Biology subjects

Lo, P.-H.

Publications and source records attributed to Lo, P.-H..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Versatile entomopathogenic activity of Purpureocillium takamizusanense against diverse agricultural pests

Purpureocillium takamizusanense is an emerging entomopathogenic fungus with significant potential for managing diverse agricultural pests sustainably. This study assesses the broad-spectrum pathogenic activity of P. takamizusanense strain TCTeb01, isolated from naturally infected lychee stink bugs (Tessaratoma papillosa) in Taiwan. The fungus was evaluated against three economically critical agricultural pests: the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei), southern yellow thrip (Thrips palmi), and lychee stink bug. Pathogenicity assays revealed effective control against all tested pests, showing strong pathogenic capabilities and a clear concentration-dependent efficacy. The fungus demonstrated rapid infection and significant pest mortality, highlighting its viability as a biological control agent. Comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the fungal strains identity and documented additional morphological features, expanding the known variability within the species. Overall, the findings underscore the versatility and robust pathogenic potential of P. takamizusanense. Its effectiveness against pests from different insect orders makes it a valuable addition to integrated pest management strategies. Given its environmental compatibility and reduced ecological impact compared to chemical pesticides, P. takamizusanense can represent a sustainable alternative for agriculture, contributing positively to pest management practices and ecosystem health.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2023

The vascularised chamber device significantly enhances the survival of transplanted liver organoids

Organoid transplantation has a promising future in the treatment of liver disease, but a major limitation is the lack of guidance on the most appropriate method for transplantation that maximises organoid survival. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived liver progenitor cell organoids were transplanted into four different transplantation sites in a mouse model of liver disease, using five organoid delivery methods. Organoids were transplanted into the vascularised chamber device established in the groin, or into the liver, spleen, and subcutaneous fat. For organoid transplantations into the liver, organoids were delivered either in Matrigel alone, or in Matrigel and a polyurethane scaffold. At 2 weeks post-transplantation, the vascularised chamber had the highest organoid survival, which was 5.1x higher than the site with second highest survival (p=0.0002), being the intra-hepatic scaffold approach. No organoid survival was observed when delivered into the liver without a scaffold, or when injected into the spleen. Very low survival occurred in transplantations into subcutaneous fat. Animals with the vascularised chamber also had the highest levels of human albumin (0.33 {+/-} 0.09 ng/mL). This study provides strong evidence supporting the use of the vascularised chamber for future liver organoid transplantation studies, including its translation into clinical therapy.

bioengineering↗