Research Keyword: minimal inhibitory concentration

Inhibitory Activity of Shrimp Waste Extracts on Fungal and Oomycete Plant Pathogens

Researchers discovered that waste from shrimp processing can be converted into a natural fungicide that effectively kills plant-damaging fungi and mold. When applied to oranges, lemons, and apples artificially infected with mold, the shrimp waste extract significantly reduced rot and fruit damage. This finding is important because it offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides while helping reduce the massive amounts of shrimp processing waste that typically end up in landfills or oceans.

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Mesoporous silica and vegetal extracts combined as sustainable stone heritage protection against biodeterioration

Researchers developed an eco-friendly method to protect historic stone buildings and sculptures from fungal damage. They trapped natural plant oils (from oregano and thyme) inside tiny nano-containers made of silica, which slowly releases the antimicrobial compounds over time. When tested on marble samples, this coating prevented fungal growth for two months without harmful chemicals, making it safe for both the environment and workers preserving cultural heritage.

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In Vitro Activity of Nitroxoline (5-Nitro-8-Hydroxyquinoline) Against Aspergillus Species

Researchers tested an old antibiotic called nitroxoline against dangerous fungal infections caused by Aspergillus species. The drug works by removing important minerals like zinc that these fungi need to survive. Testing showed nitroxoline was very effective against these fungi, even against strains that had developed resistance to modern antifungal drugs. This suggests nitroxoline could potentially be repurposed as a new treatment option for serious fungal infections.

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Mesoporous silica and vegetal extracts combined as sustainable stone heritage protection against biodeterioration

Researchers developed an innovative protective coating for historic stone structures using natural plant extracts encapsulated in special porous silica particles. The oregano oil-based coating successfully prevented fungal growth on marble surfaces for extended periods while being safe for the environment and workers. This sustainable solution offers museums and heritage conservation professionals a non-toxic alternative to harsh chemical biocides, helping preserve precious artifacts for future generations.

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Staurosporine as an Antifungal Agent

Staurosporine is a natural compound from soil bacteria that can kill fungal infections. While originally known for its anti-cancer properties, scientists have recently rediscovered its strong antifungal activity, especially against dangerous drug-resistant fungi. The challenge is that it also damages human cells, but researchers are developing improved versions and combination treatments to make it safer and more effective.

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Unlocking the potential of experimental evolution to study drug resistance in pathogenic fungi

Fungal infections are becoming harder to treat as fungi develop resistance to antifungal drugs. This review explains how scientists can use experimental evolution—growing fungi in controlled laboratory conditions while exposing them to drugs—to understand how and why resistance develops. By studying these evolutionary processes and using mathematical models to predict outcomes, researchers can develop better treatment strategies, including combination therapies and drug cycling approaches to prevent resistance from emerging.

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A novel pan-fungal screening platform for antifungal drug discovery: proof of principle study

Researchers developed a faster, more efficient screening method to test potential antifungal drugs against multiple disease-causing fungi simultaneously. Using an improved growth medium and screening 500 chemical fragments, they identified compounds with antifungal activity and demonstrated the platform can reliably detect promising drug candidates. This approach could accelerate the discovery of new antifungal medications, which are urgently needed as fungi develop resistance to current treatments.

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