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Antifungal Effect of Chitosan as Ca2+ Channel Blocker

Summary

This research investigated how chitosan, a natural compound derived from shellfish shells, can be used to prevent fruit spoilage caused by fungi. The study found that a specific form of chitosan works better than conventional chemical fungicides by blocking calcium channels that fungi need to survive. This discovery has important real-world implications: • Could lead to safer, natural food preservatives to replace harmful chemical fungicides • May help reduce food waste by preventing fruit spoilage during storage and transport • Provides an environmentally friendly solution for protecting crops • Creates new value for seafood industry waste products • Could reduce exposure to potentially harmful synthetic fungicides in food production

Background

Fresh fruits like citrus are very susceptible to postharvest decay which decreases their storage periods, values and marketing life. Synthetic fungicides have long been used to control postharvest diseases but have disadvantages including potential harmful effects on human health and development of pathogen resistance. There is an urgent need for natural alternatives that pose little risk to human health.

Objective

To investigate the antifungal activity of different molecular weight chitosan against Penicillium italicum and determine the mechanism of action. The study aimed to evaluate chitosan as a potential natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for controlling postharvest diseases.

Results

CO-F2 (average MW 2.1 kDa) showed stronger antifungal activity than high molecular weight chitosan. The antifungal effect was concentration dependent with highest activity at 50 μg/ml. CO-F2’s activity was significantly reduced by Ca2+ but not other divalent cations, suggesting it acts by disrupting Ca2+ gradients. The antifungal activity of CO-F2 (~50% inhibition) was stronger than commercial fungicides thiabendazole (40%) and imazalil (20%).

Conclusion

The antifungal activity of chitosan against P. italicum depends on molecular weight and concentration, with CO-F2 being most effective. CO-F2 appears to act as a Ca2+ channel blocker by disrupting calcium gradients essential for fungal survival. These findings support developing chitosan-based compounds as natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides for controlling postharvest diseases.
  • Published in:The Plant Pathology Journal,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.5423/PPJ.OA.08.2015.0162
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