Significant Antifungal Potential Research Articles

Inshights on antifungal potential of Bryum Argenteum in association with therapeutical clay smectite and silver nanoparticles

This work presents the development of a novel antifungal ternary approach that is eco-friendly, biocompatible, and cost-effective. It consists of Bryum argenteum extract, silver nanoparticles, and healing clay smectite. The research focuses on the green production of silver nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Bryum argenteum as a stabilizing and reducing agent, as well as the synthesis of clay dispersion and plant extract. The silver nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, SEM, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and XRD. Using a standard phytochemical screening procedure, the aqueous, ethanolic, and acetonic extracts of Bryum argenteum were subjected to phytochemical screening. Silver nanoparticles and plant extract were evaluated for their antioxidant properties using DPPH scavenging activity at 517 nm. Using the agar well diffusion method, a number of investigations have been conducted on the antifungal potential of the proposed innovative ternary approach against Rhizopus oryzae (R. oryzae) and Aspergillus Niger (A. Niger). The color shift validated the silver nanoparticle generation, and the maximum absorbance at 432.11 nm was observed employing UV–Vis spectroscopy. Several functional groups responsible for the synthesis of AgNPs were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The particles are spherical in shape, with the range of 10 nm to 50 nm in size. Both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Bryum argenteum contain sterols, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids. AgNPs have stronger antioxidant activity in comparison to the aqueous extract of Bryum argenteum. Out of all the individual components, AgNPs demonstrated the strongest antifungal activity, with clay and plant extract coming in second and third, respectively. Additionally, their binary composition exhibits a synergistic effect with each combination. However, the ternary combination consisting of smectite clay, Bryum argenteum mediated silver nanoparticles, and Bryum argenteum extract showed exceptional antifungal efficiency against the mentioned fungus species. In respect to the zone of inhibition, the maximal antifungal activity was correlated with concentration and pH. ConclusionIt is concluded here that the proposed ternary system has significant antifungal potential. Future technological and medicinal studies will find this new ternary system to be an invaluable tool.

Nauclea latifolia Stem Bark Extracts: Potentially Effective Source of Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds

The stem bark of African peach (Nauclea latifolia) plant is used as traditional remedy for diabetes and inflammatory diseases, however, authenticated information on this use is scare. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to investigate the traditional folklore of the trado-medical remedy of the stem bark of African peach (Nauclea latifolia) plant for diabetes and inflammatory diseases using appropriate standard methods. Qualitative phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of saponins, alkaloids alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarin, steroids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, glycosides, quinones, anthocyanin, anthraquinone, and phenol in the extracts. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest quantities of phenolics (19.69±0.12 mgGAE/g), flavonoids (46.84±0.12 mgQE/g), alkaloids (8.76±0.10 mg/g), tannins (7.25±0.10 mgTAE/g), and saponins (4.53±0.13 mg/g). Both ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts showed potent antibacterial and significant antifungal potential against the chosen pathogenic species. The ethyl acetate extract showed superior antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities compared to the ethanol extract. However, the ethanol extract outperformed in terms of anti-inflammatory efficacy, although still below standard Ibuprofen. This study propounds that N. latifolia stem bark is an attainable diabetic medication due to its interactions with enzymes, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory capabilities and its potential for isolating medicinal compounds.

Effect of green synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles on fungal disease of wheat plants: A field study

