Isolation Of Endophytic Fungi Research Articles

Bioactive metabolites from endophytes of African club moss- Selaginella kraussiana (Kunze) A. Braun exhibit broad-spectrum pharmaceutical utilities

The search for potent natural compounds from plant and microbial sources is increasing logarithmically to combat various types of health issues of which multidrug-resistant microbes and problems related to oxidative stress are the prime ones. Novel secondary metabolites from endophytes have always been potent alternatives to contemporary antimicrobials and antioxidants. The present study shows that two potent endophytic fungal isolates Ascochyta medicaginicola SK16 and Phomopsis sp. SK5 synthesises non-proteinaceous, thermostable secondary metabolites with broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidative, and cytotoxic activity. Bioassay-guided fractionation revealed that the Ethyl acetate (EA) extract of the cell-free culture extract (CFCE) of SK5 and SK16 constitutes ten and eleven secondary metabolites of which 2,4, -di tert butyl phenol, aziridine- 1,2-amino ethyl, actinobolin, bactobolin, azulene, menthyl acetate, phenol, p-[2-(methylamino)ethyl], and imidazole components were significant. SK16 exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against seventeen pathogens including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and C. albicans with a minimum microbicidal concentration of 100- 400 µg mL−1. These metabolites disrupt the microbial cell membranes causing lethal leakage of biomacromolecules- nucleic acid, protein, and potassium ions. Enzymes involved in the EMP pathway, TCA cycle, and gluconeogenesis were also blocked. Both the biofilm formation and transition of Candida cells from the yeast-to-hyphal form were inhibited. SK5 metabolites are potent radical scavengers with an IC50 of 34.25 ± 0.87 – 195.21 ± 5.73 µg mL−1 against DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and H2O2 free radical generators and significantly increased antioxidant parameters in treated peritoneal macrophage cells of male Wistar rats. Also, SK5 metabolites were cytotoxic against breast (T47D), pancreatic (MIA Paca-2), lung (A549) and colon (HCT-116) cancer cells. The present findings suggest that metabolites from endophytes of African club moss hold potent pharmaceutical utilities.

Antifungal activity of bio-active cell-free culture extracts and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) synthesised by endophytic fungal isolates of Garden Nasturtium

Antimicrobial resistance in fungal pathogens (both human and plant) is increasing alarmingly, leading to massive economic crises. The existing anti-fungal agents are becoming ineffective, and the situation worsens on a logarithmic scale. Novel antifungals from unique natural sources are highly sought to cope sustainably with the situation. Metabolites from endophytic microbes are the best-fitted alternatives in this case. Endophytes are the untapped sources of ‘plants’ internal microbial population’ and are promising sources of effective bio-therapeutic agents. Fungal endophytes were isolated from Tropaeolum majus and checked for antifungal activity against selected plant and human pathogens. Bioactive metabolites were identified through chromatographic techniques. The mode of action of those metabolites was evaluated through various spectroscopic techniques. The production of antifungal metabolite was optimized also. In particular VOCs (volatile organic compounds) of TML9 were tested in vitro for their anti-phytopathogenic activity. Ethyl acetate (EA) extract of cell-free culture components of Colletotrichum aenigma TML3 exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity against four species of Candida and the major constituents reported were 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one, 2-Nonanone, 1 propanol 2-amino. The volatile metabolites, trans-ocimene, geraniol, and 4-terpinyl acetate, produced from Curvularia lunata TML9, inhibited the growth of some selected phyto pathogens. EA extract hampered the biofilm formation, minimised the haemolytic effect, and blocked the transformation of Candida albicans (MTCC 4748) from yeast to hyphal form with a Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of 200–600 µg mL−1. Central carbohydrate metabolism, ergosterol synthesis, and membrane permeability were adversely affected and caused the lethal leakage of necessary macromolecules of C. albicans. Volatile metabolites inhibited the growth of phytopathogens i.e., Rhizoctonia solani, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Cercospora beticola, Penicillium digitatum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Ceratocystis ulmi, Pythium ultimum up to 89% with an IC50 value of 21.3–69.6 µL 50 mL−1 and caused leakage of soluble proteins and other intracellular molecules. Citrusy sweet odor volatiles of TML9 cultured in wheat-husk minimised the infections of Penicillium digitatum (green mold), in VOC-exposed sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). Volatile and non-volatile antifungal metabolites of these two T. majus endophytes hold agricultural and pharmaceutical interests. Metabolites of TML3 have strong anti-Candida activity and require further assessment for therapeutic applications. Also, volatile metabolites of TML9 can be further studied as a source of antifungals. The present investigational outcomes bio-prospects the efficacy of fungal endophytes of Garden Nasturtium.

