Cd (II) stress response during the growth of Aspergillus niger B 77.

AIMS

To investigate the relationship between growth, heavy metal ions uptake and participation of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the protection of Aspergillus niger B 77 against cadmium stress.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The stress response of the model fungal strain, under conditions of a wide range of Cd (II) ion concentrations, was investigated by determining the biomass formation, protein biosynthesis, SOD and CAT activities and heavy metal uptake in growing cells. Exposure to heavy metal ions induced an increase in protein content, heavy metal uptake and SOD activity, and a heavy decrease in CAT activity.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained indicated that the tolerance of A. niger to Cd (II) was correlated with the heavy metal uptake, reactive oxygen species generation in the cells and the efficiency of antioxidative defence system.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Evidence is provided for the possibility that oxidative stress plays a major role in the effect of Cd (II) ions on A. niger. These data could offer useful information when creating new strategies and methodological improvements for bioremediation with the participation of fungi.