antifungal agents – Page 3

Algae and Cyanobacteria Fatty Acids and Bioactive Metabolites: Natural Antifungal Alternative Against Fusarium sp

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This review examines how fatty acids and other compounds from algae and cyanobacteria can naturally fight Fusarium fungus, which damages crops like wheat, corn, and tomatoes. Traditional chemical fungicides harm the environment and can make fungi resistant, so scientists are exploring algae-based alternatives that work sustainably. The research shows these algal compounds can damage fungal cell membranes and boost plant defenses against infection. While promising, more work is needed to develop these natural solutions for practical farm use.

Clinical Significance and Therapeutic Challenges of Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans Isolates in a Single-Center Cohort of Lung Transplant Recipients

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This study examined dangerous fungal infections caused by Scedosporium and Lomentospora species in lung transplant patients at a Spanish hospital. Researchers found these infections were uncommon but very serious, with high death rates especially from the Lomentospora type. Current antifungal drugs often don’t work well against these fungi, highlighting the need for better treatment options.

Improving the production of micafungin precursor FR901379 in Coleophoma empetri using heavy-ion irradiation and its mechanism analysis

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Scientists successfully improved the production of a key ingredient for the antifungal drug micafungin by using heavy-ion radiation to create improved strains of a fungus called Coleophoma empetri. The best mutant strain produced over 250% more of the desired compound than the original strain. By analyzing the genetic changes in these improved strains, researchers identified specific genes related to fungal structure and metabolism that contribute to higher production, providing insights for future improvements to the manufacturing process.

Secretion of antifungal metabolites contributes to the antagonistic activity of Talaromyces oaxaquensis

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Researchers discovered that a fungus called Talaromyces oaxaquensis, found naturally in banana plants, produces powerful antifungal chemicals that kill the banana disease pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. The study identified specific compounds, particularly one called 15G256α, that damage the fungal cell wall of the pathogen. This discovery suggests a natural way to protect banana crops from a devastating disease that threatens global banana production.

The Stress of Fungicides Changes the Expression of Clock Protein CmFRQ and the Morphology of Fruiting Bodies of Cordyceps militaris

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Researchers treated a medicinal mushroom (Cordyceps militaris) with antifungal drugs at non-lethal doses and found that this stress affected the mushroom’s internal clock and fruiting body development. Interestingly, while most fungicides caused the fruiting bodies to degenerate, one drug (5-fluorocytosine) surprisingly rejuvenated degenerated strains. The effects persisted even after removing the drugs, suggesting fungicides cause lasting changes to the mushroom’s circadian rhythm.

Evaluation of Antifungal Activity Against Candida albicans Isolates From HIV-Positive Patients with Oral Candidiasis in a Major Referral Hospital, West Java, Indonesia

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This study examined fungal infections of the mouth in HIV-positive patients in Indonesia. Researchers identified different types of Candida fungi and tested how well common antifungal medications worked against them. While most medications were effective, they found some cases of drug resistance, suggesting the importance of proper testing to choose the best treatment for each patient.

In vitro and In silico investigation deciphering novel antifungal activity of endophyte Bacillus velezensis CBMB205 against Fusarium oxysporum

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Researchers isolated a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus velezensis from medicinal plants that can fight against a dangerous fungus causing banana wilt disease. Through laboratory and computer studies, they identified two natural compounds produced by this bacteria that stop the fungus from growing by damaging its cell walls. This discovery offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting banana crops worldwide.

Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acid Combinations Relevant to the Healthy and Dysbiotic Gut upon Candida albicans

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Short-chain fatty acids produced by healthy gut bacteria appear to slow the growth and reduce the invasive characteristics of Candida albicans, a fungus that normally lives harmlessly in the gut but can cause infections when the microbiota is disrupted by antibiotics. This study tested whether healthy gut SCFA levels inhibit Candida more effectively than dysbiotic levels and found that the healthy SCFA mix was somewhat more effective at preventing fungal hyphal formation, which is important for tissue invasion. However, different Candida strains responded differently to the SCFAs, suggesting that individual variation affects how protective these bacterial metabolites can be.

Discovery of the antifungal compound ilicicolin K through genetic activation of the ilicicolin biosynthetic pathway in Trichoderma reesei

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Scientists used genetic engineering to activate a dormant gene cluster in the fungus Trichoderma reesei, enabling it to produce the antifungal compound ilicicolin H in high quantities. During this process, they discovered a new related compound called ilicicolin K that shows even stronger antifungal properties. These compounds could potentially overcome limitations of current antifungal treatments, especially against drug-resistant fungi like Candida auris.

An Efficient Microwave Synthesis of 3-Acyl-5-bromoindole Derivatives for Controlling Monilinia fructicola and Botrytis cinerea

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Scientists created new chemical compounds based on indole molecules that can effectively kill two harmful fungi that destroy fruit crops. These compounds were made using microwave heating, which is faster and more efficient than traditional methods. Tests showed that some of these new compounds work even better than commercial fungicides at killing these fungi, and they may work by blocking an important energy-producing process in the fungal cells.

Research Keyword: antifungal agents