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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

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Measuring Volatile and Non-volatile Antifungal Activity of Biocontrol Products
Published on: December 5, 2020
Antifungal activity of some mediterranean algae
Mycopathologia
|January 1, 1986
Summary
This study investigated the antifungal activity of 15 Mediterranean algae against common fungal infections. Falkenbergia rufolanosa demonstrated the most potent activity against all tested dermatophytes and pathogenic yeasts.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dermatophytes and pathogenic yeasts cause superficial and systemic infections.
- Natural products from marine organisms are a source of novel antifungal agents.
- Mediterranean algae represent a largely untapped resource for bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antifungal potential of 15 Mediterranean algae species.
- To identify specific algae with significant activity against key dermatophyte and yeast strains.
- To screen for novel natural compounds with therapeutic applications against fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- A modified Aubert's technique was employed for antifungal screening.
- Fifteen species of Mediterranean algae were tested.
- Antifungal activity was assessed against five dermatophyte strains (Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes) and five pathogenic yeast strains (Candida albicans, C. guillermondii, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, Torulopsis glabrata).
Main Results:
- Significant antifungal activity was observed across several algae species.
- Falkenbergia rufolanosa exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect against all tested fungal pathogens.
- The study identified specific algae with promising broad-spectrum antifungal properties.
Conclusions:
- Falkenbergia rufolanosa is a promising source of natural antifungal compounds.
- Mediterranean algae warrant further investigation for their therapeutic potential in treating fungal infections.
- This research contributes to the discovery of novel antifungal agents from marine biodiversity.
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