Recently, there has been considerable attention towards the production of environmentally friendly nanoparticles (NPs). In this investigation, the successful synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) was achieved by employing an eco-friendly technique that utilized an extract from the leaves of local plant quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.). The synthesized CeO2 NPs were subjected to characterization using state-of-the-art methods. The prepared CeO2 NPs contained a round shape with clusters and have a size of 7–10 nm. To assess how effective CeO2 NPs derived from C. quinoa were against Ustilago tritici, a fungal disease that negatively affects wheat crop globally, a study was performed on two varieties of wheat crop comprised of Arooj (V1) and Akber (V2), cultivated under field conditions. CeO2 NPs were applied foliarly twice to the wheat crop at four different concentrations: T0 (0 mg/L), T1 (50 mg/L), T2 (75 mg/L), and T3 (100 mg/L). The results revealed that the control group (T0) exhibited the highest disease severity index (DSI) with a value of 75% compared to the other concentrations of CeO2 NPs on both varieties. At a concentration of 100 mg/L of CeO2 NPs, the DSI dropped to a minimum of 35% and 37% on both V1 and V2 respectively. These findings indicated that an increase in the concentration of CeO2 NPs has a beneficial impact on disease severity. Similar patterns have also been observed with disease incidence (DI), with the greatest efficacy observed at a concentration of 100 mg/L of CeO2 NPs. Our investigation has shown that CeO2 NPs exhibitd significant antifungal potential against U. tritici which may be a promising strategy to mitigate fungal disease and crop losses globally.

Synthesis, Anti-Fungal Potency and In silico Studies of Novel Steroidal 1,4-Dihydropyridines.

Working principle of azoles as antifungals is the inhibition of fungal CYP51/lanosterol-14α-demethylase via selective coordination with heme iron. This interaction can also cause side effects by binding to host lanosterol-14α-demethylase. Hence, it is necessary to design, synthesize and test new antifungal agents that have different structures than those of azoles and other antifungal drugs of choice in clinical practice. Consequently, a series of steroidal 1,4-dihydropyridine analogs 16-21 were synthesized and screened for their in vitro anti-fungal activity against three Candida species as steroids-based medications have low toxicity, less vulnerability to multi-drug resistance, and high bioavailability by being capable of penetrating the cell wall and binding to specific receptors. Initially, Claisen-Schmidt condensation takes place between steroidal ketone (dehydroepiandrosterone) and an aromatic aldehyde forming steroidal benzylidene 8-13 followed by Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridine synthesis resulting in steroidal 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives 16-21. The results exhibited that compound 17 has significant anti-fungal potential with an MIC value of 750 μg/ml for C. albicans and C. glabrata and 800 μg/ml for C. tropicalis. In silico molecular docking and ADMET studies were also performed for compounds 16-21.

In Vitro Potent Anticancer, Antifungal, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Genotypes

Walnuts are one of the healthiest foods in the world because they are one of the best sources of beneficial nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants. They also contain key sources of energy. Despite several traditional uses, the leaves of Juglans regia L. have received little attention regarding phytochemical and pharmacological potential. Thus, the current study intended to find the walnut genotypes with the greatest antioxidant, anticancer, and antifungal activity. The total polyphenolic, flavonoid, and flavanol contents of leaves from 14 walnut genotypes were determined. Genotypes that accumulate flavonoid/flavonol contents (99.8–111.93 mg/g quercetin equivalent (QE) and 101.67–111.83 mg/g QE) showed significantly higher ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) activity (128.2–148.1 μM Fe2+/g dry weight (DW)] than other genotypes. Maximum divergence in the quercetin content (0.8–1.23 mg/g) of walnut genotypes was obtained by cluster analysis. The active component, quercetin, was measured using RP-HPLC. Moreover, the extracts were investigated for antifungal and anticancer assays. We report the significant antifungal potential of walnut leaf genotypes against Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis, with 57.7–93.6%, 26.8–51.5%, and 26.8–51.5% inhibition, respectively. The most significant antiproliferative effect was shown by Opex Culchry, which exhibited 9.4% cell viability at a concentration of 25 µL (0.75 mg) against lung (A549) cell lines. Chenovo exhibited 2.9, 6.2, and 2.2% cell viability, Opex Culchry exhibited 2, 1.5, and 2.4% cell viability, and Sulieman showed 7.6, 0.9, and 7% cell viability against the colon (HCT116) cell lines. The results showed that walnut leaves possess enormous potential as antioxidants, and as anticancer and antifungal agents.

