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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

Researchers identified a soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HAU3 that naturally produces fengycin, a powerful antifungal compound. This compound can kill disease-causing fungi like Fusarium graminearum that contaminate animal feed and produce harmful toxins. The bacteria also breaks down dangerous toxins called zearalenone, making it a potential natural solution for protecting livestock feed from fungal contamination.

Background

Fungal contamination in animal feed, particularly by Fusarium graminearum, poses significant threats to livestock health and food chain safety through mycotoxin production. Current control methods using pesticides are limited by resistance development and residue accumulation. Bacillus species represent promising biocontrol agents due to their production of antifungal secondary metabolites.

Objective

To isolate and characterize antifungal compounds from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HAU3 effective against Fusarium graminearum and to elucidate the mechanism of antifungal activity through structural identification and genomic analysis.

Results

B. amyloliquefaciens HAU3 demonstrated 98.46% antifungal rate against F. graminearum with 20% sterile supernatant and broad-spectrum activity against multiple fungal species. The strain degraded zearalenone and its derivatives with 60-94% efficiency. The active compound was identified as fengycin, a lipopeptide composed of eight amino acids. Microscopy showed the compound disrupts fungal cell membranes and induces reactive oxygen species accumulation.

Conclusion

Fengycin from B. amyloliquefaciens HAU3 represents a promising biocontrol agent against mycotoxin-producing fungi through selective targeting of fungal cell membranes and ROS induction. The strain’s capacity for mycotoxin degradation combined with antifungal activity makes it suitable for feed safety applications. Genomic analysis revealed 13 biosynthetic gene clusters supporting multiple antimicrobial mechanisms.
  • Published in:Microbiology Spectrum,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 40874744
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