Isolation of endophytic fungi from wild rice species for disease management and growth promotion in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.)

ABSTRACT The focus of plant health management is shifting from synthetic chemicals to bio-agents, and endophytes are beneficial for this purpose. In the present study, we isolated eleven endophytic fungi from seven wild rice species. Independent treatment of endophytic fungi in rice showed significant improvements in plant growth, higher tillering and percent fertility, panicle number/hill and filled grain number in endophyte-inoculated plants compared to control plants. Growth promotion activities of two endophytes Curvularia lunata (NRRI EF-11) and Hypocreals sp. (NRRI EF-8) were recorded with increased rice yield. These isolates also exhibited higher plant growth promoting chemicals namely, Indole acetic acid (IAA) and Inorganic phosphate (IP) which was realised into better growth promotion in rice. The biocontrol efficacy of endophytic fungi was highest in NRRI EF-11among all isolates as indicated by inhibition of radial growth of pathogens by 76.98–77.06% and in NRRI EF-8 by 74.81–76.61%, which is due to higher production of prussic acid. Defense induction was confirmed by analyzing the expression of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) defense enzymes, where expression of CAT, POD and SOD increased by 19.44–25.86, 2.70–3.16, 11.14–12.95 Units g−1 in treated NRRI EF-11 plants and 18.39–25.84, 2.16–2.94, 10.96–12.62 Units g−1 in treated NRRI EF-8 plants, respectively. These two endophytes have the potentiality to manage crop health in a sustainable way.

Evaluation of antioxidant potential of crude extract of metabolites from endophytic fungi isolated from <i>Annona senegalensis</i> Pers

Degenerative diseases resulting from free radicals can be prevented through the use of natural antioxidants. This study aimed to assess the free radical scavenging potential of the underexplored endophytic fungal metabolites from Annona senegalensis Pers (wild custard apple). Freshly collected root, midrib, and leaf tissues were planted on malt extract agar following surface sterilization with 70% ethanol for 3 minutes, washed twice with distilled water, immersed in a sodium hypochlorite solution (4%) for 5 minutes, and subsequently rinsed with sterile water. Seven endophytic fungi were isolated, and the antioxidant activity of their metabolites was evaluated using the 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging method, with ascorbic acid serving as a reference antioxidant. The crude extract from the seven endophytic fungal isolates demonstrated concentration- dependent antioxidant activities. LB2 exhibited a strong antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 38.15 μg/ml. Extracts from RT1 and LB1 showed antioxidant activities, with the highest inhibition of 60% and 65%, respectively, observed at a concentration of 1000 μg/ml. This was compared favorably to ascorbic acid, which exhibited 94% inhibition. This indicates that the crude extract from endophytic fungi isolated from A. senegalensis possesses free radical scavenging properties. Further purification and elucidation of the crude extract will reveal the bioactive compounds responsible for the antioxidant activities.

Endophytic entomopathogenic fungi isolates as growth promoters of the grass Urochloa brizantha

This study evaluated the growth-promoting action of 16 isolates of the entomopathogenic fungal genus Metarhizium spp., representing 14 from the native pastures and two commercial isolates, on the forage grass Urochloa brizantha, via drench application to seeds. Multivariate analysis of plant height, length of the longest leaf and root, and dry and fresh weight of leaves and roots indicated the most promising isolates, five from native pastures (CEPAF_ENT25, CEPAF_ENT26, CEPAF_ENT27, CEPAF_ENT42, and CEPAF_ENT59) and one commercial (IBCB 425), all isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae. Except for isolate CEPAF_ENT59, there was a positive correlation between growth parameters of U. brizantha with the contents of chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids and with the contents of N, P, and Zn in the leaves. Endophytic colonization tests indicated the presence of Metarhizium spp. in all plant parts, most frequently in the stems. Furthermore, the selected isolates of Metarhizium spp. were recovered from the cultivation substrate and positively affected the germination and initial growth of U. brizantha. Thus, the most promising isolates have potential for application to seeds of U. brizantha.