Functional characterization of N-acetyl glucosaminidase from Myrothecium verrucaria for bio-control of plant pathogenic fungi and bio-production of N-acetyl glucosamine

As a common structural element of invertebrates and fungi, chitin offers an ideal target for bio-control of agricultural pests as well as production of N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG). Therefore, chitin degrading enzymes have several biotechnological applications. In the present investigation, the bio-control and NAG production potential of Myrothecium verrucaria N-acetyl glucosaminidase (MvNAGase) were studied. Cloning and biochemical characterization of MvNAGase (1743 bp) suggest that it belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase-20 family. Chitooligosaccharides hydrolysis revealed the exo-acting nature of the enzyme with NAG as an end product. rMvNAGase displayed significant antifungal potential towards plant pathogenic fungi: Ustilago maydis, Bipolaris sorokiniana and Fusarium oxysporum. The bioprocess was optimized using an enzymic cocktail of earlier identified and characterized endo-chitinase and rMvNAGase to maximize NAG production from the chitin. Under specific experimental conditions, the chitin conversion was achieved up to 87%. The study propose the possible application of rMvNAGase in bio-control of agricultural pests and biochemical production of NAG from the crude chitin.

Thermo-neutrophilic cellulases and chitinases characterized from a novel putative antifungal biocontrol agent: Bacillus subtilis TD11.

Cellulose and chitin are the most abundant naturally occurring biopolymers synthesized in plants and animals and are used for synthesis of different organic compounds and acids in the industry. Therefore, cellulases and chitinases are important for their multiple uses in industry and biotechnology. Moreover, chitinases have a role in the biological control of phytopathogens. A bacterial strain Bacillus subtilis TD11 was previously isolated and characterized as a putative biocontrol agent owing to its significant antifungal potential. In this study, cellulase and chitinase produced by the strain B. subtilis TD11 were purified and characterized. The activity of the cellulases and chitinases were optimized at different pH (2 to 10) and temperatures (20 to 90°C). The substrate specificity of cellulases was evaluated using different substances including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), and crystalline substrates. The cellulase produced by B. subtilis TD11 had a molecular mass of 45 kDa while that of chitinase was 55 kDa. The optimal activities of the enzymes were found at neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). The optimum temperature for the purified cellulases was in the range of 50 to 70°C while, purified chitinases were optimally active at 50°C. The highest substrate specificity of the purified cellulase was found for CMC (100%) followed by HEC (>50% activity) while no hydrolysis was observed against the crystalline substrates. Moreover, it was observed that the purified chitinase was inhibitory against the fungi containing chitin in their hyphal walls i.e., Rhizoctonia, Colletotrichum, Aspergillus and Fusarium having a dose-effect relationship.

Synthesis of Benzimidazole-1,2,4-triazole Derivatives as Potential Antifungal Agents Targeting 14α-Demethylase.

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are increasing as major infectious diseases around the world, and the limited efficacy of existing medications has resulted in substantial morbidity and death in patients due to the lack of effective antifungal agents and serious drug resistance. In this study, a series of benzimidazole-1,2,4-triazole derivatives (6a-6l) were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HR-MS spectral analysis. All the target compounds were screened for their in vitro antifungal activity against four fungal strains, namely, C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, and C. parapsilopsis. The synthesized compounds exhibited significant antifungal potential, especially against C. glabrata. Three compounds (6b, 6i, and 6j) showed higher antifungal activity with their MIC values (0.97 μg/mL) compared with voriconazole and fluconazole. Molecular docking provided a possible binding mode of compounds 6b, 6i, and 6j in the 14α-demethylase active site. Our studies suggested that the benzimidazole-1,2,4-triazole derivatives can be used as a new fungicidal lead targeting 14α-demethylase for further structural optimization. In addition, their effects on the L929 cell line were also investigated to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of the compounds. SEM analyses were performed to examine the effects of compounds 6a, 6i, and 6j on C. glabrata cells under in vivo experimental conditions.

