper reviewed publications on the nematocidal activity of edible mushrooms (EM) and their potential use as sustainable tools for the control of parasitic nematodes affecting agriculture and livestock industry. Nematodes are organisms living in the soil and animals’ guts where they may live as parasites severely affecting economically i...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined use of different chemical (albendazole, ivermectin, glycerine and Vaseline) and biological ( Monacrosporium thaumasium ) compounds in the control of Ancylostoma caninum. Infective larvae of A. caninum were obtained from coprocultures of positive faeces from naturally infected dogs. We used 1% iverm...

This study evaluated the germination capacity of Pochonia chlamydosporia (VC4) fungus after its passage through the gastrointestinal tract of domestic chickens and its interaction with Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum eggs. Twenty-two domestic chickens were divided in two groups: control group (G1) received shredded corn substrate without V...

The in vitro effect of silver nanoparticles of the Duddingtonia flagrans filtrate enriched with chitin was evaluated on infective larvae of cyathostomins (L3). After biosynthesis, an assay was carried out with two experimental groups in microtubes, for a period of 24 hours: G1 (AgNP's-D. flagrans (43.4 μg/mL) + 120 L3) and G2 (distilled water + 120...

Nematophagous fungi are usually investigated and used in biocontrol of phytonematodes; recently, these fungi were found in association to the rhizosphere of crop plants colonizing their roots. Associated with plants, nematophagous fungi may also synthesize phytohormones or benefit the absorption of phosphorus by the plants. On the other hand, entom...

Rhabditis spp., is a nematode known to cause otitis externa, an infection difficult to control, in cattle reared within tropical regions. The objective of this study was to assess the combined use of ivermectin 1%, dimethyl sulfoxide 1% and mineral oil 100% containing nematophagous fungi of both Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001) and Monacrosporium thau...

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the nematicidal potential of Flammulina velutipes and its spent mushroom compost. Additionally, the nematicidal activity of enzymes and metabolites was analyzed. Isolated F. velutipes and its SMC had significant nematicidal effect on Panagrellus sp. larvae. The percentages of reduction in relation to the...

This study investigate to evaluate the acute anti-inflammatory activity of Mangifera indica L. leaf extract and mangiferin in the liver of rats fed a cafeteria diet. This study was a randomized longitudinal experimental study. The animals were divided in three groups – Control: cafeteria diet (CD); Extract: CD + leaf extract (250 mg/kg); and Mangif...

Lynxacarus radovskyi are mites commonly found within domestic feline hair stems. The infested animal presents an opaque fur with a “salt and pepper” aspect. The contamination may occur by direct contact with other infected animals or by fomites, and the main diagnostic tool is the direct examination of the fur. The Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Com...

Background Helminth parasites cause morbidity and mortality in both humans and animals. Most anthelmintic drugs used in the treatment of parasitic nematode infections act on target proteins or regulate the electrical activity of neurons and muscles. In this way, it can lead to paralysis, starvation, immune attack, and expulsion of the worm. However...

Spent mushroom compost (SMC) is a residue generated in edible mushrooms production, such as Hypsizygus marmoreus. Its genome was recently sequenced, demonstrating cuticle-degrading protease genes. The present work aims to investigate the proteases from H. marmoreus spent mushroom compost (SMC) by verifying its action on nematode larvae. The extract...

Synadenium grantii is a Euphorbiaceae plant commonly found in Brazil, known as Janaúba or Leitosinha, whose latex is traditionally used for several purposes. However, it is not known whether the nematicidal action of this plant latex occurs due to the action of proteases. The present work aims to evaluate the nematicidal activity of proteases from...

The objective of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the colonization and destruction of ants of the genus Camponotus sp. by the ovicidal fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia (VC4 isolate), in the southeast region of Brazil. The insects used in the experiment were worker ants of the genus Camponotus sp., collected periodically in the environment and im...

The multi-enzyme complex (crude extract) of white rot fungi Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, Trametes versicolor, Pycnosporus sanguineus and Phanerochaete chrysosporium were characterized, evaluated in the hydrolysis of pretreated pulps of sorghum straw and compared efficiency with commercial enzyme. Most fungi complexes had better hydrolysi...

Knowledge of nematophagous fungi has increased dramatically over recent years, particularly with the advancement of molecular biology and omics sciences. However, most of this knowledge is restricted to the three traditional groups of nematophagous fungi: predatorial, opportunistic or ovicidal and endoparasitic. The present study supported the prop...

The objective of this study was to purify, characterize, and phylogenetically and structurally analyze the dextranase produced by the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia. Dextranase produced by the fungus P. chlamydosporia was purified to homogeneity in two steps, with a yield of 152%, purification factor of 6.84 and specific activity of 358.63 U/mg. It...

