Raman Microspectroscopy Imaging Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles Biogenesis by Filamentous Fungus Penicilium chrysogenum.

The mechanism of production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their molecular contents are of great interest due to their diverse roles in biological systems and are far from being completely understood. Even though cellular cargo releases mediated by EVs have been demonstrated in several cases, their role in secondary metabolite production and release remains elusive. In this study, this aspect is investigated in detail using Raman microspectroscopic imaging. Considerable evidence is provided to suggest that the release of antibiotic penicillin by the filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum involves EVs. Further, the study also reveals morphological modifications of the fungal body during biogenesis, changes in cell composition at the locus of biogenesis, and major molecular contents of the released EVs. The results suggest a possible general role of EVs in the release of antibiotics from the producing organisms.