Chemical composition and biological properties of Cotula cinerea essential oil from Sahara of Algeria

The work focuses on the valorization of the plant Cotula cinerea Del., which grows spontaneously in Algeria. It is collected from two stations in the province of El Oued, to assess the chemical composition of essential oils, from two different zones whereas Beni Guecha is a reg unlike Sidi Aoun is a sandy area characterized by the presence of dunes, and to test biological activities. Oil analysis by CG/MS enabled the identification of 28 terpene components representing 96.94% ± 2.35 of the total oil. The analyzed samples differ significantly in their chemical composition. Dominated by high levels of oxygenated monoterpenes (78% and 41%), the oils are rich in 1.8-cineole, camphor, trans-thujone, cis-chrysanthenol and terpinen-4-ol. Firstly, the antibacterial potential of C. cinerea essential oils showed good inhibition against E. coli ATCC25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 with an inhibitory diameter ranging from (16.70–14.64 mm). In addition, the results of the antioxidant effect of these oils showed that they have moderately weaker antioxidant power than ascorbic acid. On the other hand, these EOs showed significant antifungal potential against the two fungi tested.

Biocontrol potential of mycogenic copper oxide nanoparticles against Alternaria brassicae.

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles using fungal cultures is a promising and novel tool in nano-biotechnology. The potential culture of Trichoderma asperellum (T. asperellum) has been used to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) in the current study. The necrotrophic infection in Brassica species is caused due to a foliar pathogen Alternaria brassicae (A. brassicae). Mycogenic copper oxide nanoparticles (M-CuO NPs) were characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques such as UV–visible spectrophotometry (UV–vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antifungal potential of CuO NPs was studied against A. brassicae. M-CuO NPs exhibited a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 303 nm, and XRD confirmed the crystalline phase of NPs. FTIR spectra confirmed the stretching of amide bonds, and the carbonyl bond indicated the presence of enzymes in T. asperellum filtrate. SEM and TEM confirmed the spherical shape of M-CuO NPs with an average size of 22 nm. Significant antifungal potential of M-CuO NPs was recorded, as it inhibited the growth of A. brassicae up to 92.9% and 80.3% in supplemented media with C-CuO NPs at 200 ppm dose. Mancozeb and propiconazole inhibited the radial growth up to 38.7% and 44.2%. SEM confirmed the morphological changes in hyphae and affected the sporulation pattern. TEM revealed hardly recognizable organelles, abnormal cytoplasmic distribution, and increased vacuolization, and light microscopy confirmed the conidia with reduced diameter and fewer septa after treatment with both types of NPs. Thus, M-CuO NPs served as a promising alternative to fungicides.

Mechanistic Insight of the Antifungal Potential of Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against Alternaria brassicae

Alternaria brassicae is a necrotrophic fungus causes Alternaria blight disease in oilseed mustard crop. There is a 47% loss of the mustard crop due to the Alternaria blight disease. To control this disease, various chemical fungicides have been used till date which are harmful to our environment. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized from Terminalia bellerica have been reported to have significant antifungal potential against A. brassicae at 200 ppm concentration. In the present study, the effect of green synthesized zinc oxide (Tb-ZnO) nanoparticles, chemically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles, and chemical fungicides on A. brassicae has been anticipated by analysing changes in cytomorphology characteristics, biochemical constituent, and stress enzymes of A. brassicae. Cytomorphological studies by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy have shown the complete disintegration of cell wall, cell membrane, and cytoplasmic content at 200 ppm concentration of Tb-ZnO nanoparticles. Decrement in biochemical constituents and changes in activity of stress enzymes in Tb-ZnO nanoparticles treated cell confirm the toxicity of nanoparticles at 200 ppm concentrations. Hence, on the basis of all these results, the mechanism of action of Tb-ZnO nanofungicides on A. brassicae has been hypothesized in the present study. This study confirms how nanoparticles inhibit the growth of A. brassicae and suggested the use of nanofungicides.