Endophytic fungal isolates from apple tissue: latent pathogens lurking within?

Endophytic fungal isolates from apple tissue: latent pathogens lurking within?

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Brown Algae for Inhibiting Escherichia coli ESBL

Background: The marine environment is the main source of research on natural products in the future. In addition, marine microorganisms have been identified as a natural source capable of developing new antibiotic compounds, including controlling urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli ESBL. Purpose: This study aims to isolate, select, and test the potential of brown macroalgae endophytic fungi (Phaeophyceae) collected from the coastal waters of Sanur, Bali Province. Methods: Three types of brown algae were collected from Sanur Beach and their endophytic fungi were isolated using PDA media. Antibacterial activity was determined by measuring the inhibition zone and determining the inhibition category. The selected isolates were cultured and the phytochemical profile was determined qualitatively. In addition, molecular identification using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) primer set and comparison with the GenBank (NCBI) database were carried out in this study. Results: The results showed that 10 isolates were successfully isolated from three types of brown macroalgae. It was found that isolates T1, S1, and P3 had the highest inhibition in the very strong category. There were variations in mycelial weight, pH value, and inhibition shown by the culture filtrate of the three endophytic fungal isolates against Escherichia coli ESBL. Isolate S1 had the highest phytochemical profile, namely alkaloids, triterpenoids, saponins, and phenolics. The three endophytic fungal isolates showed isolate T1 (Phlebiopsis magnicystidiata) (MT5617191), isolate P3 (Neurospora crassa strain RT3M) (MT1028551), and isolate S1 (Peniophora sp.) (MH2680421). Conclusion: The results of this study provide initial information regarding the potential of bioprospecting brown macroalgal endophytic fungi as a source of new antibiotics against Escherichia coli ESBL.

Endophytic fungi of Panax sokpayensis produce bioactive ginsenoside Compound K in flask fermentation

Endophytes of Panax have the potential to produce their host plant secondary metabolites, ginsenosides. Panax sokpayensis, an endemic traditional medicinal plant of the Sikkim Himalayas was explored for the isolation of endophytic fungi. In the present study, we have isolated 35 endophytic fungal cultures from the rhizome of P. sokpayensis and screened for ginsenosides production by HPLC by comparing the peak retention time with that of standard ginsenosides. The HPLC analysis revealed that out of 35 isolates, the mycelial extracts of four fungal endophytes (PSRF52, PSRF53, PSRF49 and PSRF58) exhibited peaks with a similar retention time of the standard ginsenoside, Compound K (CK). LC–ESI–MS/MS analysis led to the confirmation of ginsenoside CK production by the four fungal endophytes which showed a compound with m/z 639.6278, similar to that of standard ginsenoside CK with yield in potato dextrose broth flask fermentation ranging from 0.0019 to 0.0386 mg/g of mycelial mass in dry weight basis. The four prospective fungal endophyte isolates were identified as Thermothielavioides terrestris PSRF52, Aspergillus sp. PSRF49, Rutstroemiaceae sp. strain PSRF53, and Phaeosphaeriaceae sp. strain PSRF58 based on ITS sequencing. The present finding highlights the need for further study on growth optimization and other culture parameters to exploit the endophytes as an alternative source for ginsenoside CK production.

