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Updated: May 13, 2026
Isolation, Characterization, and Total DNA Extraction to Identify Endophytic Fungi in Mycoheterotrophic Plants
Published on: May 5, 2023
Isolation, identification and antimicrobial activity of propolis-associated fungi
Giovanni Gontijo de Souza1, Ludwig Heinrich Pfenning, Fabiana de Moura
1a Departamento de Química , ICEx, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil.
Abstract:
Propolis is a natural product widely known for its medicinal properties. In this work, fungi present on propolis samples were isolated, identified and tested for the production of antimicrobial metabolites. Twenty-two fungal isolates were obtained, some of which were identified as Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Bipolaris hawaiiensis, Fusarium merismoides, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium crustosum, Penicillium janthinellum, Penicillium purpurogenum, Pestalotiopsis palustris, Tetracoccosporium paxianum and Trichoderma koningii. These fungi were grown in liquid media to obtain crude extracts that were evaluated for their antibiotic activity against pathogenic bacteria, yeast and Cladosporium cladosporioides and A. flavus. The most active extract was obtained from L. theobromae (minimum inhibitory concentration = 64 μg/mL against Listeria monocitogenes). Some extracts showed to be more active than the positive control in the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and L. monocitogenes. Therefore, propolis is a promising source of fungi, which produces active agents against relevant food poisoning bacteria and crop-associated fungi.
Insights
Fungi isolated from propolis produce antimicrobial compounds. Lasiodiplodia theobromae yielded the most potent extract, showing significant activity against foodborne pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Mycology
Background:
- Propolis, a natural resinous mixture collected by honeybees, is recognized for its diverse medicinal properties.
- Fungi are known to produce a wide array of bioactive secondary metabolites with antimicrobial potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify fungi from propolis samples.
- To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of fungal extracts against pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and phytopathogenic fungi.
Main Methods:
- Fungal isolation from propolis samples.
- Identification of fungal isolates using morphological and potentially molecular methods.
- Cultivation of fungi in liquid media to produce crude extracts.
- Determination of antimicrobial activity through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays against target microorganisms.
Main Results:
- Twenty-two fungal isolates were obtained and identified, including species of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Lasiodiplodia, Penicillium, and Trichoderma.
- Crude fungal extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity.
- The extract from Lasiodiplodia theobromae exhibited the highest activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 64 μg/mL against Listeria monocytogenes.
- Some fungal extracts demonstrated superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to the positive control against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes.
Conclusions:
- Propolis harbors a diverse fungal community capable of producing antimicrobial metabolites.
- Fungi associated with propolis represent a promising source for novel antimicrobial agents effective against foodborne pathogens and plant-associated fungi.
- Further investigation into these fungal metabolites could lead to the development of new therapeutic or agricultural applications.