Synthesis and characterization of copper-chitosan based nanofungicide and its induced defense responses in Fusarium wilt of banana

In the present study, Copper-chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal potential both in vitro and in vivo studies against Fusarium wilt of banana caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). Cu-ChNPs were synthesized and characterized by Ultraviolet–Visible spectrometric (UV–Vis) studies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, as well as Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The presence of pure Cu-ChNPs was confirmed using XRD analysis. The TEM images revealed the spherical shaped nanoparticles with 50 nm. The Cu-ChNPs have shown significant antifungal potential against Foc which showed 13 ± 2.5, 14 ± 2.1, and 14 ± 2.1 mm mycelial growth inhibition at 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30 mg/mL concentration, respectively. In pot experiments, 0.20 mg/mL concentration of Cu-ChNPs showed more effective in percentage efficacy of disease control (PEDC) in banana plants with the results of 73% against Foc. Further, the effectiveness of Cu-ChNPs in defense enzymes study indicates higher activities against Foc in banana plants and proved the effectiveness of Cu-ChNPs under greenhouse conditions. The overall results confirm the antifungal capabilities of Cu-ChNPs against Fusarium wilt in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Further, synthesized Cu-ChNPs may act as a nanofungicide for the delivery of agrochemicals.

Phytofabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles as a nanofungicide for management of Alternaria blight of Brassica

Plant pathogens resistant to the commercially available fungicides and bactericides even at higher concentrations are the biggest challenge for the farmers to control the losses due to plant diseases. The antibacterial and antifungal potential of nanomaterials makes them a suitable candidate for the control of plant diseases. Thus, the present study reports the phytofabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Np's) using aqueous plant leaf extract of Terminalia bellerica (Baheda). Characterization of ZnO nanoparticles was done by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) studies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The presence of pure hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure of ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed by XRD analysis. The TEM images revealed the spherical to hexagonal shaped ZnO nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 20 to 30nm. The stabilization of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles through the interactions of terpenoids, steroids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and enzymes present in the leaf extract was suggested by FTIR analysis. The mechanism of the formation of ZnO nanoparticles using Terminalia bellerica (Baheda) (Tb-ZnO Np's) as a bioactive compound is proposed. These phytofabricated ZnO nanoparticles (Tb-ZnO Np's) have shown significant antifungal potential against Alternaria brassicae the causal agent of Alternaria blight disease/leaf spot disease in Brassica species. The microscopic results confirm the changes in mycelium morphology and reduction in the number of spore germination at 0.2mg/mL concentration Tb-ZnO Np's.

Synthesis, characterization, DFT calculation, antifungal, antioxidant, CT-DNA/pBR322 DNA interaction and molecular docking studies of heterocyclic analogs

A series of heterocyclic analogs (2a-2l) was synthesized through condensation of 5-(4-aminophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol and substituted aldehydes in ethanol and characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, IR, UV–visible spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Optimization of the structure of heterocyclic analogs 2c, 2h and 2j was done by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In vitro antifungal activity and growth pattern analyses of heterocyclic analogs (2a-2l) were evaluated against the Candida albicans. Results exhibited that analog 2c has significant antifungal potential with MIC value of 200 µg/ml comparable with standard drug fluconazole. In vitro hemolysis assay of the analog 2c showed 7.27% hemolysis at 200 µg/ml concentration indicating its nontoxic nature. The interaction of promising compound 2c with CT-DNA was carried out by UV-visible, fluorescence, Time-Resolved fluorescence spectrophotometry, cyclic voltammetry, circular dichroism and viscosity measurements. The UV-visible spectral analysis signifies the formation of complex between heterocyclic analog 2c and CT-DNA. The binding constant (Kb) and Gibb's free energy (ΔG) for 2c were found to be 6.34 × 105 and -33.1 KJmol−1, respectively. Further from fluorescence spectra, linear Stern–Volmer constant (KSV) for 2c was found to be 1.29 × 105. In silico molecular docking study of analog 2c with PDB: 1BNA confirmed the intercalation mode of binding which were corroborated with in vitro DNA binding results. The interaction study of analog 2c with supercoiled pBR322 plasmid DNA with varying concentration (3–20 mM) was carried out by Agarose gel electrophoresis. Antioxidant activity was also carried out for compounds 2a-2l using DPPH and H2O2 assay.

