antifungal – Page 6

The glycolipid flocculosin-A from the fungus Anthracocystis flocculosa, or how to deal with cotton-wool-like crystals

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Scientists successfully determined the three-dimensional structure of flocculosin-A, a powerful antifungal compound produced by a fungus called Anthracocystis flocculosa. The main challenge was that the compound naturally forms very thin, needle-like crystals unsuitable for analysis. By using a special cooling and heating cycle, researchers were able to grow better crystals and use X-ray diffraction to reveal the compound’s complete molecular structure, which contains a sugar backbone connected to two fatty acid chains with specific arrangements.

Antifungal effects of metabolites from Arthrinium sp. 2–65 and identification of main active ingredients

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Scientists discovered that a fungus called Arthrinium sp. 2–65, found living inside a wild plant called Thymus mongolicus, produces two special compounds that can kill the fungus responsible for grey mould disease. Grey mould is a major problem for farmers worldwide, damaging crops like tomatoes, grapes, and strawberries. These newly identified compounds were tested and showed excellent effectiveness against the disease, offering a promising natural alternative to chemical pesticides that have become less effective due to resistance and environmental concerns.

Antifungal and other bioactive properties of the volatilome of Streptomyces scabiei

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This research discovered that the bacterium Streptomyces scabiei, which causes common scab disease on potatoes and other root crops, produces a variety of natural chemical compounds that can kill harmful fungi and promote plant growth. Scientists identified 36 different volatile chemicals released by this bacterium, including some previously unknown for their antifungal abilities. These findings suggest that despite being a plant pathogen, this bacterium may actually help protect crops from more dangerous diseases, offering potential for developing natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides.

New bioactive secondary metabolites from fungi: 2024

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Scientists discovered 907 new compounds from fungi in 2024, with most being terpenoids and polyketides that show promise as medicines. These fungal compounds demonstrate strong activity against bacteria, fungi, and inflammation, with some showing potential against cancer and diabetes. The research uses advanced techniques like genome mining and metabolomics to find these compounds more efficiently. This accelerating discovery rate suggests fungi could be a major source for developing new drugs to treat various diseases.

Inhibitory Effects and Mechanisms of Perilla Essential Oil and Perillaldehyde against Chestnut Pathogen Botryosphaeria dothidea

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Chestnuts often rot during storage due to fungal infection. This study found that oil extracted from perilla leaves, particularly a compound called perillaldehyde, effectively prevents the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea from growing. The antifungal compounds work by breaking down the protective layers of the fungal cells, causing them to leak and die. When applied to stored chestnuts, this natural oil significantly extends their shelf life without harming human health.

Synergistic potential and apoptosis induction of Bunium persicum essential oil and its pure components, cuminaldehyde and γ-terpinene, in combination with fluconazole on Candida albicans isolates: in vitro and in silico evaluation

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Researchers tested how Bunium persicum essential oil and its components work alongside the antifungal drug fluconazole against Candida albicans infections. Cuminaldehyde, a major component of the oil, showed the strongest effects when combined with fluconazole, making infection-causing cells die faster than each substance alone. This combination approach could help overcome drug-resistant fungal infections and offers a promising natural alternative to synthetic drugs alone.

Ascosphaera apis as a target for the antifungal activity of symbiotic Bifidobacteria in honey bees

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Researchers found that certain beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium asteroides) living in honey bee guts can fight the fungus that causes chalkbrood disease, a serious condition affecting bee colonies. These bacteria produce natural compounds, especially propanoic acid and ethanol, that kill the fungus and prevent it from growing. This discovery offers a safe, natural alternative to chemical treatments for protecting honeybees from fungal infections while maintaining colony health.

Antifungal and other bioactive properties of the volatilome of Streptomyces scabiei

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Researchers discovered that Streptomyces scabiei, a bacterium that causes common scab disease in potatoes and other root crops, produces numerous airborne chemical compounds with surprising benefits. Using advanced chemical analysis, they identified 36 different volatile molecules, many of which can kill harmful fungi and promote plant health. This discovery suggests the bacterium’s role in nature is more complex than previously thought, as it may actually help protect plants while causing disease, opening new possibilities for developing natural pest control solutions.

Engineered biosynthesis and characterization of disaccharide-pimaricin

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Scientists engineered a bacterium to produce a modified antibiotic called disaccharide-pimaricin that fights fungal infections with much better safety. This new compound dissolves better in water (107 times more soluble) and is much less toxic to human blood cells (12.6 times safer) compared to regular pimaricin, while still maintaining antifungal effectiveness. Through optimized fermentation processes, they achieved high production yields of 138 mg/L, making this a promising candidate for safer antifungal treatments.

Antifungal Volatile Organic Compounds from Talaromyces purpureogenus CEF642N: Insights from One Strain Many Compounds (OSMAC) Strategy for Controlling Verticillium dahliae in Cotton

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Scientists discovered that a beneficial fungus called Talaromyces purpureogenus can produce powerful antifungal compounds that kill cotton wilt disease. By growing this fungus on different nutrient media, researchers identified two main antifungal compounds: 3-octanol and 2-octenal. These natural compounds completely or nearly completely stopped the growth of the cotton wilt pathogen in laboratory tests, offering a promising green alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting cotton crops.

Research Keyword: antifungal