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to optimize the dextranase production by fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia (VC4) and evaluate its activity in dextran reduction in sugarcane juice. The effects, over the P. chlamydosporia dextranase production, of different components from the culture medium were analyzed by Plackett-Burman design and central composi...

The objective of this work was to optimize the total cellulase activity of the crude extract cocktails from five white rot fungi produced by solid-state fermentation, by means of the central composite design. The white rot fungi Pleurotus ostreatus PLO 06, Pleurotus eryngii PLE 04, Trametes versicolor TRAM 01, Pycnosporus sanguineus PYC 02 and Phan...

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of tropical infections especially endemic to low-income populations from developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Together, this group of tropical infections is responsible for an estimated value ranging from 500,000 to 1 million deaths per year and is also responsible for a higher global...

The production and consumption of mushrooms has increased, resulting in large amount of residue from cultivation, called spent mushroom compost (SMC). This study aimed the active enzymes recovery from SMC of Hypsizygus marmoreus, Flammulina velutipes, Pleurotus eryngii, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus sp. Results indicated that...

Pleurotus eryngii is one of the most cultivated and consumed mushroom species in North Africa, Europe and Asia. Fungi from Pleurotus genus have demonstrated nematophagous activities, however most of the literature reports are focused on Pleurotus ostreatus. The aim of this work was to evaluate P. eryngii action on Panagrellus sp. and to evaluate th...

The present work aimed to characterize the proteases present in Euphorbia milii latex and to evaluate the nematicidal potential of these enzymes. Results suggest that proteases present in E. milii latex concentrate samples are milin and miliin. Difference (p < 0.01) between larvae number in the different groups was found, with 65.59% and 96.46% Pan...

Nematophagous fungi, such as Monacrosporium thaumasium (NF34), have a high potential to produce enzymatic pool containing protease with nematicidal activity. Thus, the aim of this study was to optimize the conditions that affect this pool production by the fungus M. thaumasium on solid medium and its nematicidal effect on Meloidogyne javanica eggs....

The present study aimed to evaluate the action of Paecilomyces marquandii proteases on Ancylostoma spp L3. White halos in the zymogram confirmed the proteolytic action. Difference (p <0.01) between the number of L3 in the differents groups was found, with 41.4% of reduction of Ancylostoma spp. L3 before 24 hours.

Platynosomum fastosum is a parasite that affects cats, and among these, domestic cats, especially those originating from areas with tropical and subtropical climates. It is the most common liver parasite of domestic cats and is usually located in the bile ducts and gall bladder, but may also be found in the small intestine and pancreas. Infection o...

The biocontrol is proven effective in reducing in vitro and in situ free-living stages of major gastrointestinal helminths, allowing progress in reducing losses by parasitism, maximizing production, and productivity. This study aimed at evaluating the predatory activity of fungal isolates of Duddingtonia flagrans and Clonostachys rosea species and...

The objective of this study was to assess antagonism of nematophagous fungi and species producers metabolites and their effectiveness on Haemonchus contortus infective larvae (L 3 ). Assay A assesses the synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effect on the production of spores of fungal isolates of the species Duddingtonia flagrans , Clonostachys r...

Among the parasites of domestic and wild swine, Ascaris suum stands out; a nematode that can lead to growth retardation and reduction in weight gain due to its action, especially in young animals. The objective of this study was to test the ovicidal action of proteases from Pochonia chlamydosporia (VC4) on A. suum eggs in an assay with Petri dishes...

Background: Gastrointestinal parasitoses have high rates of morbidity and mortality. Each year about 3.5 billion people are affected by these diseases and 65,000 of them die, mostly in developing countries due to lack of basic sanitation, malnutrition, and poor access to medication. Thus, they constitute an important public health problem due to ca...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the infectivity of Toxocara canis eggs after interacting with isolated nematophagous fungi of the species Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001) and Pochonia chlamydosporia (VC4), and test the predatory activity of the isolated AC001 on T. canis second stage larvae after 7 days of interaction. In assay A, 5000 emb...

Nematophagous fungi produce chitinases that may be important in the process of infection of eggs and larvae of nematodes. This study aimed to produce, purify, characterise and test the nematicidal action of extracellular chitinases produced by Monacrosporium thaumasium on Panagrellus redivivus. Mycelia from M. thaumasium were used to inoculate a so...

Several chitinases with nematicidal action of these fungi have been identified in recent years, however, little is known about which nutritional factors from the culture medium are significant for its mass production. The aim of this study was to perform the statistical screening of the components of the culture medium for chitinase production by n...

Productivity within sheep breeding is highly affected by great parasite volumes, especially during lactation and gestation processes. This paper is focused on the evaluation of all main hematological, biochemical, and coproparazitologic changes, besides larval designation found within pastures of Dorper breed sheeps and females through peripartum a...