Author(s):
Fakhira Bashir*, Mawra Kokab, Saba Akhtar, Qasim Raza
Corresponding Author: fakhirabashir10@gmail.com

Abstract:

The rise in industrial and environmental applications of microbial enzymes has brought renewed attention to the dual potential and peril posed by fungal species like Aspergillus niger. This study investigates the bioremediation efficacy of lipase enzymes derived from A. niger and critically examines the clinical overlap and associated risks of utilizing such fungal biocatalysts. While A. niger lipases have demonstrated significant potential in degrading fats, oils, and synthetic pollutants, their pathogenicity in immunocompromised individuals and presence in food chains have raised safety concerns. Utilizing recent literature, this paper explores how lipase production can be optimized under controlled fermentation, how the enzymes function in waste degradation, and how fungal remnants or spores may pose biohazards during industrial use. The findings reveal that while A. niger lipases offer high catalytic efficiency, their deployment without rigorous purification or containment measures may lead to unintended consequences, including allergenic responses or opportunistic infections. Several risk assessments, including those by EFSA and FSANZ, underscore the importance of evaluating genetically modified strains of A. niger for safe industrial use. This research contributes to the growing discourse on microbial biotechnology by emphasizing the need for biosafety protocols, genetic screening of production strains, and public health oversight. The paper concludes that the beneficial applications of A. niger lipases must be balanced with stringent regulatory frameworks to mitigate clinical risks, particularly in settings involving open bioremediation or food production.

Keywords:
Aspergillus niger, lipase, bioremediation, fungal enzymes, clinical risk, biosafety, industrial biotechnology, pathogenicity, microbial fermentation, enzyme purification

Acceptance Date:
April 21, 2025

Copyright (c) 2025 Fakhira Bashir, Mawra Kokab, Saba Akhtar, Qasim Raza. Published by Falcons Journal of Advanced Research (FJAR).

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) .