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Broth Microdilution In Vitro Screening: An Easy and Fast Method to Detect New Antifungal Compounds
Published on: February 14, 2018
Extremophilic orgainisms as and unexplored source fo antifungal compounds
C H Phoebe1, J Combie, F G Albert
1Waters Corporation, Milford, MA 01757-3696, USA.
The Journal of Antibiotics
|March 28, 2001
Summary
Extremophilic microorganisms produce novel antifungal compounds. One extract revealed pyochelin, an iron-binding compound, exhibiting significant antifungal activity against Candida and Aspergillus species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Extremophiles, microorganisms thriving in extreme environments, are a potential source of novel bioactive compounds.
- Antifungal drug discovery is crucial due to the rise of drug-resistant fungal pathogens.
- Limited research exists on antifungal properties of compounds synthesized by extremophilic microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen extracts from extremophilic microorganisms for antifungal activity.
- To identify the specific modes of action for active extracts.
- To isolate and characterize antifungal compounds from promising extremophile sources.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 217 extremophile biomass and fermentation broth extracts using in vitro whole-cell and mechanism-based assays.
- Assays included inhibition of (1,3)beta-glucan synthase and ketol-isomerase activities.
- Fractionation, purification, and structural determination of active compounds using standard biochemical techniques.
Main Results:
- Eleven broth extracts demonstrated antifungal activity against Candida species and Aspergillus fumigatus.
- One extract specifically inhibited (1,3)beta-glucan synthase, while four inhibited ketol-isomerase.
- Pyochelin, an iron-binding compound from a novel Pseudomonas species, was identified as an active antifungal agent.
Conclusions:
- Extremophiles synthesize compounds with significant antifungal activity.
- Pyochelin possesses previously unrecognized antifungal properties.
- This study pioneers the discovery of antifungal agents from extremophilic sources.
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