Isolation and identification of Podospora flexuosa (syn. Cladorrhinum flexuosum), a potential biocontrol agent detected in sugar beet cultivation areas in Türkiye

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is widely cultivated in Konya province of Türkiye and about one third of Türkiye’s sugar beet production is obtained from this province. As a result of the isolations made from plants showing severe root rot and desiccation symptoms in sugar beet fields in the region in 2015-2017, a new endophytic fungal isolate was obtained from leaves along with soil and foliar disease agents belonging to different fungal species. The fungal isolate has dull yellow, light olive to light brown, fast growing colony-like, flexible conidiophores and septate branched hyphae. The representative fungal isolate did not cause disease symptoms on host plant leaves. Molecular identification of the fungal isolate was carried out using primers specific to the ITS gene region, and it was identified as Podospora flexuosa (syn. Cladorrhinum flexuosum) based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Since P. flexuosa is reported to be a biological control agent living as a saprophyte in soil and plant materials, it is thought that the fungal isolate obtained in our study can be used as a potential biocontrol agent in the biological control of plant disease agents in the future. To the best of our knowledge, this fungal species is reported for the first time for Türkiye.

Antibacterial Activity of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Bidara Roots (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) Against Bacteria That Cause Skin Infections Using TLC-Bioutography

One common disease found in tropical countries is skin infection. Inappropriate use of antibiotics to treat skin infections can lead to bacterial resistance, making it necessary to explore the source of bioactive compounds in natural materials. The Bidara plant (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) is known to have antibacterial properties. This research aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of endophytic fungal isolated from the parts of the Bidara plant against bacteria that cause skin infections using the TLC-Bioautography method. In this research, the isolate with the code IFAZ-6 was purified to obtain a pure endophytic fungal isolate, and macroscopic and microscopic examinations were conducted on that isolate. The obtained isolate was fermented for 21 days at room temperature using MYB (Maltose Yeast Broth) medium. The fermentation products were extracted using ethyl acetate (1:1). The obtained extract was further tested using TLC with a chloroform: methanol eluent (7:1). The TLC-Bioautography results showed Rf values of 0.81 and 0.58 indicating antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. The identification of chemical components in the endophytic fungal isolate from the Bidara plant confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and anthraquinones. The extract from the endophytic fungal isolate with the code IFAZ-6 indicated antibacterial activity.

Antibacterial Activity of Endophyte Fungi from Moringa Leaves (Moringa oleifera) in Gastrointestinal Infection

Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) have potential as an antibacterial because they contain tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, where these compounds can damage bacterial cell membranes. This study aims to determine the isolates of leaf endophytic fungi (Moringa oleifera) which have antibacterial activity against digestive tract infection bacteria using the agar diffusion method. The results of the isolation of the endophytic fungi of Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) obtained 6 isolates which were continued with purification and macroscopic examination. The pure isolates obtained were subjected to screening tests on the test bacteria. The isolate with the IFDK-05 code as the most active isolate, were then fermented. The fermented products were then filtered to separate the supernatant and mycelia. This supernatant was then tested for antibacterial activity using agar diffusion. The results of testing the antibacterial activity of moringa leaf endophytic fungi isolate using the diffusion method in order to obtain the diameter of the inhibition zone for Escherichia coli bacteria (9,01 mm), Salmonella thypi (10,70 mm), Shigella disentryae (9,13 mm), and Vibrio cholerae (-10,95mm). Based on the results of this study, isolates of endophytic fungi of Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) have antibacterial activity

Isolation Of Endophytic Fungi From Aloe Vera Against Bacteria That Cause Digestive Tract Infections By TLC-Bioautography And Agar Diffusion

The Aloe vera plant, also known as the Lidah buaya plant, has antibacterial properties due to its secondary metabolites, which include alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. In this study, endophytic fungi from Lidah Buaya (Aloe vera) were isolated against bacteria that cause gastrointestinal tract infections using TLC-Bioautography and Agar Diffusion. In this study, 7 isolates of endophytic fungi were obtained, one of which was IFLB 1 which had potential as an antibacterial, purification of the endophytic fungi was carried out and then macroscopic examination was carried out on the fungi to see the colonies formed. After that, a screening test was carried out for isolates of endophytic fungi. Then the isolates that gave the best activity were reproduced and continued with the fermentation process for 14 days. The extraction results were then evaporated to obtain a thick extract and a Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) Identification test was carried out in which the eluent used was chloroform: methanol (5:1). Then continued the TLC-Bioautographic Antibacterial Activity Test on Escherichia coli, Salmonella thypi, Shigella dysentriae and Vibrio cholerae bacteria and obtained 2 active spots with Rf1 = 0.78 and Rf2 = 0.30. While the results of testing the antibacterial activity using the Agar Diffusion method obtained the largest diameter of the inhibition zone at a concentration of 4% for Escherichia coli with an inhibition zone diameter of 15.80 mm, Salmonella thypi with an inhibition zone diameter of 14.90 mm, Shigella dysentriae with an inhibition zone diameter of 13 .85 mm and Vibrio cholerae with an inhibition zone diameter of 14.70 mm

