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Identification of an antifungal lipopeptide from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HAU3 inhibiting the growth of Fusarium graminearum using preparative chromatography and 2D-NMR

Summary

Scientists discovered a beneficial soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens that produces a natural antifungal compound called fengycin, which effectively kills dangerous mold (Fusarium graminearum) that contaminates animal feed. This bacterium can be used as a biological control agent to prevent fungal growth and reduce harmful mycotoxins in livestock feed, offering a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides. The study shows the bacterium’s compounds damage fungal cell membranes and generate harmful stress molecules that kill the fungus.

Background

Fungal contamination in animal feed poses significant threats to livestock health and food safety through mycotoxin production. Bacillus species synthesize secondary metabolites with antibiotic-like properties that antagonize mold and pathogen growth. Fengycin, a lipopeptide, has been recognized as a key antifungal agent due to its strong inhibitory activity against filamentous fungi.

Objective

To isolate and characterize an antifungal strain from wheat field soil samples and identify the active compounds responsible for its antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum. To elucidate the mechanism of antifungal action and identify biosynthetic gene clusters involved in secondary metabolite production.

Results

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HAU3 demonstrated 98.46% antifungal efficacy against F. graminearum at 20% sterile supernatant concentration. The active compound was identified as fengycin, a lipopeptide composed of 8 amino acids. The strain exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity and degraded zearalenone and its derivatives with 60-94% efficiency. Whole-genome sequencing identified 13 biosynthetic gene clusters, with cluster 8 showing complete homology to fengycin synthesis clusters.

Conclusion

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HAU3 exerts antifungal activity through fengycin production, which disrupts fungal cell membranes and induces ROS accumulation, leading to fungal cell death. The strain shows potential as a biocontrol agent for mitigating mycotoxin contamination in animal feed. Genomic analysis reveals a diverse repertoire of secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways with antimicrobial potential.
  • Published in:Microbiology Spectrum,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40874744
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