Phytochemical bioprospecting, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activities of saline extract from Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl) A. Gray leaves

Objective: To evaluate antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of saline extract from Tithonia diversifolia leaves by phytochemical bioprospecting, and investigate its safety against animal cells. Methods: The saline extract was prepared, with NaCl (0.15 M), by constant stirring of the dried and pulverized leaves, followed by volume reduction by lyophilization. The extract was phytochemical characterized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography, and total phenol and flavonoid analysis also was performed. The antioxidant capacity was determined through DPPH· radical, the antimicrobial property was evaluated against standard bacteria and fungi, and the viability assays were performed against mice splenocytes. Results: Fifteen compounds were identified belonging to two main classes terpenoids and phenolics. The extract showed 22.185 mg GAE/g of total phenolic compounds and 3.220 mg QE/g of flavonoid. Moreover, extract showed higher antioxidant ability similar to butylated hydroxytoluene a standard molecule [(3.042±0.019) mg AAE/g and (4.12±0.10) mg AAE/g to saline extract and butylated hydroxytoluene, respectively]. The antimicrobial assays demonstrated that the extract had a significant antifungal potential against Candida species and could be used with safety against mice splenocytes, in concentrations lower than 50 μg/mL, promoting higher proliferation in these cells. Conclusions: Saline extract from Tithonia diversifolia leaves presents potential antioxidant, antifungal properties and induces immunostimulation in mice splenocytes.

Green synthesis of ZnO and Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles from leaf extracts of Abutilon indicum, Clerodendrum infortunatum, Clerodendrum inerme and investigation of their biological and photocatalytic activities

In the present study, green synthesis and determination of the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and photocatalytic properties of the resultant Cu-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (NAPs) were carried out. A superficial method (solution combustion method) was employed for the synthesis of un-doped ZnO NAPs from aqueous extract of Abutilon indicum, and synthesis of Cu-doped ZnO NAPs from aqueous extracts of Clerodendrum infortunatum (M1 NAPs) and Clerodendrum inerme (M2 NAPs). The synthesized un-doped ZnO, M1 and M2 NAPs were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques like Ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial and antifungal activities of M1 and M2 NAPs were determined by agar diffusion method, while their antioxidant properties were assessed through DPPH radical scavenging and ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and assays. Under sunlight irradiation, photocatalytic disintegration potential of M1 and M2 NAPs were determined by the degradation of Acid Black 234 dye. Results from FT-IR, XRD, EDX and SEM confirmed successful synthesis, crystalline nature, and spheroid-to-rod-like shapes of un-doped ZnO, M1 and M2 NAPs, with grain sizes of 16.72nm, 17.49nm and 20.73nm; and band gap energies of 3.37eV, 3.36eV and 3.31eV, respectively. The NAPs were good catalysts for effective degradation of Acid Black 234. They also exhibited remarkable antioxidant and anticancer activities. Significant antibacterial activity was shown by M2 NAPs against E. coli, S. aureus, Klebsiella and B. subtilis, with zones of inhibition (ZOIs) of 13±0.09, 14±0.01, 18±0.07 and 20±0.10, respectively. Significant antifungal potential was also produced by M2 NAPs at 5mg with ZOIs of 17±0.07 and 24±0.08 against A. niger and T. harzianum, respectively. These results indicate that aqueous extracts of A. indicum, C. infortunatum and C. inerme are effective reducing agents for green synthesis of un-doped ZnO, and Cu-doped ZnO NAPs with significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal potential. Thus they are good candidates for future therapeutic applications.