Optimization Time for Antibacterial Production of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Bidara Root (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.)

Research on optimization time for antibacterial production of endophytic fungal isolated from bidara root (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) has been conducted, with the aim of determining the optimum production time for antibacterial compounds. Endophytic fungi are a group of fungi that live within plant tissues without causing harm to their host plants. In this research, the roots of bidara were isolated and purified using PDA media, isolates were followed by screening endophytic fungi isolates against test bacteria. The results of the endophytic fungal isolation from the bidara roots yielded 10 endophytic fungal isolates. The screening test against the test bacteria showed the largest inhibitory zone for IFAZ-6. Subsequently, the growth curve of these isolates was determined through fermentation using MYB media using a shaker speed of 200 rpm at a temperature of 25-28°C for 27 days. Then, mycelia and supernatant were collected on days 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, and 27 with a 48-hour interval. The mycelia were weighed until a constant weight was obtained, while the supernatant was used to test the activity against the test bacteria using MHA media. The growth curve results indicated a stationary phase on day 21. The antibacterial activity test showed that Isolate IFAZ-6 reached optimum activity on day 27 with an inhibitory zone of 12.33 mm against Salmonella thypi.

Antibacterial Activity Test of Endophytic Fungi Extraction Kasumba Turate (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Leaves From Galesong against Digestive Tract Infection

Digestive tract infection is still a significant health problem in Indonesia, it caused by pathogenic bacteria. Kasumba turate (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a medicinal plant that empirically used as measles drug with several compounds such as flavonoids, quinocalcones, polyacetylenes, alkaloids, fatty acids, steroids, proteins and polysaccharides and kasumba turate (Carthamus tinctorius L.) leaves are believed to have antimicrobial activity against several microbes pathogens such as E.coli and S.aureus. This research was conducted to determine endophytic fungi isolates from kasumba turate (Carthamus tinctorius L.) leaves that can provide activity against bacteria that cause digestive tract infections seen from the bioautography profile determination. Three endophytic fungi isolated from kasumba turate (Carthamus tinctorius L.) leaves were purified and observe macroscopically. After purification an antibacterial screening test was conducted by observing the inhibition zone of each isolate; the isolate with largest inhibition zone is IFEDKT-03. Isolates were fermented for 21 days, mycelia and supernatant were separated, and extraction was performed. The endophytic fungi extract of kasumba turate (Chartamus tinctorius L.) leaves has antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, and Vibrio cholera as indicated by Rf values of 0.23, 0.41, 0.49, 0.56, 0.70 and 0.76

Isolation and Identification Endophyte Fungi from Daun Nona Makan Sirih (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) as Antibacteril Against Bacteria Causing Skin Infection Using TLC-Bioautography

