Aswath Karai
Chemistry
Research Topic: Unveiling the Aspergillus Cell Wall Polysaccharides through Solid-state NMR Spectroscopy
Research Poster Located in the Neighborhood Engagement Centers
Research Summary:
Aswath's research focused on determining the polysaccharide composition of the cell walls in two fungal species, *Aspergillus fumigatus* and *Aspergillus nidulans*, using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. By cultivating both species under identical conditions and analyzing them with advanced labeling techniques, the study uncovered differences in their cell wall structures. *A. fumigatus* was found to contain α-1,3-glucan, while *A. nidulans* had a higher proportion of galactosaminogalactan (GAG). These variations provide valuable insights into why these fungi differ in their pathogenicity.
