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Updated: Jun 3, 2025
High Throughput Co-culture Assays for the Investigation of Microbial Interactions
Published on: October 15, 2019
Endophytic Fungi Co-Culture: An Alternative Source of Antimicrobial Substances
Lucas Silva Tironi1, Lucilene Bento Carletto1, Eliane Oliveira Silva2
1Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, MG, Brazil.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance is becoming a critical issue due to the widespread and indiscriminate use of antibiotics and antifungals to treat common infections, leading to a growing shortage of effective drugs. Moreover, the increase in antimicrobial resistance is enhancing the pathogenicity and virulence of various pathogens. Microorganisms are key sources of chemically diverse specialized metabolites, which are produced in the final stages of their growth cycle. These metabolites hold significant value in chemical, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries. One of the major challenges researchers face in this field is the frequent isolation of already-known substances when classical protocols are used. To address this, several innovative strategies have been developed. The co-culture approach is a powerful tool for activating silent biosynthetic gene clusters, as it simulates natural microbial environments by creating artificial microbial communities. This method has shown promising results, with new compounds being isolated and the yields of target substances being improved. In this context, this review provides examples of antimicrobial compounds obtained from co-cultures of endophytic fungi, conducted in both liquid and solid media. Additionally, the review discusses the advantages and challenges of the co-culture technique. Significance and Impact of the Study: Microbial co-culture is a valuable strategy for discovering new natural products with antimicrobial activity, as well as for scaling up the production of target substances. This review aims to summarize important examples of endophyte co-cultures and highlights the potential of endophytic fungi co-culture for pharmacological applications.
Insights
Microbial co-cultures, particularly of endophytic fungi, offer a promising strategy for discovering novel antimicrobial compounds. This technique activates silent gene clusters, leading to new drug discovery and improved yields of valuable natural products.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Natural Product Chemistry
- Drug Discovery and Development
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health issue, driven by antibiotic overuse, leading to drug shortages and increased pathogen virulence.
- Microorganisms produce diverse specialized metabolites with significant industrial applications, but classical isolation methods often yield known compounds.
- Activating silent biosynthetic gene clusters is crucial for discovering novel bioactive molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of microbial co-culture techniques for discovering antimicrobial compounds from endophytic fungi.
- To highlight the potential of co-culture for activating silent gene clusters and improving natural product yields.
- To discuss the advantages and challenges associated with endophytic fungi co-culture for pharmacological applications.
Main Methods:
- Co-culture of endophytic fungi in both liquid and solid media to simulate natural microbial environments.
- Activation of silent biosynthetic gene clusters through interspecies interactions.
- Isolation and characterization of novel antimicrobial compounds.
Main Results:
- Co-culture approaches have successfully led to the isolation of previously unknown antimicrobial substances.
- The yields of target antimicrobial compounds were significantly improved using co-culture methods.
- Examples of successful co-cultures involving endophytic fungi are presented, demonstrating the technique's efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Microbial co-culture is a powerful strategy for discovering new natural products with antimicrobial activity.
- Endophytic fungi co-culture shows significant potential for pharmacological applications and drug discovery.
- This technique aids in overcoming the challenge of rediscovering known compounds and enhances production yields.