Nona makan sirih (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) contains secondary metabolites that have the potential as antibacterials. The TLC-Bioautography method will determine the antibacterial activity and chemical components of endophytic fungal isolates of nona makan sirih. This research involved the isolation of endophytic fungi from leaves of nona makan sirih using PDAC media, followed by purification and macroscopic and microscopic tests. In addition, a screening test its effect againts pathogenic bacteria. The chosen isolates were fermented for 21 days. Then supernatant and mycelia were seperated. The supernatant was extracted by dissolving ethyl acetate using the liquid-liquid ectraction method. Then extract obtained was processed by TLC with the mobile phase of chloroform:methanol (8:1) and TLC-Bioautography was carried out on bacterial tests and chemical components. The results of isolation and purification obtained as many as 13 isolates. Screening test results with IFDNMS codes 6, 8 and 11 showed activity against the test bacteria. TLC-Bioautography result isolate 6 obtained 5 spots with an Rf value of 0.89; 0.65; 0.45; 0.23; 0.05 was active against all test bacteria. Isolate 8 obtained 5 spots with an Rf value of 0.89; 0.65; 0.05 was active against all tested bacteria, while 0.45 was active against P.acnes, S.aureus, and S.epidermidis bacteria and 0.23 against S.aureus bacteria. Isolate 11 obtained 5 spots with an Rf value of 0.89; 0.61; 0.45; 0.23; 0.05 against all test bacteria. The findings indicate that flavonoids and phenolics are chemical components with antibacterial activity.

Antibacterial Activity of Endophytic Fungi from Bidara Roots Against Bacteria that Cause Skin Infections

Endophytic fungi are fungi that grow and colonize plant tissues and are capable of producing bioactive compounds similar to those produced by their host. This study aims to determine the concentration of endophytic fungal isolates from Bidara roots (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam) that have antibacterial activity against bacteria that cause skin infections using the agar diffusion method. The research method begins with the rejuvenation of IFAZ-6 isolates, and microscopic and macroscopic observations are carried out. The isolates were fermented using Maltose Yeast Broth medium at 200 rpm for 21 days. The fermentate was extracted with an ethyl acetate solvent to obtain a thick extract. The tests carried out were minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibacterial activity tests carried out using the agar diffusion method. The results of the antibacterial activity test showed that the IFAZ-6 isolate extract at a concentration of 800 ppm showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Propionibacterium acnes. The statistical analysis results showed that the extract of isolate IFAZ-6 against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis at concentrations of 800-1600 ppm and 1600–3200 ppm exhibited the same antibacterial activity. The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed the same antibacterial activity at all tested concentrations, and the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes at concentrations of 1600–3200 ppm also exhibited the same antibacterial activity.

Antioxidant and cytotoxicity evaluation of the Endophytic Fungus, Fusarium equiseti, isolated from the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum

Antioxidants serve as defense mechanisms which protects against oxidative damage through preventing or retarding oxidation caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules with an odd number of electrons generated from oxygen capable of damaging various cellular structures. Endophytes have shown capacity to create beneficial biologically active molecules with a wide range of pharmacological properties usually identical to those of the host plant. Their feature has continued to gain fame due to their ability to produce metabolites within the host system without causing harm to the host while sequestering reactive oxygen species within the host systems. Endophytic fungal isolation, fungal fermentation, extraction of secondary metabolites, antioxidant and cytotoxicity studies were carried out using standard laboratory methods. Therefore, this study evaluated the antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity of fusarium equiseti previously isolated from Ocimum gratissimum. The findings revealed that the crude extract of an endophyte associated with O. gratissimum called F. equiseti produced substances that have strong antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. The antioxidant and cytotoxic potential were due to presence of compounds previously reported for cytotoxic activity, such as Enniatins and Sarasinoside H1 and while the antioxidant activity was due to presence of Orientin a compound known to have shown antioxidant property. Therefore, this endophyte may serve as a source of new substances with potential for use in pharmaceutical applications for diseases associated with reactive oxygen species.

Isolation and characterization of dematiaceous endophytic fungi isolated from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) roots and their potential use as phosphate solubilizers