Incorporation of garlic extract as antifungal agent in psyllium based edible coating for mandarin

In present Research work, the mathanolic extract of garlic was incorporated in locally developed Psyllium based edible coating for its application on mandarin. Different concentrations of the extract were used in the coating and quality of the fruit was monitored during storage at room temperature. The results indicated that there was least change (increase) in brix, weight loss, brix/acid ratio, pH and acidity of the fruit during storage studies. The fungal contamination was effectively controlled due to incorporation of garlic extracts at a rate of 6-8%. On the basis of these results it was concluded that the garlic extracts can be used in psyllium based edible coating and it has antifungal significant antifungal potential but at relatively higher concentrations (>6%).

Incorporation of garlic extract as antifungal agent in psyllium based edible coating for mandarin

In present Research work, the mathanolic extract of garlic was incorporated in locally developed Psyllium based edible coating for its application on mandarin. Different concentrations of the extract were used in the coating and quality of the fruit was monitored during storage at room temperature. The results indicated that there was least change (increase) in brix, weight loss, brix/acid ratio, pH and acidity of the fruit during storage studies. The fungal contamination was effectively controlled due to incorporation of garlic extracts at a rate of 6-8%. On the basis of these results it was concluded that the garlic extracts can be used in psyllium based edible coating and it has antifungal significant antifungal potential but at relatively higher concentrations (>6%).

Chemical composition and inhibitory activity of selected essential oils against fungi isolated from medicinal plants

In recent years great attention was paid to biological control, the application of natural products in order to protect crops and medicinal plants against contamination with phytopathogenic and saprophytic fungi. Essential oils have been evaluated as a potentially safe replacement for chemicals used for that purpose. In this regard, antifungal potential of six essential oils was examined coupled with determination of the complete qualitative and quantitative chemical composition by GC-FID and GC-MS analysis. While essential oils of rosemary, sage, Spanish sage and black pepper were exclusively composed of monoterpenes, vetiver essential oil was entirely composed of sesquiterpenes. In essential oil of cinnamon dominates (E)-cinnamaldehyde. Applying the in vitro microdilution method, it was found that all essential oils were active in inhibiting the growth of all tested 21 pre- and post-harvest phytopathogenic and saprophytic fungi. MIC and MFC ranged from 1.2 mg ml-1 up to 22.6 mg ml-1 according to the test oil. Rosemary oil showed the best antifungal potential, followed by black pepper and cinnamon oil. Sage and Spanish sage oils also exhibited significant antifungal potential. Vetiver oil demonstrated the lowest antifungal activity. Essential oils that showed considerable antifungal potential are good candidates for further examination of their use in preventing and/or protection of medicinal plants, their seeds and dried drugs against fungal infections, both in the field and in warehouses.

The necrotrophic effector SnToxA induces the synthesis of a novel phytoalexin in wheat

Stagonospora nodorum and Pyrenophora tritici-repentis produce the effector ToxA that interacts with the dominant susceptibility gene in wheat, Tsn1. However, the way in which ToxA induces cell death and causes disease is unclear. Here, we performed comprehensive metabolite profiling of ToxA-infiltrated wheat (Triticum aestivum) to observe the secondary metabolite response to this effector. A strong induction of secondary metabolism subsequent to SnToxA infiltration was observed, including the monoamine serotonin. We established a novel role for serotonin as a phytoalexin in wheat and demonstrated that serotonin strongly inhibited sporulation of S. nodorum. Microscopy revealed that serotonin interferes with spore formation and maturation within pycnidial structures of the fungus. Subsequent analysis of S. nodorum exposed to serotonin revealed metabolites changes previously associated with sporulation, including trehalose and alternariol. Furthermore, we identified significantly lower concentrations of serotonin during infection compared with infiltration with ToxA, providing evidence that S. nodorum may suppress plant defence. This is the first study demonstrating induction of plant secondary metabolites in response to a necrotrophic effector that have significant antifungal potential against the pathogen. While it is generally accepted that necrotrophs exploit host cell responses, the current research strengthens the notion that necrotrophs require mechanisms to overcome plant defence to survive initial stages of infection.