therapeutic action: antifungal activity

Antimicrobial Activity and Barrier Properties against UV Radiation of Alkaline and Enzymatically Treated Linen Woven Fabrics Coated with Inorganic Hybrid Material

Scientists treated linen fabric with an enzyme from a fungus called Cerrena unicolor combined with copper and silica particles to create advanced protective textiles. The resulting fabrics provide excellent protection against harmful UV radiation and kill dangerous bacteria and fungi like E. coli, Staph, and Candida. This eco-friendly approach could be used for protective clothing, outdoor gear, and medical textiles requiring both UV and microbial resistance.

Read More »

The biocontrol potential of endophyte Bacillus velezensis to reduce post-harvest tomato infection caused by Rhizopus microsporus

Researchers tested a naturally occurring bacteria called Bacillus velezensis as a safe alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting tomatoes from rot-causing mold. The bacteria produces special compounds that can kill or slow down the growth of Rhizopus microsporus, a fungus that commonly spoils tomatoes after harvest. While the results show promise, the effectiveness varied depending on which specific strain of bacteria and mold was used, suggesting more research is needed to fine-tune the approach.

Read More »

The Biological Product Agricultural Jiaosu Enhances Tomato Resistance to Botrytis cinerea

Agricultural Jiaosu is a fermented product made from plant waste that effectively controls gray mold disease in tomatoes through two mechanisms: it directly kills the fungus with organic acids, and it strengthens the plant’s natural defenses. When applied as a spray to tomato leaves once a week, it reduced disease by 55%, made plants grow taller and stronger, and boosted the plants’ protective enzymes. This natural alternative to chemical fungicides offers a sustainable and safe way to protect tomato crops while maintaining environmental health.

Read More »

Characterization of Two Potential Biocontrol Bacillus Strains Against Maize Stalk Rot

Scientists discovered two beneficial bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus siamensis, that can protect maize plants from a serious fungal disease called stalk rot. These bacteria work in two ways: they directly kill the fungus and they promote healthy plant growth. By analyzing the bacteria’s genetic makeup, researchers found that they produce multiple natural antibiotic compounds that explain their powerful disease-fighting abilities. This research suggests these bacteria could be used as a natural, environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops.

Read More »

The Global Secondary Metabolite Regulator AcLaeA Modulates Aspergillus carbonarius Virulence, Ochratoxin Biosynthesis, and the Mode of Action of Biopesticides and Essential Oils

Grapes can be infected with a fungus called Aspergillus carbonarius that produces a dangerous toxin called ochratoxin A. Scientists studied a regulatory gene called AcLaeA that controls toxin production in this fungus. By deleting this gene, the fungus became less virulent and produced much less toxin. Natural products like cinnamon and thyme oils, along with commercial biocontrol products, were found to reduce toxin production by suppressing this regulatory gene, offering promising natural alternatives to chemical fungicides.

Read More »

Synergistic inhibition of Aspergillus flavus by organic acid salts: growth, oxidative stress, and aflatoxin gene modulation

A dangerous fungus called Aspergillus flavus contaminates animal feed and produces harmful toxins called aflatoxins that can make animals sick. Researchers tested a combination of three salt-based organic acids commonly used as natural food preservatives and found they work together to kill this fungus much better than using them individually. The combination damages the fungus’s cell structure, creates harmful reactive oxygen inside the cells, and shuts down the genes that produce the toxins, making it an excellent safe option for protecting animal feed.

Read More »

Carvacrol Encapsulation in Chitosan–Carboxymethylcellulose–Alginate Nanocarriers for Postharvest Tomato Protection

Researchers created tiny nanocarriers made from natural biopolymers that can deliver carvacrol, a natural antimicrobial compound from oregano and thyme, to protect tomatoes from fungal rot after harvest. These nano-sized delivery systems were more effective than the unencapsulated carvacrol at fighting three common postharvest fungal pathogens. The treatment is safe and could offer a sustainable alternative to conventional fungicides for keeping harvested tomatoes fresh longer.

Read More »

An implementation framework for evaluating the biocidal potential of essential oils in controlling Fusarium wilt in spinach: from in vitro to in planta

Researchers tested four common essential oils (thyme, oregano, marjoram, and tea tree) to see if they could stop a dangerous fungal disease in spinach plants. They found that thyme and oregano oils worked best at killing the fungus in laboratory tests and when applied to spinach seeds in the greenhouse, with thyme oil reducing disease by over half without harming the plants.

Read More »

Feasibility of the use of Lentinula edodes mycelium in terbinafine remediation

Scientists tested whether shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) could remove terbinafine, a common antifungal medication, from contaminated environments. The mushroom mycelium successfully accumulated and broke down the drug into harmless byproducts, with no trace remaining in the surrounding medium. This eco-friendly approach offers a promising alternative to expensive chemical cleanup methods for pharmaceutical pollution.

Read More »

Antifungal Effect of Chitosan/Nano-TiO2 Composite Coatings against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Cladosporium oxysporum and Penicillium steckii

This research demonstrates that a coating made from chitosan combined with tiny titanium dioxide particles effectively kills three types of mold that spoil mangoes after harvest. The composite coating works by breaking down the mold’s cell membranes and causing them to leak their contents, leading to cell death. This combination is more effective than chitosan alone, with some mold species being completely eliminated at optimal concentrations.

Read More »
Scroll to Top