Phosphorus is an element with limited availability in the soil. For this reason, to supply phosphorus to crops, farmers depend on chemical fertilization, which affects the production costs and the environmental quality of the soil and water. However, this situation can be mitigated by using phosphorus-solubilizing fungi. Therefore, the objectives of this work were to identify seven dematiaceous endophytic fungi (Dark Septate Endophytes (DSE) and non-DSE), isolated from roots of a commercial barley crop, and to evaluate their characteristics and behavior in vitro regarding parameters that allow their description and potential use to make fertilizer use more efficient and thus reduce the amount of fertilizer required. The growth rate of each strain at different temperatures and pH values, and their ability to solubilize iron (FePO4), aluminum (AlPO4) and calcium (Ca3(PO4)2) phosphates were evaluated. The fungal isolates belonged to four orders: Pleosporales, Xylariales, Hypocreales and Chaetothyriales. The strains had their highest growth rate between 16°C and 30°C, and a great diversity of responses to the different pH values evaluated. Furthermore, all strains showed ability to solubilize Ca3(PO4)2, two to solubilize AlPO4, and one to solubilize FePO4. The diversity observed among the fungal isolates in terms of their response to pH, temperature, and media containing different insoluble phosphates suggests their adaptability to a wide range of environments, and makes them suitable for further studies aimed to determine their potentiality as biofertilizers.

Exploitation of Selected Fungal Endophytes of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees for the Production and Optimisation of Tannase and Screening for their Associated Hydrolysing Enzymes; Amylase, Protease, Lipase, and Laccase

Endophytes represent a diverse domain of microorganisms with immense biotechnological potentialities. Metabolites from endophytes, especially fungi, are useful in industrial as well as pharmaceutical aspects. Here, endophytic fungal isolates of Andrographis paniculata collected from the Tapobon, Junglemahal region of West Bengal, India, have been studied for their hydrolyzing enzyme production abilities. Out of eighty-one isolates, twenty-one were positive for amylase, protease, lipase, laccase, and tannase action. Microscopic features of positive isolates revealed that the enzyme producers were Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., Trichoderma sp., Exerohilum sp., Nigrospora sp., Curvularia sp., Cladosporium sp., Cochliobolus sp., Tricothecium sp., Penicillium sp., Verticillium sp., and Cephalosporium sp. The amylolytic activity was remarkable in the case of endophytic Aspergillus sp. and Fusarium sp. Also, Aspergillus sp. and Alternaria sp. had proteolytic activity. Aspergillus sp., Mycelia sterilia-2, and Trichoderma sp. were potent lipase producers. Along with Exerohilum sp. endophytic Aspergillus sp. had positive laccase activity. The tannic acid degrading activity was highest for Aspergillus sp. APL11 followed by Helicosporium sp. and Fusarium sp. Tannase producing ability of Aspergillus sp. was optimized and an incubation time- 96h, incubation temperature- 29°C, initial medium pH- 6.5, carbon source- glucose, and nitrogen source- NaNO3 exhibited a two-fold scale-up of (2.83±0.05 u mL-1) in tannase action. These enzymes offer eco-friendly and efficient solutions across a wide range of industrial processes including food production, textile processing, and pharmaceutical synthesis. Fungal endophytes of medicinal plants act as an alternative source for hydrolysing enzymes.

Isolation of Endophytic Fungi from Adhatoda vasica and Assessing its Antibacterial Efficacy and Cytotoxic Impact on the A549 Cancer Cells

The current study investigated the anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties of endophytic fungi obtained from medicinal plant Adhatoda vasica. We isolated and identified the endophytic fungi Humicola fuscoatra. by examining their morphological characteristics and microscopic structures. We then extracted their secondary metabolites using ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extracts of the fungus H. fuscoatra have shown promising effectiveness against human pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. A strain of H. fuscoatra exhibited significant antibacterial activity. In addition, we have assessed the effects of ethyl acetate extracts from the fungus H. fuscoatra on the growth of the human lung cancer cell line A549 in vitro assays. Using ethyl acetate extracts from the fungus H. fuscoatra effectively suppressed the growth, survival, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. In this paper we studied in detail the identification of isolated endophytic fungi H. fuscoatra from Adhatoda vasica and characterized its active metabolite compounds. The ethyl acetate-extracted secondary metabolites from the fungal culture supernatant were analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, which detected the presence of Hexadecanoic Acid, Hexadecane, Heptadecane, Octadecane, Octadecanoic acid, phytochemicals. The results suggest that the endophytic fungus H. fuscoatra found in medicinal plants has the potential to produce bioactive compounds. They could also be used as a biocontrol agent against bacterial pathogens and for therapeutic purposes in the A549 lung cancer cell line.