Aspergillus

Description

A genus containing many types of filamentous black fungi. Aspergillus was first catalogued in 1729 by P. Micheli. Aspergillus niger is a common component in mildew. It grows readily on any damp surface including foodstuffs, walls, leather, and books. Other types of Aspergillus are used to ferment sake and process soybeans. Air-borne aspergillus particles cause aspergillosis in humans.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Aspergillus niger

Resources and Citations

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Aspergillus" [Accessed October 29, 2002].

• American Leather Chemists Association glossary

• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspergillus (Accessed Mar. 20, 2006)